Given this reality, many companies plan for overseas expansion from the outset when developing new products. This includes brand strategy, pronunciation, potential negative connotations, and, most importantly, trademark registration.
When targeting international markets, it is crucial to:
- Search for prior trademarks
- Assess the registrability of the trademark in both domestic and key export markets
- Establish a strategic registration plan to minimize costs and delays
How We Can Help
Please let us know whether your new brand is for domestic use only or for export. If export is planned, specify the target countries. We will conduct simultaneous prior trademark searches both at home and abroad before filing your domestic trademark application.
Options for Overseas Trademark Searches
We offer three options for conducting trademark searches in overseas markets:
1. Searching Free Online Trademark Databases
We conduct a concise search using free online databases such as:
- TMview
- WIPO Global Brand Database
- Patent office databases from major countries
Pros:
- No cost involved
- Search results can be provided within two days
Cons:
- Limited reliability due to a lack of local expertise
- Some countries do not provide online trademark databases or support similarity searches
2. Searching Through Outsourcing Companies
We collaborate with specialized patent search firms (e.g., WIPS) to provide raw data and assess registrability.Pros:
- Lower cost compared to working with local agents
- Reduced omission risk, even for countries without online databases
Cons:
- The reliability of search opinions may vary, as distinctiveness and similarity judgments differ by country and examiner
3. Searching and Judging Through Local Agents
We work with local attorneys in key markets who conduct searches and provide expert opinions on registrability. We have collaborated with reliable agents in major countries for over 10 years.
Pros:
- Highly reliable search results and expert judgment
Cons:
High cost, particularly in regions such as the US and Europe, where services are often billed hourly, making search costs comparable to trademark application feesChoosing the Right Option
Each of these options has strengths and weaknesses. We tailor our approach depending on the size and importance of your project:
- Option 1 is sufficient for most cases without significant risks.
- Option 2 offers a better balance between cost and thoroughness.
- For critical trademarks, Option 3 is the most reliable choice.
Planning a Trademark Strategy for Export Sarang IP Law Firm works with overseas counsel on Korea-related and cross-border trademark matters, coordinating prior-art searches and filings across jurisdictions with a strategy grounded in Korean practice. We are glad to advise on the approach best suited to a particular market.
