Maximizing Success in Patent and Trademark Applications We would be thrilled if all patent and trademark applications were approved without complications. However, statistics from the Korean Patent Office show that only about 60% of patent applications and 80% of trademark applications are successfully registered. In addition, most patent applications receive at least one notification of…
Trademark Protection and the Risks of Imitation Trademark protection is based on registration by choice, meaning that the law prioritizes protecting trademarks that have been registered. Under the territorial principle, trademark laws—including the Korean Trademark Act—only recognize and enforce trademark rights within the country where the trademark is registered. This principle has led to cases…
Embracing Virtual Communication for IP Services While trademarks and designs do not always require face-to-face meetings, understanding patent technology often benefits from direct communication. Preparing patent-related statements can be easier when there is an opportunity to explain and clarify details in person. For this reason, face-to-face meetings have traditionally been preferred. Additionally, when building an…
Embracing Modern Communication for IP Services While trademarks and designs do not always require face-to-face meetings, understanding patent technologies often benefits from direct interaction. Preparing statements and clarifying complex concepts in person has traditionally been preferred for this reason. In particular, when building an IP portfolio, on-site visits to businesses have been essential. However, times…
Turning Intangible Ideas into Tangible Assets Patent, design, and trademark rights transform intangible ideas into valuable business assets. Once registered, these rights can be transferred, commercialized, or used as collateral for loans. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in enhancing a company’s corporate value. However, unlike other assets, patents and trademarks do not have a…
In Korea’s export-driven economy, the industrial structure heavily relies on manufacturing, which accounts for 30% of GDP, making Korea the top-ranked among OECD countries and 5th in the world. According to a 2015 statistical report, manufacturing exports comprised 86.8% of Korea’s total exports. Given this reality, many companies plan for overseas expansion from the outset…
In today’s world, new technologies rarely emerge without ties to existing innovations. After months of development and planning, many projects face termination due to concerns over patent infringement when new products are found to resemble patented technologies. A Patent FTO (Freedom to Operate) study assesses whether a technology can be commercialized without violating existing patent…
Understanding Trademark Protection and Non-Use Cancellation Trials Trademarks do not protect inventions; instead, they operate on a system of “registration by choice.” In other words, trademark laws aim to protect marks that are registered, regardless of the reason for their creation. However, this registration-focused system has led to issues where trademarks are preemptively registered without…
Global Trademark Strategy for Export-Oriented Businesses Due to Korea’s export manufacturing-oriented industrial structure, many products are designed with export as the primary goal, rather than domestic consumption. To successfully enter foreign markets and prevent imitation by third parties, it is essential to secure patents and trademarks internationally. If you are planning to launch a new…
Unlike patents or designs, which have short lifespans and change constantly, brands build reputation and trust over time through continuous use. Once a brand earns recognition and credibility, it becomes deeply embedded in consumers’ memories, almost as if it were a living entity. There was a brand called Sun Furniture, a well-known mid-sized furniture company…