Application success rate in Republic of Korea: 5 year trend
South Korea’s trademark application success rate over the past five years averages at 63.20%, with a noticeable downward trend in recent years. Here's a breakdown of the trend:
Applications filed in | Registered | Filed | Success rate |
|---|---|---|---|
2019 | 128,944 | 186,473 | 69.15% |
2020 | 155,346 | 225,799 | 68.80% |
2021 | 164,568 | 251,991 | 65.31% |
2022 | 144,342 | 225,450 | 64.02% |
2023 | 111,383 | 225,174 | 49.47% |
Total (average) | 704,583 | 1,114,887 | 63.20% |
Comparison to major IP Offices in the region
South Korea’s average trademark application success rate of 63.20% places it between neighboring countries such as Japan (78.78%), India (60.41%), and the Philippines (51.84%).
Country | Office code | Success rate |
|---|---|---|
South Korea | KIPO | 63.20% |
Japan | JPO | 78.78% |
India | CGPDTM | 60.41% |
Philippines | IPOPHL | 51.84% |
The United States | USPTO | 56.91% |
Several factors contribute to Korea’s relatively moderate success rate:
Strict Examination Standards: KIPO applies rigorous distinctiveness requirements, particularly for descriptive or common terms, leading to a higher number of refusals.
High Volume of Filings: With over 200,000 applications annually, the large volume may contribute to more streamlined but stricter reviews to maintain examination efficiency.
How to maximize your chances of registration success in South Korea
Given the relatively lower success rate of 63.20%, applicants should take extra care to enhance their chances. To improve your likelihood of approval, it’s recommended to begin with a comprehensive trademark search to identify any potential conflicts. Ensure that your mark is distinctive and not merely descriptive, and clearly define the goods and services associated with your application.
Working with a qualified trademark lawyer is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances. A trademark lawyer can help navigate the complexities of the KIPO process, respond effectively to Office Actions, and build a solid filing strategy from the start.
If you are currently preparing to submit your first trademark application, we’ve put together a detailed guide on how to strengthen your chances of success, with multiple pieces of advice directly from our trademark lawyers with years of experience. You can also take advantage of Trama’s free lawyer’s check to receive expert feedback on your trademark and guidance on the best steps forward.
