Trademark
Articles on Korean trademarks: filing, examination, renewal, Madrid designations and disputes.
- Insights (37)
- Korean IP System (10)
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How does trademark opposition work in Korea?
In Korea, any person can file an opposition (formal objection) to a trademark application within 30 days from the publication date of the application (Trademark Act, Art. 60(1)).
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What would the proposed change to Korea’s trademark accelerated examination rules (open for comment until 2 November 2026) do?
This article covers a proposed amendment, not a promulgated amendment. On 23 September 2026, the Ministry of Intellectual Property (지식재산처, MOIP) gave advance notice of proposed rulemaking (입법예고) for a draft Partial Amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Trademark Act (상표법 시행령) (MOIP Announcement No. 2026-231). The notice period runs from 23 September 2026…
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Should I file in Korea directly or through the Madrid system?
For Korea alone, direct filing has the lower official fees. For one class with 10 or fewer designated goods, the total up to registration is KRW 247,000 or KRW 253,000. The Korean individual fee for a Madrid designation is KRW 280,000 per class (150 Swiss francs as shown by WIPO).
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How long does trademark examination take in Korea?
In 2025, the average first action pendency (심사처리기간) for trademarks in Korea was 11.9 months. This is the time from the filing date to the first notice of the examiner. [6][7]
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How much does a Korean trademark application cost?
Korean official fees for trademarks are set by the number of classes. The application fee is KRW 46,000 or KRW 52,000 per class.
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How do I register a trademark in Korea?
Trademark registration in Korea proceeds in this order: application, examination, publication of the application, decision to grant trademark registration (decision to register a trademark), payment of the registration fee. The trademark right arises on registration, and the duration of trademark rights (term of a trademark right) is 10 years from the registration date.