South Korea Trademark Registration

Registration is compulsory in South Korea (Republic of Korea) in order to be granted rights to a trademark, as this jurisdiction is “first-to-file”. However, in some cases, a well-known trademark can be protected even if it has not been filed yet.

Multiple class registrations are possible in South Korea.

The economy of South Korea is highly developed and has been described as the Miracle of the Han River. South Korea remains one of the fastest-growing developed countries in the world. If you plan to do business in South Korea, a South Korean trademark should be filed as soon as possible.

Important highlights of the South Korean registration process:

  • Multiple class applications are possible in South Korea
  • Co-ownership of a trademark is also possible in South Korea
  • A South Korean trademark in a regular procedure takes about 9-12 months from application until registration.
  • South Korea is a first-to-file country just like China and Mexico, with a few exceptions to defend good faith.
  • Registration is valid for 10 years starting from the day of registration (not from application like in many other countries).
  • In South Korea, there are government filing fees and government registration fees (grant fees).
  • Proof of use is not required at the time of filing or registration. However, if a trademark has not been used for 3 years, it may be canceled for non-use (just like in Canada).

We can help you with your South Korean trademark registration. We have a designated South Korean attorney to take care of all your legal needs in South Korea from obtaining a trademark clearance of trademark registration in South Korea.

Select a plan to start your Trademark Registration in South Korea

Prices are in USD for South Korea

SAIL THROUGH

$495

Covers filing your application and reporting the progress all the way to registration. Single class. This is our entry-level package.

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ALL IN

$875

Covers full trademark registration, including reporting and responding to non-substantive examiner’s objections. Single class. Re-filing guarantee.

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Prices depend on the country. Please check individual country page for exact prices for each package.

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Details about South Korea trademark packages

What’s included:

Preparation and filing of your application and reporting the progress all the way to registration.

Single class application. Each additional class will have the same fees. Our professional fees for the 2nd class will be $355.

What’s not included:

Government fees, responding to examiner’s objections (office actions), opposition proceedings, free re-filing, and additional extras that you get with the “ALL IN” package.

If an office action is received, you will be notified and provided with an estimate to respond based on our hourly rate. Where possible, we will try to give you a flat fee.

When to choose:

If your funds are limited and if our free trademark search didn’t uncover any obstacles to registration.

When it’s better to choose another package:

If our search showed that there may be an objection that may need to be addressed.

If your trademark may be problematic and re-filing may be required.

We usually recommend the ALL IN package in South Korea as objections may be possible.

If you would like a re-filing guarantee.

What’s included:

Covers everything that is included in the “SAIL THROUGH” package plus reporting and responding to non-substantive (procedural) office actions and free re-filing if your mark is refused by Korean Intellectual Property Office.

Free re-filing will be done on our “SAIL THROUGH” package conditions – you will be responsible for government fees but we will waive professional fees. Check out our FAQ section for re-filing details.

Single class application. Each additional class will have the same fees. Our professional fees for the 2nd class will be $450.

Free extras:

Unlimited consultations with us about your trademark (average value of $250).

What’s not included:

Government fees, substantive office actions, and opposition proceedings.

When to choose:

Most popular – this package gives you peace of mind and predictability of the budget. This is the package we recommend for South Korea.

Why is it a better choice than the “SAIL THROUGH” package:

We will deal with non-substantive office actions for free.  In addition, if your trademark is refused, you will have the option to file for a different trademark and our professional fees will be waived!

File with confidence:

If your trademark is refused,

We’ll file another – fee excused.

At this moment, we do not offer the BELLS AND WHISTLES Package in the Republic of Korea.