🇰🇷 South Korea · Trademark & IP
Trademark registration, patents, copyright, official IP offices, and filing costs.
Quick answer
Korean trademarks are registered with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). You search the register, file under Nice classes, and KIPO substantively examines both absolute and relative grounds before publishing for a two-month opposition period and registering. A Korean trademark lasts 10 years and is renewable; KIPO also grants patents and designs.
Trademarks and patents in Korea are registered with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO).
- National trademarks and patents are filed with KIPO.
- Korea uses a first-to-file system — file early.
- Registration grants exclusive rights within Korea.
Step-by-step
- 1
Search the register
Search KIPO’s database (KIPRIS) for conflicting or similar marks before filing.
- 2
File the application
File with KIPO, describing the mark and classifying the goods/services under the Nice Classification.
- 3
Substantive examination
KIPO examines both absolute and relative grounds — including conflicts with earlier marks — and may issue office actions.
- 4
Publication, opposition and registration
If it passes examination, the mark is published for a two-month opposition period and then registers.
- 5
Renewal and other IP
A Korean trademark lasts 10 years and is renewable; protect inventions with KIPO patents, appearance with designs, and works via copyright.
- 6
Enforce and go international
Enforce your rights against infringers and use the Madrid Protocol to extend trademark protection abroad.
Checklist
- KIPRIS register search
- Application (Nice classes + mark)
- Substantive exam (absolute + relative grounds)
- Publication + 2-month opposition
- Registration (10 years) + renewal
- Patents + designs (KIPO) + copyright
- Enforcement strategy
- Madrid Protocol for international
Official authorities
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO)
National intellectual-property office.
Frequently asked questions
Does Korea examine earlier marks?
Yes — KIPO conducts a full substantive examination including relative grounds, so conflicting earlier marks can block registration.
How long does a Korean trademark last?
Ten years from registration, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year terms.
Is copyright registered in Korea?
Copyright arises automatically on creation, but Korea offers optional registration with the Korea Copyright Commission for evidentiary benefits.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Government of Korea — Korea's integrated government portal — policy, administrative services, e-government
- Korea Immigration Service (HiKorea) — Visas, residence status changes, work permits, and alien registration in Korea
- National Tax Service (NTS) — Korean income tax, corporate tax, VAT filing; annual comprehensive tax return for foreigners (May); foreign taxpayer incentive lookup