[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.
Hello, I’m Sohyun. (Founder’s Story)
Hello, I’m Sohyun. Beyond the title of a Patent Attorney, I share my journey, beliefs, and the ‘Sarang Way’ of working—dedicating sincerity and expertise to protect and grow your brand.
[The Sarang Way] Desirable Strategies for Registering Trademarks at home and abroad in a global era : accelerated examination , international registration plus active use of priority claim
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…
[The Sarang Way] Let’s Meet: Face-to-Face Consultation with the Examiner
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…
[The Sarang Way] Search patents of potential: IP Portfolio
When is a Patent Necessary? The intellectual property (IP) registration system was created to prevent the unauthorized use of original technologies, designs, and trademarks, thereby safeguarding innovation. Patents play a vital role in protecting creativity and technological advancements. However, in practice, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) pursue patents simply because they feel they must,…
[The Sarang Way] How is My Patent Worth? – IP Valuation
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…
[The Sarang Way] Export Goods? Prioritize Trademarks, Including Overseas, Before Filing
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…