South Korea
Trademark Registration in South Korea - Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademarks in South Korea are governed by the Korean Trademark Act and administered by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). South Korea is a member of the Paris Convention, the Madrid Protocol, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Trademark applications are substantively examined for absolute and relative grounds and published for opposition.
Why Trademark Registration is Important in South Korea?
Exclusive Rights: Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout South Korea.
Legal Enforcement: Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through KIPO and South Korean courts.
Nationwide Protection: Secures trademark protection across the entire country, regardless of where the business operates.
Market Positioning: Strengthens brand identity, builds consumer trust, and enhances competitive advantage in South Korea’s highly developed market.
How the South Korea Trademark Registration Works
The South Korea trademark registration system follows a structured sequence of reviews, publications, and legal checks. These steps ensure that trademarks meet all statutory requirements and remain protected over time.
Filing
The trademark application is filed with KIPO (usually online). Once filed, KIPO issues an official application number.
Examination
KIPO conducts formal and substantive examination of the application, including distinctiveness, descriptiveness, and conflicts with earlier marks. Applicants must respond to office actions within the prescribed deadline.
Acceptance & Publication
If the examination is passed, the trademark is published in KIPO’s Official Gazette.
Opposition Period
After publication, third parties have 2 months from the publication date to file an opposition against the mark
Registration
If no opposition is filed (or if any oppositions are resolved in favour of the applicant), the trademark is registered and the Registration Certificate is issued.
Validity & Renewal
A registered trademark in South Korea is valid for 10 years from the registration date. Trademarks can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year terms by payment of renewal fees to KIPO.
Trademark Services Available in South Korea
Attorney-Assisted Search
In-depth legal search for conflicts.
Trademark Registration Services
Full filing and application management.
Trademark Renewal Services
Complete filing and application management with South Korea
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of South Korea trademarks to spot potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership
Requirements for Filing
Applicant’s name and address and nationality
Clear Representation of the mark
Description of goods/services
Passport Copy of the Applicant/ Authorised signatory
Copy of CR/Incorporation Certificate.
Priority claim (if applicable) with proof
Power of Attorney if filed through agent
The fees listed above are indicative and may not reflect the most current charges. Please contact us to obtain the latest and accurate fee information.
**Last updated on: March 17, 2026
Timeline
Approx. 9-14 months from filing to registration, largely due to the detailed examination period.
Validity & Renewal
A registered trademark in South Korea is valid for 10 years from the registration date. Trademarks can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year terms by payment of renewal fees to KIPO.
Frequently Ask Questions
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Get A QuoteQ1: Are trademark searches mandatory?
No, but a pre-filing trademark search is highly recommended to reduce refusal risks.
Q2: Can examination objections be overcome?
Q3: What is the opposition period in South Korea?
Q4: Who may file an opposition?
Q5: What happens if no opposition is filed?
Q6: Can a trademark be cancelled for non-use?
Q7: Can trademarks be assigned?
Q8: Is South Korea a member of the Madrid Protocol?
Q9: Are trademarks territorial in South Korea?
Q10: Can trademarks be restored after expiration?
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