تسجيل علامة تجارية في كوريا الجنوبية: ما تحتاج إلى معرفته
As part of our global trademark registration series, we turn to South Korea—one of Asia’s most innovation-driven economies and a top destination for foreign brands.
This post breaks down the essentials of registering a trademark in South Korea, including the first-to-file system, application timelines, official fees, the opposition process, and recent legal developments.
How to Register a Trademark in South Korea
South Korea is a member of the Madrid Protocol and has streamlined many of its trademark registration procedures in recent years. But despite being treaty-compliant and WIPO-aligned, it maintains several country-specific nuances that international applicants must understand to avoid costly setbacks.
South Korea has a sophisticated and fast-moving IP system with its own procedural rules and enforcement culture. Whether you’re filing directly with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) or through the Madrid Protocol, success requires a tailored, Korea-specific strategy.
First-to-File in South Korea: Why Speed Matters
South Korea operates under a strict first-to-file trademark system. Whoever files first generally has superior rights, regardless of who used the mark first. Although bad-faith filings can be challenged, the burden of proof is on the prior user.
Unregistered marks enjoy very limited protection—primarily through unfair competition claims or cancellation actions for bad faith. Early filing is critical.
What Can Be Registered as a Trademark in South Korea?
According to the Korean Trademark Act, the following can be registered:
- Words, letters, numerals
- Stylized logos
- Shapes, colors, and three-dimensional marks
- Sounds and holograms
- Slogans and combinations of the above
To qualify, the mark must be capable of distinguishing your goods or services from others.
What Cannot Be Registered as a Trademark in South Korea?
Your trademark application may be rejected if the mark:
- Describes the goods/services too literally
- Lacks distinctiveness
- Conflicts with well-known or previously registered marks
- Is contrary to public order or morality
- Incorporates national flags, government insignia, or religious symbols
- Is likely to mislead consumers
South Korea also prohibits registering geographic terms and common surnames unless distinctiveness has been acquired through use.
Multi-Class South Korea Trademark Applications
Like many jurisdictions, South Korea allows multi-class trademark applications. Each class adds to the cost, but a single application can cover multiple categories of goods or services.
Recent Developments in South Korean Trademark Law
- Bad-Faith Filings Scrutinized: KIPO continues to enhance scrutiny of suspected bad-faith applications. While a new Trademark Coexistence Agreement System (effective May 1, 2024) allows for negotiated registration of similar marks, KIPO remains vigilant—especially in high-volume sectors like e-commerce and cosmetics.
- Faster Examination: A revised expedited examination system allows approvals in as little as 2–3 months for urgent filings, especially those tied to product launches or customs recordation.
- Use Requirements Strengthened: The Korean Supreme Court clarified that “token” use is insufficient to preserve rights, reinforcing the need for genuine commercial use post-registration.
The South Korean Trademark Application Process
1. Trademark Clearance Search
Before filing, conduct a comprehensive search for identical or similar marks. KIPO does not automatically reject on relative grounds unless a conflict is raised by third parties.
2. Filing the Trademark Application
Submit your application online via KIPO or through the Madrid Protocol. You’ll need:
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- Applicant details
- A clear image or description of the mark
- Classification of goods/services
- Payment of official fees
3. Formal Trademark Examination
KIPO examines for formalities and absolute grounds.
4. Publication and Opposition
Accepted applications are published for a 1-month (30-day) opposition period. Third parties may file oppositions based on earlier rights or other legal grounds.
5. Actual Trademark Registration
If no opposition is filed (or if resolved in your favor), your mark is registered and valid for 10 years.
Timeline for Trademark Registration in South Korea
A standard application takes 10 to 14 months from filing to registration. For example, the average time for a first office action was around 16.1 months in 2024, though KIPO aims to reduce this. Expedited options are available for eligible filings.
Responding to Objections or Oppositions
Objections from KIPO can often be overcome by:
- Amending the goods/services description
- Providing evidence of acquired distinctiveness
- Narrowing the scope of the application
Oppositions from third parties are handled through KIPO’s formal opposition proceedings and may involve negotiation, amendment, or legal defense.
South Korea Trademark Costs (as of July 2025)
| الإجراء | KRW | حوالي دولار أمريكي |
|---|---|---|
| Application (1 class) | ₩62,000 | ~$50 |
| كل فصل إضافي | ₩18,000 | ~$15 |
| Registration fee (per class) | ₩211,000 | ~$165 |
| Renewal (per class) | ₩226,000 | ~$175 |
These are official KIPO fees. Trademark attorney or agent fees are not included. Currency conversions are based on July 2025 exchange rates.
South Korea Trademark Use Requirements and Maintenance
No use is required at the time of filing. However, failure to use the mark for 3 consecutive years post-registration may result in cancellation. KIPO requires genuine commercial use—not token or symbolic use—to maintain rights.
Registering Non-Latin and Foreign-Language Marks
South Korea allows registration of marks in Hangul (Korean), Roman characters, and other scripts. However:
- Foreign-language marks should include a transliteration and translation.
- Non-Korean scripts (e.g., Chinese, Arabic) are typically registered as design marks, limiting protection to their visual form.
™ and ® Symbols in South Korea
- ™ can be used with unregistered marks.
- ® can only be used with registered trademarks.
- Improper use may be considered deceptive and could result in penalties under Korean fair labeling laws.
South Korean Customs Recordation
Once registered, you may file for customs recordation with the Korea Customs Service. This allows customs officers to stop imports of counterfeit goods using your trademark—especially important for online enforcement and gray-market imports. We generally recommend registering your South Korea trademark with South Korean Customs if you will be selling product in South Korea or exporting them from there
FAQs on South Korea Trademark Law
1. Can foreign companies register directly in South Korea?
نعم، ولكن يجب على المتقدمين الأجانب تعيين وكيل أو محامٍ محلي متخصص في العلامات التجارية للتعامل مع عملية تقديم الطلب نيابة عنهم.
2. How long does a trademark last in South Korea?
تسجيل العلامة التجارية في كوريا الجنوبية يستمر لمدة 10 سنوات من تاريخ التسجيل ويمكن تجديده إلى أجل غير مسمى لفترات 10 سنوات لاحقة.
3. Can I register a mark without using it in Korea?
نعم، من الممكن تسجيل علامة تجارية دون استخدامها مسبقًا في كوريا الجنوبية. ومع ذلك، إذا لم يتم استخدام العلامة التجارية المسجلة بشكل حقيقي في التجارة لمدة ثلاث سنوات متتالية بعد تاريخ تسجيلها، فقد تصبح عرضة لإجراء إلغاء من قبل طرف ثالث.
4. What happens if someone files a similar mark before me?
تعمل كوريا الجنوبية بنظام "الأولوية لمن يقدم الطلب أولاً". في معظم الحالات، يكون للطرف الذي يقدم طلب تسجيل العلامة التجارية أولاً لسلع أو خدمات مماثلة حقوق أعلى. في حين يمكن الطعن في الطلبات المقدمة بسوء نية (على سبيل المثال، إذا قام شخص ما بنسخ علامتك التجارية الدولية المعروفة بشكل واضح)، فإن النجاح في مثل هذه الطعون غير مضمون ويتطلب أدلة قوية.
5. Can I use the Madrid Protocol for South Korea?
نعم، كوريا الجنوبية عضو في بروتوكول مدريد. يمكنك تحديد كوريا الجنوبية في طلبك الدولي بموجب بروتوكول مدريد. ومع ذلك، بمجرد تحديدها، ستظل إجراءات الفحص والاعتراض وإبطال العلامة التجارية الخاصة بك في كوريا الجنوبية تتم وفقًا للأحكام الموضوعية لقانون العلامات التجارية الكوري.
6. What types of marks can be registered in South Korea?
تسمح كوريا الجنوبية بتسجيل أنواع مختلفة من العلامات التجارية، بما في ذلك الكلمات والشعارات والعبارات والتصاميم والألوان والأصوات، شريطة أن تكون مميزة وقادرة على تمييز سلع أو خدمات كيان ما عن كيان آخر. كما يمكن تسجيل الأشكال ثلاثية الأبعاد والصور المجسمة والعلامات المتحركة.
7. What is the typical timeline for trademark registration in South Korea?
عادةً ما يستغرق الإجراء الزمني النموذجي لتقديم طلب بسيط لتسجيل علامة تجارية، في حالة عدم وجود اعتراضات أو طعون، من 10 إلى 14 شهراً من تاريخ تقديم الطلب إلى تاريخ التسجيل. ومع ذلك، يمكن تمديد هذه المدة في حالة وجود إجراءات مكتبية من مكتب الملكية الفكرية الكوري (KIPO) أو إجراءات طعن مقدمة من أطراف ثالثة. قد يتاح إجراء فحص سريع في ظل ظروف معينة.
8. How can I search for existing trademarks in South Korea?
يمكنك إجراء بحوث أولية من خلال قاعدة البيانات الإلكترونية للمكتب الكوري للملكية الفكرية (KIPO) (KIPRIS). ومع ذلك، من أجل إجراء تقييم شامل لإمكانية التسجيل والتعارضات المحتملة، يوصى بشدة بالاستعانة بمحامي علامات تجارية محلي في كوريا الجنوبية يمكنه إجراء بحوث احترافية وتقديم رأي قانوني شامل بناءً على خبرته وإمكانية وصوله إلى السجلات الرسمية.
Final Thoughts on South Korean Trademarks
South Korea is a key IP jurisdiction in Asia—especially for brands in technology, cosmetics, fashion, and consumer electronics. Its first-to-file system, strict use requirements, and active enforcement culture make early and strategic trademark registration essential.
To protect your brand in South Korea:
- File early and in all relevant classes
- Monitor for similar or bad-faith filings
- Maintain genuine use
- Consider customs recordation as part of your enforcement plan
Thinking about filing in Korea or auditing your Asia trademark portfolio? Our international trademark team can help. Contact us for a complimentary review.
