Registro de una marca comercial en Corea del Sur: lo que necesita saber
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. Publicación y oposición
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
- Aportar pruebas del carácter distintivo adquirido
- 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)
| Acción | KRW | Aprox. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Application (1 class) | ₩62,000 | ~$50 |
| Each additional class | ₩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?
Sí, pero los solicitantes extranjeros deben designar a un agente o abogado local especializado en marcas registradas para que se encargue del proceso de solicitud en su nombre.
2. How long does a trademark last in South Korea?
El registro de una marca comercial en Corea del Sur tiene una vigencia de 10 años a partir de la fecha de registro y puede renovarse indefinidamente por períodos sucesivos de 10 años.
3. Can I register a mark without using it in Korea?
Sí, es posible registrar una marca sin uso previo en Corea del Sur. Sin embargo, si la marca registrada no se utiliza de forma genuina en el comercio durante tres años consecutivos a partir de la fecha de registro, puede quedar expuesta a una acción de cancelación por parte de un tercero.
4. What happens if someone files a similar mark before me?
Corea del Sur opera con un sistema de «primero en presentar». En la mayoría de los casos, la parte que presente primero la solicitud de marca para productos o servicios similares tendrá derechos superiores. Si bien las solicitudes de mala fe pueden impugnarse (por ejemplo, si alguien ha copiado claramente su marca internacional conocida), el éxito en tales impugnaciones no está garantizado y requiere pruebas sólidas.
5. Can I use the Madrid Protocol for South Korea?
Sí, Corea del Sur es miembro del Protocolo de Madrid. Puede designar a Corea del Sur en su solicitud internacional de Madrid. Sin embargo, una vez designada, los procedimientos de examen, oposición e invalidación de su marca en Corea del Sur se seguirán tramitando de conformidad con las disposiciones sustantivas de la legislación coreana en materia de marcas.
6. What types of marks can be registered in South Korea?
Corea del Sur permite el registro de diversos tipos de marcas comerciales, incluyendo palabras, logotipos, eslóganes, diseños, colores y sonidos, siempre que sean distintivos y capaces de diferenciar los productos o servicios de una entidad de los de otra. También se pueden registrar formas tridimensionales, hologramas y marcas en movimiento.
7. What is the typical timeline for trademark registration in South Korea?
El plazo habitual para una solicitud de marca sencilla, suponiendo que no haya objeciones ni oposiciones, suele ser de entre 10 y 14 meses desde la fecha de presentación hasta el registro. Sin embargo, este plazo puede prolongarse si la Oficina Coreana de Propiedad Intelectual (KIPO) emite resoluciones administrativas o si terceros inician procedimientos de oposición. En determinadas condiciones, es posible solicitar un examen acelerado.
8. How can I search for existing trademarks in South Korea?
Puede realizar búsquedas preliminares a través de la base de datos en línea de la Oficina Coreana de Propiedad Intelectual (KIPO) (KIPRIS). Sin embargo, para realizar una evaluación exhaustiva de la registrabilidad y los posibles conflictos, es muy recomendable contratar a un abogado especializado en marcas comerciales de Corea del Sur que pueda realizar búsquedas profesionales y proporcionar un dictamen jurídico detallado basado en su experiencia y acceso a los registros oficiales.
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 equipo de marcas internacionales can help. Contact us for a complimentary review.
