Trademark Registration in North Korea: Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademark matters in North Korea are administered by the Department of Trademarks and Industrial Designs under the Ministry of External Economic Affairs. The Office examines and registers trademarks in DPRK. North Korea joined the Madrid System in 2000. Trademark applications are filed through a local agent and undergo formal examination, examination of distinctiveness, and a search for prior marks. According to available accounts, the Office grants preliminary approval and publishes the mark in an online bulletin, after which oppositions may be lodged within one year of filing. If the application clears these stages, the mark proceeds to registration.
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Why register your trademark in North Korea
Exclusive Rights
Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services within North Korea.
Legal Enforcement
Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through the State Academy of Sciences (Trademark Office) and relevant authorities.
Nationwide Protection
Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of North Korea.
Market Positioning
Strengthens brand identity and establishes recognition in a highly controlled and unique market environment.
Our trademark services in North Korea
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Attorney-Assisted Search
In-depth legal search for potential conflicts in North Korea.
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for North Korean trademarks.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your North Korea trademark protection.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of North Korean trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers in North Korea.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your North Korean brand.
Trademark registration process in North Korea
Here is how to register a trademark in North Korea, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in North Korea.
Filing
Trademark applications must be filed through a DPRK-licensed local representative before the Department of Trademarks and Industrial Designs. The application should include the trademark specimen, applicant details, proof of company registration, and the list of goods and services. A signed simple power of attorney is also required, and notarization is generally not required.
Examination
After filing, the Office conducts a formal examination, an examination of distinctiveness, and a review of earlier marks. DPRK practice is primarily national, although international applications may also designate DPRK through the Madrid System.
Publication
If preliminarily accepted, the trademark is published in the online bulletin.
Opposition Period
Oppositions may be filed within 12 months from the filing/publication stage.
Registration
If no opposition is filed, or if the opposition is rejected, the trademark proceeds to registration and the certificate is issued.
Validity & Renewal
Trademark registrations are valid for 10 years from the date of the registration certificate and may be renewed for further 10-year terms. Non-use for 5 consecutive years after registration may result in cancellation.
Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in North Korea
Trademark representation / specimen
Goods and services classification
Applicant’s details
Proof of legal existence / company registration
Power of Attorney (simple signed copy)
Priority document (if priority is claimed)
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
In routine cases, registration generally takes about 10–12 months. Formal
examination and publication usually occur within 6–12 months of filing.
Since DPRK provides for a 12-month opposition period, the overall process
may take longer where objections or oppositions arise
Validity and renewal
Trademark registrations are valid for 10 years from the date of the registration
certificate and may be renewed for further 10-year terms. Non-use for 5
consecutive years after registration may result in cancellation
Client stories
Businesses that trust us with their brands across borders.
We had an excellent experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration and brand protection services in India. Their expert team guided us throughout the filing process, ensuring accurate documentation, timely updates, and seamless support. Their professionalism and intellectual property expertise gave us confidence in protecting our brand identity while supporting our expansion into new markets.
We had a seamless experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration services in Bahrain. Their professional team provided excellent support throughout the trademark filing process, ensuring timely updates, accurate documentation, and smooth coordination. Their expertise in intellectual property and brand protection services helped us secure our brand identity with confidence.
* Client stories are shared with permission.
Trademark registration in nearby countries
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Register your trademark in North Korea today
Speak to our trademark consultants in North Korea. Send your mark and we will reply with a free search and a fixed written quote within one working day.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.
