[Expert Column] Did You Update Your Logo? Your Trademark Might Be at Risk of Cancellation
Did you update your logo? Your trademark could be cancelled in Korea. Learn the “Identity Test” for non-use cancellation trials and how to protect your brand.
[Expert Column] The “First Button” of Patent Litigation: Why Vague Definitions Lead to Instant Defeat in Korea
Why are patent trials dismissed in Korea before they even begin? Learn the critical importance of defining the “Target Invention” in Scope Confirmation Trials.
[Expert Column] When is an Invention “Completed”? A Critical Issue in Employee Invention Disputes
When is an invention considered “completed” in Korea? Learn the legal criteria for employee invention disputes and the “technical feature” test from a recent court ruling.
[Expert Column] What Constitutes “Trademark Use” in Korea? (It’s Not Just Slapping a Logo on It)
Is printing a logo always trademark infringement? Not in Korea. Learn the legal definition of “Trademark Use” through the Bomb Rice and VSP court cases.
[Expert Column] How Much is a “Sausage Rice Cake” Design Violation Worth?
Can you patent a sausage rice cake? Yes. A Korean court awarded 40M KRW in damages for food design infringement. Learn how damages are calculated in Korea.
[Expert Column] “Too Different to Infringe?” The Narrow Scope of Design Rights in Korea (and Why You Should Still Register)
Is the scope of Korean design rights too narrow? A Supreme Court ruling says “Yes” for common items, but registering is still vital. Learn why.
[Expert Column] Posting Book Covers on a Rental Site: Is it Copyright or Trademark Infringement?
Can a rental business post book covers online? Yes. A Korean court ruled this is “Fair Use” and not trademark infringement. Learn the legal boundaries for e-commerce.
[Expert Column] Can a “Poorly Written Description” Kill Your Patent?
Can a typo kill your patent? Yes. The Korean Supreme Court invalidated a silicon patent due to unclear measurement methods. Learn why high-quality drafting is essential.
[Expert Column] “LEGO” is for Toys, Not Pharma: The Supreme Court Ruling on Trademark Dilution
Can you use “LEGO” for medicine? The Korean Supreme Court says NO. Learn about the landmark ruling on trademark dilution (2020Hu11943) and what it means for brand protection.
[Expert Column] The Unprecedented Trademark Cancellation of “Gwangcheon Kim”: A First in Geographical Indication Collective Marks
The “Gwangcheon Kim” Geographical Indication (GI) Collective Mark has been cancelled in an unprecedented Korean Patent Court ruling. Learn why and what it means for the market.