Trademark registration in South Korea - The ultimate guide

Find out everything about the application process, costs and time required to register your trademark in South Korea.

In which country do you want to register your trademark?

South Korea

Why register a trademark in South Korea?
Which body registers trademarks in South Korea?
How is trademark priority in South Korea determined?
How long does it take to register a trademark in South Korea?
What is the cost of trademark registration in South Korea?
Who can register a trademark in South Korea?
What does the trademark registration process in South Korea look like?
What does the trademark opposition process look like in South Korea?
What is the trademark application success rate in South Korea?
How long does a trademark last in South Korea? How can I renew my South Korean trademark?
What’s the best way to file a trademark in South Korea: Direct application, WIPO, or Trama?

Why register a trademark in South Korea?

As one of the largest economies in Asia and a global leader in technology and innovation, South Korea presents numerous opportunities for foreign investors. Establishing a commercial presence in South Korea provides companies access to a dynamic and highly developed market, as well as a gateway to other Asian markets.

Given South Korea's 'First-to-File' system, obtaining trademark protection is highly recommended, even if branded products are not yet sold in the country. Any business wishing to ensure its brand is well-protected before expanding internationally should consider South Korea a priority on its trademark list.

Which body registers trademarks in South Korea?

The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) is responsible for examining, granting, and administering intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, and designs in South Korea.

How is trademark priority in South Korea determined?

South Korea is a "First-to-File" jurisdiction, meaning applicants who first apply for a trademark are assigned trademark rights and given priority over others, regardless of the actual use of the trademark in commerce.

How long does it take to register a trademark in South Korea?

It generally takes 10 to 12 months to register a trademark (from filing the application to the final decision), provided there is no objection or opposition lodged against your application. In the event of opposition, the process may take longer.

What is the cost of trademark registration in South Korea?

The fees for trademark registration in South Korea are:

Trademark application fee: KRW 52,000 (approx. $38) per one Class of goods or services
Trademark registration fee: KRW 201,000 (approx. $147) per one Class of goods or services

Who can register a trademark in South Korea?

Both domestic and foreign applicants can file for trademark registration in South Korea. Foreign applicants must designate a local representative who must be a resident in South Korea and an attorney or a registered patent agent.

What does the trademark registration process in South Korea look like?

Create a distinctive sign:
Conduct a prior search:
Submit an application:
Examination process:

Formal Examination: KIPO will first check for formal deficiencies in the application (e.g., incorrect data, non-payment of fees). If any issues are found, applicants will be notified and given a chance to correct them.
Publication: If the application passes the formal examination, it will be published in the Korean Trademark Gazette for a two-month opposition period.
Substantive Examination: After the opposition period, KIPO will conduct a substantive examination to ensure the trademark meets all requirements. If any issues are found, an office action will be issued, and the applicant must respond within a given time frame.

5. Registration and issuance of certificate:

If the application passes the substantive examination and any opposition proceedings, KIPO will grant the trademark registration, and the applicant must pay the registration fee. Once paid, KIPO will issue the registration certificate.

What does the trademark opposition process look like in South Korea?

After publication in the Korean Trademark Gazette, there is a two-month period during which third parties can file oppositions. If an opposition is filed, the applicant will be notified and given a chance to respond.

Time: Opposition proceedings can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case.
Cost: The fee for filing an opposition is approximately KRW 50,000 (approx. $36). Additional costs may arise if legal representation is needed.

What is the trademark application success rate in South Korea?

From 2019 to 2023, South Korea's trademark application success rate averaged 63.20%. The success rate is influenced by several factors, including:

Distinctiveness of the mark
Proper classification of goods and services
Prior searches to avoid conflicts
Legal assistance during filing and prosecution

How long does a trademark last in South Korea? How can I renew my South Korean trademark?

A trademark in South Korea lasts for 10 years from the date of registration. It can be renewed indefinitely for subsequent 10-year periods.

Renewal fee (within the official date): KRW 300,000 (approx. $220) per class.
Renewal fee (within an extended period): KRW 230,000 (approx. $242) per class.

What’s the best way to file a trademark in South Korea: Direct application, WIPO, or Trama?

When it comes to filing your trademark application in South Korea, there are three main paths: going through WIPO (Madrid System), filing directly, or using a dedicated service like Trama.

WIPO allows you to file a single application that can cover multiple countries. However, it’s built around your “home” trademark—if that original application is rejected or withdrawn within the first five years, all the international filings linked to it are automatically canceled. You also have to choose from a limited list of goods and services, which often don’t fully capture what your business offers. That limitation alone can lead to weaker protection and more conflicts down the line. Lastly, if any trademark office raises an objection against your application, you’ll need to hire a local attorney yourself to resolve the issue.

Direct filing, on the other hand, avoids the dependency on your home trademark and gives you full flexibility in how you define your products or services. But it’s also more expensive and time-consuming if you're targeting more than a few markets, since each country requires a separate application.

That’s where Trama steps in with a smarter, more flexible solution. We tailor each trademark strategy by combining both WIPO and direct filing, based on what works best for your business. Need protection in countries not covered by WIPO? We file direct. Only targeting a few markets? We avoid the WIPO base fee entirely. Want help with objections? Our network of local attorneys is always just a click away.

In short: Trama gives you the best of both worlds—global coverage, cost efficiency, strong protection, and expert support—without the compromises of doing it alone. Find out more about filing your trademark through Trama.