[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.
[Expert Column] Does “Upcycling” Luxury Bags Infringe Trademark Rights?
Is upcycling luxury bags legal? A recent Korean court ruling says NO. Learn why refashioning Louis Vuitton bags constitutes trademark infringement.
[Expert Column] If I Register “English + Korean,” Can I Use Just the English?
Can you use only the English part of a registered English-Korean trademark in Korea? Yes. Learn about the Supreme Court ruling (2012Hu2463) regarding trademark use.
[Expert Column] Is Giving Away Counterfeits as “Free Promotional Gifts” Trademark Infringement?
Are giving away fake goods as free gifts considered trademark infringement in Korea? Yes. Learn about the Supreme Court ruling (2021Do2180) and how to protect your business.
[Expert Column] Selling Counterfeits via Purchasing Agencies: Are You Exempt from Trademark Infringement?
Are purchasing agencies liable for counterfeits in Korea? Yes. Discover the key court ruling on trademark infringement and “willful negligence” for buying agents.