Region: South Korea

Partial rejections and re-examination system now effective

The new systems are expected to make the registration process more convenient for applicants.

02 March 2023

WIPO urged to open South Korea branch; IPR Center joins forces with NFL; Coca-Cola scraps Lilt brand – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at Gilead Sciences commending convictions in a counterfeiting case, Hasbro announcing a company-first licensee for adult games, and much more.

14 February 2023

KIPO study reveals high number of malicious trademark filings in Korea

The study concluded that there was an alarmingly high number of malicious applications for trademarks on the names of celebrities, TV shows, YouTube channels and cartoon characters, as well as other well-known marks.

12 January 2023

Fewer filings, NFTs, alliances and bad-faith marks: APAC year in review

WTR looks back at major trends in the Asia-Pacific region from the past 12 months.

11 January 2023

Trademark consisting solely of colours granted to Korean company for the first time

The Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board found that the mark had a unique colour combination that was not commonly found within the industry.

02 December 2022

Court jabs skin clinic’s unauthorised use of CHANEL mark

The case shows that very well-known marks can be strongly enforced in Korea, even against use for goods or services not directly related to the trademark owner’s business.

31 October 2022

Fake BTS merch crackdown; Amazon launches IP Accelerator in UAE; Virgin sues Alaska Airlines – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at Molson Coors seeking a new trial in its Stone Brewing dispute, Bored Ape Yacht Club entering a consumer goods licensing deal, and much more.

11 October 2022

KIPO adopts new Virtual Goods Examination Guidelines

The guidelines provide strong recommendations for brand owners to file new marks for virtual goods corresponding to real world goods/services as soon as possible

19 August 2022

What KIPO’s new examination guidelines mean for virtual goods

Examination revisions in South Korea could have a significant impact on how brand owners approach trademark applications, especially in relation to digital products.

08 August 2022

Design rights infringers may face criminal charges even if no complaint is filed

The amended Design Protection Act now allows criminal penalties to be pursued against infringers whether or not a complaint has been filed by an injured party.

29 June 2022

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