TRADEMARK ACT 
 
 
 
 
Wholly Amended by Act No. 14033, Feb. 29, 2016 
Amended by Act No. 14689, Mar. 21, 2017 
Act No. 15581, Apr. 17, 2018 
Act No. 16205, Jan.   8, 2019 
Act No. 16362, Apr. 23, 2019 
Act No. 17531, Oct. 20, 2020 
Act No. 17728, Dec. 22, 2020 
Act No. 18406, Aug. 17, 2021 
Act No. 18502, Oct. 19, 2021 
Act No. 18548, Dec.   7, 2021 
Act No. 18817, Feb.   3, 2022 
Act No. 18999, Oct. 18, 2022 
Act No. 19711, Sep. 14, 2023 
Act No. 19809, Oct. 31, 2023 
 
 
 
CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
Article 1 (Purpose)
The purpose of this Act is to contribute to industrial development and to protect the interests of consumers
by ensuring the maintenance of the business reputation of persons using trademarks through the protection
of trademarks.
 
Article 2 (Definitions)
(1) The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on Feb. 3, 2022>
1. The term "trademark" means a mark used to distinguish goods (including services or goods related to
the provision of services except goods on which a geographical indication is used; hereinafter the same
shall apply) of one business from those of others;
2. The term "mark" means all indications used to identify the source of goods, irrespective of the
composition or methods of the expression thereof, which include any sign, letter, figure, sound, smell,
three-dimensional shape, hologram, movement, color, etc.;3. The term "collective mark" means a mark intended to be used directly by a corporation jointly
incorporated by persons who produce, manufacture, process or sell goods, or who provide services, or
intended to be used by its members;
4. The term "geographical indication" means an indication used to identify goods produced,
manufactured, or processed in a specific area in cases where a certain quality, reputation or other
characteristic of goods has essentially originated from such specific area;
5. The term "homonymous geographical indication" means a geographical indication for the same
goods which shares the same pronunciation with a geographical indication of other goods, but the
relevant geographical location is different from that other indication;
6. The term "collective mark with geographical indication" means a mark intended to be used directly
by a corporation jointly incorporated by persons who produce, manufacture, or process goods on which
a geographical indication may be used, or is intended to be used by its members;
7. The term "certification mark" means a mark used by a person who commercially certifies and
manages the quality, place of origin, methods of production, or other characteristics of goods to certify
that goods of others meet quality criteria, the place of origin, methods of production, or other
characteristics;
8. The term "certification mark with geographical indication" means a mark used by a person who
commercially certifies a geographical indication to certify that goods of others meet specified
geographical characteristics;
9. The term "business emblem" means a mark used by a person who engages in not-for-profit business
to identify his or her business;
10. The term "registered trademark" means a trademark which has been registered;
11. The term "use of a trademark" means any of the following:
(a) Displaying a trademark on goods or packages of goods;
(b) Transferring or delivering goods or packages of goods on which a trademark is displayed,
providing such goods or packages through telecommunications lines, or exhibiting, exporting, or
importing them for the purpose of such transfer, delivery, or provision;
(c) Displaying a trademark on advertisements for goods, price tags, transaction documents, or other
means, and exhibiting or giving wide publicity to the trademark.
(2) Displaying a trademark under the items of paragraph (1) 11 includes displaying a trademark through
any of the following methods:
1. Displaying a trademark in the shape of a mark or by means of sound or smell;
2. Displaying a trademark through an electronic method on information provided through a
telecommunications line.
(3) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the provisions concerning trademarks shall apply to
collective marks, certification marks, or business emblems.(4) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the provisions concerning collective marks with geographical
indication shall apply to certification marks with geographical indication.
 
Article 3 (Persons Entitled to Registration of Trademark)
(1) Any person who uses or intends to use a trademark in the Republic of Korea may obtain registration of
his or her trademark: Provided, That no employee of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the
Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board shall obtain registration of a trademark while he or she is in
office, except by inheritance or bequest.
(2) Any corporation (in cases of a collective mark with geographical indication, limited to a corporation
comprised of persons who produce, manufacture or process goods on which such geographical indication
may be used) jointly incorporated by persons who produce, manufacture, process or sell goods, or provide
services may obtain registration of its collective mark. <Amended on Apr. 17, 2018>
(3) Any person who may commercially certify and manage the quality, place of origin, methods of
production or other characteristics of goods may obtain certification mark registration only to use it to
certify that goods of others satisfy the specified quality, place of origin, methods of production, or other
characteristics: Provided, That where he or she intends to use the certification mark on goods for his or her
own business, he or she shall not obtain registration of the certification mark.
(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (3), no person who files an application for a trademark, collective mark or
business emblem, or obtains registration thereof shall obtain registration of a mark identical or similar to
such trademark, etc. as a certification mark.
(5) No person who files an application for a certification mark, or obtains registration thereof shall obtain
registration of a mark identical or similar to such certification mark as a trademark, collective mark, or
business emblem.
(6) Any person who engages in not-for-profit business in the Republic of Korea may obtain registration of
his or her business emblem.
 
Article 4 (Legal Capacity of Minors)
(1) A minor, a person under limited guardianship (only applicable where there is a legal representative
related to trademark rights or rights relating to trademarks) or a person under adult guardianship may file
an application or make a request for trademark registration or follow other procedures (hereinafter referred
to as "trademark-related procedures") only through his or her legal representative: Provided, That the
foregoing shall not apply where a minor or a person under limited guardianship can independently perform
a juridical act.
(2) A legal representative under paragraph (1) may follow procedures concerning a formal objection
(hereinafter referred to as "formal objection") to trademark registration under Article 60 filed, or a trial or
retrial requested by the other party without the consent of a legal guardian. 
Article 5 (Unincorporated Associations)
Where the representative or manager of an unincorporated association or foundation is designated, such
association or foundation may become an applicant for a formal objection to trademark registration under
Article 60 (1), or the party to a trial or retrial under the name of such association or foundation.
 
Article 6 (Trademark Manager of Non-Resident)
(1) Except where a person who is not domiciled or does not have his or her place of business in the
Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as "non-resident") resides in the Republic of Korea, the non-
resident (in cases of a corporation, referring to the representative thereof) may follow trademark-related
procedures or bring a lawsuit against dispositions made by an administrative authority in accordance with
this Act or an order issued under this Act only through a person who is domiciled or has his or her place of
business in the Republic of Korea as an agent managing the trademark of the non-resident (hereinafter
referred to as "trademark manager").
(2) A trademark manager shall represent his or her principal in a lawsuit with respect to trademark-related
procedures or a disposition made by an administrative authority in accordance with this Act or an order
issued under this Act, within the scope of authority delegated to him or her.
 
Article 7 (Scope of Agency Authority)
No agent to whom authority to follow trademark-related procedures is delegated (including a trademark
manager; hereinafter the same shall apply) by a person who is domiciled or has his or her place of business
in the Republic of Korea shall perform any of the following, unless the special authority is delegated to
him or her:
1. Abandonment or withdrawal of an application for trademark registration under Article 36 (hereinafter
referred to as "application for trademark registration");
2. Modification of an application under Article 44;
3. Withdrawal of any of the following applications:
(a) An application (hereinafter referred to as "application to register the renewal of the duration") for
registration to renew the duration of trademark rights under Article 84 (hereinafter referred to as
"registration to renew the duration");
(b) An application for additional registration of goods additionally designated pursuant to Article 86
(1) (hereinafter referred to as "application for registration of additional designated goods");
(c) An application under Article 209 (2) (hereinafter referred to as "application for registration of the
conversion of the classification of goods") for registration of the conversion of the classification of
goods under Article 211 (hereinafter referred to as "registration of the conversion of the classification
of goods");4. Relinquishment of trademark rights;
5. Withdrawal of an application;
6. Withdrawal of a request;
7. Request for a trial under Article 115 or 116;
8. Appointment of a subagent.
 
Article 8 (Certification of Agency Authority)
The authority of an agent who follows trademark-related procedures shall be certified in writing.
 
Article 9 (Confirmation of Defects in Legal Capacity)
Procedures followed by a person who has no legal capacity or authority of legal representation, or who has
any defect in the delegation of authority necessary to follow trademark-related procedures shall take effect
retroactive to the time he or she performed an act if the party whose defect has been rectified or his or her
legal representative confirms such procedures.
 
Article 10 (Non-Extinguishment of Agency Authority)
No authority of an agent delegated by a person who follows trademark-related procedures shall be
extinguished despite any of the following grounds:
1. Death or loss of legal capacity of the principal;
2. Extinguishment of the right of representation by the merger of a corporation who is the principal;
3. Completion of the duty of trust of a trustee who is the principal;
4. Death or loss of legal capacity of the legal representative;
5. Extinguishment or alteration of the agency authority of the legal representative.
 
Article 11 (Individual Representation)
Where at least two agents are appointed to follow trademark-related procedures, each agent shall act for
the principal vis-a-vis the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the President of the
Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board.
 
Article 12 (Orders to Appoint or Replace Agent)
(1) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the presiding judge designated
pursuant to Article 131 (1) (hereinafter referred to as "presiding judge") deems a person who follows
trademark-related procedures incompetent to follow such procedures, such as where the person is deemed
to ineffectively perform such procedures or to be unable to make a statement at an oral hearing, he or she
may order such person’s agent, if any, to follow the procedures.
(2) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the presiding judge deems that
the agent of a person who follows trademark-related procedures is incompetent to follow such procedures,such as where such agent is deemed to ineffectively perform the procedures or to be unable to make a
statement at an oral hearing, he or she may order such person to replace his or her agent.
(3) In cases falling under paragraphs (1) and (2), the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property
Office or the presiding judge may order a person who falls under paragraphs (1) and (2) to require a patent
attorney to act for him or her.
(4) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the presiding judge gives an
order to appoint or replace an agent pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2), he or she may invalidate all or some
of the trademark-related procedures followed by the person who follows the trademark-related procedures
or the agent before being replaced with respect to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property
Office or the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board before an agent is appointed
under paragraph (1) or replaced under paragraph (2) at the request of the person who follows the
trademark-related procedures.
 
Article 13 (Representative of Multiple Relevant Persons)
(1) Where at least two persons jointly apply for trademark registration or request a trial, and follow
procedures related to such application or trial, each person shall represent all the persons except in any of
the following cases: Provided, That where they have selected their representative and reported their
representative to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the Chief Judge of the
Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board, their representative shall represent all such persons:
1. Abandonment or withdrawal of an application for trademark registration;
2. Modification of an application under Article 44;
3. Withdrawal of any of the following applications:
(a) An application to register the renewal of the duration;
(b) An application for registration of additional designated goods;
(c) An application for registration of the conversion of the classification of goods;
4. Withdrawal of an application;
5. Withdrawal of a request;
6. Request for a trial under Article 115 or 116;
(2) Where at least two persons report their representative pursuant to the proviso, with the exception of the
subparagraphs, of paragraph (1), they shall certify in writing that they have selected their representative.
 
Article 14 (Application Mutatis Mutandis of the Civil Procedure Act)
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, PART I CHAPTER II SECTION 4 (Articles 87 through 97) of
the Civil Procedure Act shall apply to all agents.
 
Article 15 (Jurisdiction over Non-Residents)Where a trademark manager has been appointed in relation to trademark rights or rights relating to a
trademark of a non-resident, the domicile or the place of business of such trademark manager shall be
deemed a place where assets under Article 11 of the Civil Procedure Act are located, and where there is no
trademark manager, the seat of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall be deemed a place where
assets under Article 11 of the Civil Procedure Act are located.
 
Article 16 (Computation of Period of Time)
The period prescribed by this Act or an order issued under this Act shall be computed as follows:
1. The first day of the period shall not be included in the computation: Provided, That the foregoing
shall not apply where the period begins from 0:00 am;
2. Where the period is set in months or years, the period shall be computed in accordance with calendar
units;
3. Where the period is not computed from the beginning of a month or year, the period shall expire on
the day preceding the day corresponding to the day from which the reckoning is made in the last month
or year: Provided, That where no day corresponds thereto in the last month if the period is set in months
or years, the period shall expire on the last day of such month;
4. Where the last day of a period is a public holiday (including a Saturday and the Workers' Day under
the Designation Workers' Day Act) in the trademark-related procedures, the period shall expire on the
day following such public holiday.
 
Article 17 (Extension of Period)
(1) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may extend any of the following periods
only once by not exceeding 30 days at the request of a party or ex officio: Provided, That in cases of
persons living in a remote area with inconvenient traffic, such as islands or remote rural areas, the
Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may additionally extend the number of times and
periods, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy:
1. Period for amending grounds, etc. for filing a formal objection under Article 61;
2. Period for requesting a trial against a decision to reject amendment under Article 115;
3. Period for requesting a trial against a decision to reject under Article 116.
(2) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the President of the Intellectual
Property Trial and Appeal Board, the presiding judge or an examiner under Article 50 (hereinafter referred
to as "examiner") has set a period during which a person shall follow trademark-related procedures
pursuant to this Act, he or she may shorten or extend such period at the request of a person who follows
trademark-related procedures or his or her agent, or ex officio. In such cases, the Commissioner of the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, etc. shall determine whether to shorten or extend the period so as not
to unreasonably infringe interests of persons interested in the relevant procedures.(3) Where the presiding judge or an examiner has set a period during which a person is to follow
trademark-related procedures pursuant to this Act, he or she may change such period at the request of a
person who follows trademark-related procedures or his or her agent, or ex officio.
 
Article 18 (Invalidation of Procedures)
(1) Where a person ordered to make an amendment under Article 39 (including where it is applied mutatis
mutandis in Article 212) fails to make such amendment within the designated period, the Commissioner of
the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal
Board may invalidate the relevant trademark-related procedures.
(2) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the President of the Intellectual
Property Trial and Appeal Board deems that a person ordered to make an amendment has failed to observe
the designated period for good reason, even though he or she has invalidated trademark-related procedures
pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she may revoke the invalidation thereof at the request of the person
ordered to make an amendment within two months from the date such reason ceases to exist: Provided,
That the foregoing shall not apply where one year has elapsed from the expiration date of the designated
period. <Amended on Oct. 19, 2021>
(3) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the President of the Intellectual
Property Trial and Appeal Board invalidates procedures under paragraph (1) or revokes the invalidation
thereof under the main clause of paragraph (2), he or she shall serve a notice of his or her action on a
person ordered to make an amendment.
 
Article 19 (Subsequent Completion of Procedures)
Where a person who follows trademark-related procedures fails to observe the any of the following
periods in extenuating circumstances, he or she may subsequently complete the procedures within two
months from the date such grounds cease to exist: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where one
year has elapsed from the expiration date of the period:
1. Period for requesting a trial against a decision to dismiss an amendment under Article 115;
2. Period for requesting a trial against a decision to reject under Article 116;
3. Period for requesting a retrial under Article 159 (1).
 
Article 20 (Succession to Effects of Procedures)
Procedures followed relating to trademark rights or rights relating to a trademark shall have effect on a
successor of such trademark rights or rights relating to a trademark.
 
Article 21 (Continuation of Procedures)
Where trademark rights or rights relating to a trademark are transferred when trademark-related
procedures are pending in the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the Intellectual Property Trial andAppeal Board, the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the President of the
Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board may require a successor to such trademark rights or the rights
relating to such trademark to continue such procedures.
 
Article 22 (Suspension of Procedures)
Where any of the following grounds arises when trademark-related procedures are pending in the Korean
Intellectual Property Office or the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board, such procedures shall be
suspended: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where an agent is delegated to follow the
procedures:
1. Where a party dies;
2. Where a corporation which is a party is liquidated;
3. Where a party loses the capacity to follow the procedures;
4. Where a party’s legal representative dies or loses his or her agency authority;
5. Where a trustee completes his or her duty entrusted by a party;
6. Where the agent under the proviso, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 13 (1) dies or
is disqualified;
7. Where a person with a certain qualification who has become a party in his or her name for another
person, such as a trustee in bankruptcy, is disqualified or dies.
 
Article 23 (Resumption of Suspended Procedures)
Where procedures pending in the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the Intellectual Property Trial and
Appeal Board are suspended pursuant to Article 22, any of the following persons shall resume such
procedures:
1. In cases falling under subparagraph 1 of Article 22: The successor thereof, an executor of inherited
property or a person who will proceed with procedures in accordance with statutes: Provided, That the
successor shall not resume such procedures for a period during which he or she may relinquish his or
her inheritance;
2. In cases falling under subparagraph 2 of Article 22: A corporation which is incorporated in the course
of the merger or which survives after the merger;
3. In cases falling under subparagraphs 3 and 4 of Article 22: A party who regains his or her capacity to
follow the procedures or a person who becomes the legal representative;
4. In cases falling under subparagraph 5 of Article 22: A new trustee;
5. In cases falling under subparagraph 6 of Article 22: A new representative or each party;
6. In cases falling under subparagraph 7 of Article 22: A person who possesses a certain qualification,
such as a trustee in bankruptcy.
 Article 24 (Application for Resumption)
(1) A person specified in any subparagraph of Article 23 and the other party may apply for resuming
procedures suspended pursuant to Article 22.
(2) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the presiding judge receives an
application for resuming procedures suspended pursuant to Article 22, he or she shall notify a person
specified in any subparagraph of Article 23 or the other party of the receipt thereof.
(3) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or an examiner under Article 129
(hereinafter referred to as "examiner") deems that no grounds exist as a result of his or her examination on
an application for resuming procedures suspended pursuant to Article 22 ex officio, he or she shall dismiss
such application by decision.
(4) Where a person specified in any subparagraph of Article 23 fails to resume procedures suspended, the
Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or an examiner shall order such person to resume
such procedures, fixing a period ex officio.
(5) Where a person ordered to resume procedures suspended pursuant to paragraph (4) fails to resume
such procedures within the period under paragraph (4), he or she shall be deemed to have taken over such
procedures on the day following the expiration of the period.
(6) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the presiding judge deems that
a person has resumed procedures pursuant to paragraph (5), he or she shall notify the relevant party
accordingly.
 
Article 25 (Suspension of Procedures)
(1) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or an examiner is unable to
perform any of his or her duties due to a natural disaster or other extenuating circumstances, procedures
pending in the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board
shall be suspended until such circumstance ceases to exist.
(2) Where any problem prevents a party from continuing procedures pending in the Korean Intellectual
Property Office or the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board, the Commissioner of the Korean
Intellectual Property Office or an examiner may order the suspension of such procedures by decision.
(3) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or an examiner may revoke his or her
decision under paragraph (2).
(4) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the presiding judge suspends
procedures under paragraphs (1) and (2) or revokes his or her decision under paragraph (3), he or she shall
notify the relevant party accordingly.
 
Article 26 (Effects of Interruption or Suspension)
Where trademark-related procedures are interrupted or suspended, the running of the relevant period shall
be suspended and the entire period shall recommence from the time the resumption of the procedures isnotified or such procedures are continued.
 
Article 27 (Legal Capacity of Foreigners to Hold Rights)
No non-resident foreigner shall be entitled to enjoy trademark rights or the rights relating to the trademark,
except in any of the following cases:
1. Where a state to which such foreigner is a citizen recognizes trademark rights or the rights relating to
the trademark owned by a citizen of the Republic of Korea on the same conditions as those of its
citizen;
2. Where a state to which such foreigner belongs recognizes trademark rights or the rights relating to the
trademark owned by a citizen of the Republic of Korea on the same conditions as those of its citizen,
when the Republic of Korea recognizes trademark rights or the rights relating to the trademark owned
by such foreigner;
3. Where trademark rights or the rights relating to the trademark is recognized in accordance with a
treaty or equivalent thereto (hereinafter referred to as "treaty").
 
Article 28 (Time When Submission of Documents Takes Effect)
(1) Any written application, written request, or other document (including goods; hereafter in this Article,
the same shall apply) submitted to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the
President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board pursuant to this Act or an order issued under
this Act shall take effect from the date such written application, written request or other document is
served on him or her.
(2) Where a written application, written request or other document under paragraph (1) is submitted to the
Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the President of the Intellectual Property Trial
and Appeal Board by mail, such written application, written request or other document shall be deemed
served on him or her on the following dates: Provided, That where a written application for registration of
trademark rights or the rights relating to the trademark is submitted by mail, such written application shall
take effect from the date the written application is served on him or her:
1. Where the date indicated on the correspondence date stamp under the statutes or regulations related to
postal service is clear: The date indicated;
2. Where the date indicated on the correspondence date stamp under statutes or regulations related to
postal service is unclear: The date a written application, written request or other document is submitted
to a post office (referring to the date proved by a certificate of the receipt of mail).
(3) Except as provided in paragraphs (1) and (2), delay in the delivery of mail, loss or theft of mail, and
matters necessary to submit documents due to the interruption of postal service shall be prescribed by
Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
 Article 29 (Entry of Identification Numbers)
(1) Each person who follows trademark-related procedures shall file an application for an identification
number with the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the President of the
Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade,
Industry and Energy.
(2) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the President of the Intellectual
Property Trial and Appeal Board, in receipt of an application under paragraph (1), shall issue an
identification number to the applicant and inform the applicant accordingly.
(3) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the Presiding Judge of the Intellectual
Property Trial and Appeal Board shall issue, ex officio, identification numbers to those who have failed to
apply for them under paragraph (1) and inform them of the fact.
(4) Where a person given an identification number pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) follows trademark-
related procedures, he or she shall note his or her identification number on a document prescribed by
Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. In such cases, notwithstanding this Act or an
order issued under this Act, he or she may choose not to note his or her address (in cases of corporations,
referring to the seat of its place of business) on the relevant document.
(5) Paragraphs (1) through (4) shall apply mutatis mutandis to an agent of the person who follows
trademark-related procedures.
(6) Filing an application for issuance of an identification number, issuance and notification thereof, and
other matters necessary for an identification number shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of
Trade, Industry and Energy.
 
Article 30 (Performance of Trademark-Related Procedures by Electronic Document)
(1) Any person who follows trademark-related procedures may electronically prepare an application for
trademark registration and other documents submitted to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual
Property Office or the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board in accordance with
methods prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and submit such
electronic documents using an information and communications network (hereinafter referred to as
"information and communications network") under Article 2 (1) 1 of the Act on Promotion of Information
and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, or storing them in electronic
recording medium, such as a portable storage medium.
(2) Electronic documents submitted under paragraph (1) shall be as valid as paper documents submitted
under this Act.
(3) Electronic documents submitted via an information and communications network pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall be deemed received in the content recorded in a file of the electronic data processing
system for the purpose of receipt used by the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the Intellectual
Property Trial and Appeal Board when a person who has submitted such electronic documents mayconfirm the receipt number through the information and communications network.
(4) Types of documents that may be submitted in electronic form pursuant to paragraph (1), methods of
submission, and other matters necessary to submit electronic documents shall be prescribed by Ordinance
of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
 
Article 31 (Reporting on Use of Electronic Documents and Electronic Signature)
(1) Any person who intends to follow trademark-related procedures in electronic documents shall file a
report on the use of electronic documents with the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property
Office or the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board, and affix his or her electronic
signature to documents submitted to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual property Office or the
President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board to enable recognition of the person who
submits such documents.
(2) Electronic documents submitted pursuant to Article 30 shall be deemed submitted by a person who has
affixed his or her electronic signature under paragraph (1).
(3) Matters necessary for procedures for reporting the use of electronic documents under paragraph (1) and
methods of applying electronic signatures shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade,
Industry and Energy.
 
Article 32 (Giving Notice Using Information and Communications Network)
(1) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the President of the Intellectual
Property Trial and Appeal Board, the presiding judge, a judge, the chief examiner designated pursuant to
Article 62 (3) (hereinafter referred to as "chief examiner") or an examiner intends to notify and serve
documents (hereafter in this Article, referred to as "notification, etc.") on a person who has filed a report
on the use of electronic documents pursuant to Article 31 (1), he or she may give notice, etc. using an
information and communications network.
(2) Notification, etc. of documents under paragraph (1) shall be of the same effect as notice given in
writing.
(3) Notification, etc. of documents under paragraph (1) shall be deemed delivered in the content recorded
in a file of the electronic data processing system for dispatch used by the Korean Intellectual Property
Office or the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board when a person who receives such notification,
etc. confirms such documents through the electronic data processing system he or she uses.
(4) Matters necessary for types, methods, etc. of notification, etc. using an information and communication
network pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and
Energy.
 
CHAPTER II REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION FOR 
TRADEMARK REGISTRATION  
Article 33 (Requirements for Trademark Registration)
(1) Trademark registration may be obtained, excluding the following trademarks:
1. A trademark consisting solely of a mark indicating, in a common manner, the common name of the
goods;
2. A trademark used customarily in connection with the goods;
3. A trademark consisting solely of a mark indicating, in a common manner, the place of production,
quality, raw materials, effect, usage, quantity, shape, price, method of production, method of
processing, or method or time of use of the goods;
4. A trademark consisting solely of a conspicuous geographical name, the abbreviation thereof, or a
map;
5. A trademark consisting solely of a mark indicating a common surname or name according to the
method in common use;
6. A trademark consisting solely of a simple and readily available mark;
7. In addition to trademarks under subparagraphs 1 through 6, a trademark which is unrecognizable for
consumers to identify which goods related to whose business it indicates.
(2) Even if a trademark falls under any of paragraph (1) 3 through 7, where such trademark is recognizable
to consumers as a trademark indicating the source of goods of a specific person as a result of using the
trademark before filing an application for trademark registration, trademark registration may be granted
limited to the goods on which such trademark is used. <Amended on Oct. 31, 2023>
(3) Even if a mark falls under paragraph (1) 3 (limited to place of production) or 4, where such mark is a
geographical indication for specific goods, an applicant may obtain registration of a collective mark with
geographical indication for goods using such geographical indication as designated goods (referring to the
goods designated pursuant to Article 38 (1) and the goods additionally designated pursuant to Article 86
(1); hereinafter the same shall apply).
 
Article 34 (Trademarks Ineligible for Trademark Registration)
(1) Notwithstanding Article 33, none of the following trademarks shall be registered: <Amended on Oct. 31,
2023>
1. Any of the following trademarks, which is a national flag of a country, an insignia of an international
organization, etc.:
(a) Any trademark identical or similar to the national flag, the national emblem, the colors, medals,
decorations or insignias of the Republic of Korea, or seals or signs used for supervision or
certification by the Republic of Korea or public institutions;
(b) Any trademark identical or similar to any national flag of a country of the Union to the Paris
Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (hereinafter referred to as the "Paris
Convention"), of a member of the World Trade Organization, or of a Contracting Party to theTrademark Law Treaty (hereafter in this paragraph, referred to as "countries of the Union, etc.");
(c) Any trademark identical or similar to the title, abbreviated title, or mark of the Red Cross, the
International Olympic Committee, or a renowned international organization: Provided, That where
such organization has applied for trademark registration of its title, abbreviated title, or mark,
trademark registration may be obtained;
(d) Any trademark identical or similar to coats of arms, flags, medals, decorations or badges of the
countries of the Union, etc. designated by the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property
Office after notification by the World Intellectual Property Organization pursuant to Article 6-3 of
the Paris Convention, or titles, abbreviated titles, coats of arms, flags, medals, decorations or badges
of inter-governmental international organizations which countries of the Union, etc. have joined:
Provided, That where an inter-governmental international organization which the countries of the
Union, etc. have joined applies for trademark registration of its title, abbreviated title, or mark,
trademark registration may be obtained;
(e) Any trademark identical or similar to seals or signs used for supervision or certification by
countries of the Union, etc. designated by the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property
Office after notification by the World Intellectual Property Organization pursuant to Article 6-3 of
the Paris Convention or their public organizations, which is used for the goods identical or similar to
those for which such seals or signs are used;
2. Any trademark which falsely indicates a relationship with a state, race, ethnic group, public
organization, religion, or famous deceased person, or which slanders, insults, or is likely to defame any
of them;
3. Any trademark identical or similar to a famous mark, which is a mark indicating nonprofit business
or public service of a state, public organization, or any of its agencies and a non-profit corporation:
Provided, That where such state, etc. has applied for trademark registration of its mark, trademark
registration may be obtained;
4. Any trademark whose meaning, content, etc. conveyed to consumers is likely to harm public order,
such as being contrary to moral norms, the prevailing moral sense of ordinary people, where the
trademark itself is used or the trademark is used for goods;
5. Any trademark consisting of a mark identical or similar to a medal, certificate of merit or decoration
awarded at an exhibition held by, or with the approval of, the Government of the Republic of Korea or
at an exhibition held by, or with the approval of, the government of a foreign country: Provided, That
where a person who has been awarded at such exhibition uses such mark as part of the trademark for the
awarded goods, trademark registration may be obtained;
6. Any trademark containing the name, title, or trade name, portrait, signature, seal, literary name, stage
name, pen name of a prominent person, or his or her abbreviated title: Provided, That where the consent
of such person has been obtained, trademark registration may be obtained;7. Any trademark used on goods identical or similar to the designated goods, which is identical or
similar to a registered trademark of another person (excluding any registered collective mark with
geographical indication) based on first to file: Provided, That where the consent of such another person
has been obtained for the registration of the trademark (excluding the case where such consent has been
obtained for a trademark that is the same trademark and is used on goods identical to the designated
goods), trademark registration may be obtained;
8. Any trademark used on goods recognized as identical to the designated goods, which is identical or
similar to a registered collective mark with geographical indication of another person based on first to
file;
9. Any trademark identical or similar to a trademark (excluding a geographical indication) widely
recognized by consumers as indicating the goods of another person, which is used on goods identical or
similar to the goods of another person;
10. Any trademark identical or similar to a geographical indication of another person widely recognized
by consumers as indicating the goods of a specific region, which is used on goods recognized as
identical to the goods using such geographical indication;
11. Any trademark likely to cause confusion with goods or business of another person remarkably
recognized by consumers or to dilute their distinctiveness or reputation;
12. Any trademark which is likely to mislead consumers about the quality of goods or to deceive
consumers;
13. Any trademark identical or similar to a trademark (excluding a geographical indication) recognized
as indicating the goods of a specific person by consumers in the Republic of Korea or overseas, which is
used for unlawful purposes, such as unjust enrichment or inflicting loss on the specific person;
14. Any trademark identical or similar to a geographical indication recognized as indicating the goods
of a specific region by customers in the Republic of Korea or overseas, which is used for unlawful
purposes, such as unjust enrichment or inflicting loss on any legitimate users of such geographical
indication;
15. Any trademark consisting solely of the three-dimensional shape, color, combination of colors,
sound, or smell, which is essential (in cases of services, referring to cases essential for the use and
purpose thereof) to secure the function of goods intended to obtain trademark registration or of the
package of such goods;
16. Any trademark intended to be used on wine or distilled beverages, which consists of a geographical
indication of the place of production of wine or distilled beverages or contains such geographical
indication in a member of the World Trade Organization: Provided, That where a legitimate user of the
geographical indication applies for registration of a collective mark with geographical indication under
Article 36 (5) by designating the relevant goods as the designated goods, he or she may obtain
trademark registration;17. Any trademark identical or similar to the name of a variety registered pursuant to Article 109 of the
Act on the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, which is used for goods identical or similar to the
name of such variety;
18. Any trademark identical or similar to a geographical indication of another person registered
pursuant to Article 32 of the Agricultural and Fishery Products Quality Control Act, which is used on
goods recognized as identical to the goods using such geographical indication;
19. Any trademark which is identical or similar to a geographical indication of another person protected
in accordance with a bilateral or multilateral free trade agreement which has come into effect,
concluded by the Republic of Korea with a foreign country or foreign countries, or which consists of or
contains such geographical indication, used on goods deemed identical to the goods using such
geographical indication;
20. Any trademark for the registration of which an applicant applies on goods, which is identical or
similar to such trademark, while he or she is aware that another person uses or intends to use the
trademark through a contractual relationship, such as partnership or employment, or business
transactional relationship, or any other relationship;
21. Any trademark for the registration of which any person who has or had a contractual relationship,
such as partnership or employment, business contractual relationship, or any other relationship with a
person who holds the right to the trademark registered, which is identical or similar to the trademark
registered in a State party to the treaty, applies on goods by designating goods identical or similar to the
goods on which the trademark is designated as the designated goods without the consent of the person
who holds the right to the trademark.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall be determined based on the time a decision corresponding to any of the following
is made (hereinafter referred to as "decision on whether to grant trademark registration"): Provided, That
in cases falling under paragraph (1) 11, 13, 14, 20, and 21, the determination shall be made based on the
time an application for trademark registration is filed, but whether an applicant for trademark registration
(hereinafter referred to as the "applicant") corresponds to another person under paragraph (1) shall be
determined based on the time the decision on whether to grant trademark registration is made: <Amended
on Oct. 31, 2023>
1. Decision to reject trademark registration under Article 54;
2. Decision to grant trademark registration under Article 68.
(3) Where a trial to revoke trademark registration is requested because a trademark right holder or a person
who uses a trademark of such trademark right holder falls under Article 119 (1) 1 through 3, 5, 5-2, 6
through 9, and he or she falls under any of the following on or after the date the revocation is requested, he
or she may obtain trademark registration if he or she applies for registration of a trademark identical or
similar to such trademark [limited to where he or she intends to obtain trademark registration again by
designating identical or similar goods (in cases of a collective mark with geographical indication, referring
to goods deemed identical) as the designated goods] before three years elapse from the date he or she fallsunder any of the following on or after the date the revocation is requested: <Amended on Oct. 31, 2023>
1. Where trademark right are extinguished upon expiry;
2. Where a trademark right holder relinquishes trademark rights or abandons some of the designated
goods;
3. Where a trial decision to revoke trademark registration is final and conclusive.
(4) Paragraph (1) 8 and 10 shall not apply to homonymous collective marks with a geographical
indication.
 
Article 35 (First-to-File)
(1) Where at least two applications for trademark registration are filed on different days with respect to the
same or similar trademark to be used on the same or similar goods, only the first person who files an
application may obtain registration of such trademark.
(2) Where at least two applications for trademark registration are filed on the same day with respect to the
same or similar trademark to be used on the same or similar goods, only one applicant designated by
agreement among the applicants may obtain registration of such trademark. When they fail to reach
agreement, or are unable to do so, only one applicant determined by a lot drawn by the Commissioner of
the Korean Intellectual Property Office may obtain registration of such trademark.
(3) Where an application for trademark registration falls under any of the following, such application for
trademark registration shall be deemed to have never existed when paragraphs (1) and (2) apply:
1. Where the application for trademark registration is abandoned or withdrawn;
2. Where the application for trademark registration is invalidated;
3. Where a decision to reject trademark registration under Article 54 or a trial decision to the effect of
rejecting the same becomes final and conclusive.
(4) In cases falling under paragraph (2), the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall
order an applicant to report the terms of the agreement within a fixed period, and where the applicant fails
to so report within such period, the agreement under paragraph (2) shall be deemed never reached.
(5) The provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply to the following:
1. Where at least two applications for registration of a collective mark with geographical indication, an
application for registration of a collective mark with geographical indication, or an application for
trademark registration with the same or similar mark is filed on goods that are not identical (including
where goods are deemed identical);
2. Where at least two applications for registration of a collective mark with geographical indication,
which corresponds to the homonymous geographical indication, are filed.
(6) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), where the consent of the first person filing an application or of
an applicant determined by agreement or by a lot drawn has been obtained for the registration of the
trademark (excluding the case where such consent has been obtained for a trademark that is the same
trademark and is used on goods identical to the designated goods), a person who files an application lateror who is not an applicant determined by agreement or by a lot drawn may obtain registration of the
trademark. <Newly Inserted on Oct. 31, 2023>
 
Article 36 (Application for Trademark Registration)
(1) Any person who intends to obtain trademark registration shall submit an application for trademark
registration stating the following to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office:
1. The name and address of the applicant for trademark registration (in cases of a corporation, referring
to its name and the seat of its place of business);
2. Where there is an agent of the applicant, the name, address, or the seat of his or her place of business
(where the agent is a patent corporation or patent corporation (with limited liability), referring to its
name, the seat of its office and the name of its patent attorney designated);
3. A trademark;
4. Designated goods and the category of goods prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade,
Industry and Energy (hereinafter referred to as "category of goods");
5. Matters under Article 46 (3) (limited to where he or she claims the priority);
6. Other matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
(2) Any person who intends to obtain trademark registration shall write an explanation of such mark in an
application for trademark registration in addition to matters under the subparagraphs of paragraph (1), as
prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
(3) Any person who intends to obtain registration of a collective mark shall submit articles of
incorporation defining matters regarding using the collective mark prescribed by Presidential Decree,
along with an application for collective mark registration in addition to matters under the subparagraphs of
paragraph (1).
(4) Any person who intends to obtain registration of a certification mark shall submit documents defining
matters regarding using the certification mark prescribed by Presidential Decree (in cases of a corporation,
referring to the articles of incorporation, and where the person is not a corporation, referring to the rules;
hereinafter referred to as "articles of incorporation or the rules") and documents certifying that he or she
may certify and manage the quality, place of origin, methods of production or other characteristics of
goods he or she intends to certify, along with an application for certification mark registration, in addition
to matters under the subparagraphs of paragraph (1).
(5) Any person who intends to obtain registration of a collective mark with geographical indication or
registration of a certification mark with geographical indication shall submit documents certifying that
such mark with geographical indication is consistent with the definition of the geographical indication,
along with an application for registration of a collective mark with geographical indication or application
for registration of a certification mark with geographical indication, in addition to documents under
paragraphs (3) and (4), as prescribed by Presidential Decree.(6) Any person who intends to obtain registration of a business emblem shall submit documents certifying
that he or she conducts such business along with an application for business emblem registration in
addition to matters under the subparagraphs of paragraph (1).
 
Article 37 (Recognition of Filing Date of Application for Trademark Registration)
(1) The date an application for trademark registration is delivered to the Commissioner of the Korean
Intellectual Property Office shall be deemed the date an application for trademark registration is filed:
Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where an application for trademark registration falls under
any of the following:
1. Where the purpose for which an applicant intends to obtain trademark registration is not clearly
indicated;
2. Where an applicant cannot be identified because his or her name or title is not mentioned or is not
mentioned clearly;
3. Where a trademark cannot be recognized because the trademark intended to be registered is not
mentioned in the application for trademark registration or matters mentioned are unclear;
4. Where no designated goods are mentioned;
5. Where the application is not prepared in Korean.
(2) Where an application for trademark registration falls under any of the subparagraphs of paragraph (1),
the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall order a person who intends to obtain
trademark registration to supplement such application within a reasonably fixed period.
(3) Where a person ordered to supplement an application under paragraph (2) supplements this application
for trademark registration, he or she shall submit a document concerning the complement of procedures
(hereafter in this Article, referred to as "document concerning the complement of procedures").
(4) Where a person ordered to complement an application under paragraph (2) complements this
application for trademark registration within the designated period, the Commissioner of the Korean
Intellectual Property Office shall deem the date such document concerning the complement of procedures
is delivered to the Korean Intellectual Property Office to be the date his or her application for trademark
registration is filed.
(5) Where a person ordered to complement an application under paragraph (2) fails to complement this
application for trademark registration within the designated period, the Commissioner of the Korean
Intellectual Property Office may return such application for trademark registration, deeming such
application to be an inappropriate application.
 
Article 38 (One Application for One Trademark)
(1) Any person who intends to file an application for trademark registration shall file an application for
each trademark by designating at least one category of goods in accordance with the classification of
goods.(2) Specific goods belonging to the category of goods under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed and
announced by the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office.
(3) No classification of any category of goods under paragraph (1) shall be construed as prescribing the
range of similarity of goods.
 
Article 39 (Amendment of Procedures)
The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office of the President of the Intellectual Property
Trial and Appeal Board shall order a relevant person to amend trademark-related procedures within a fixed
period, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, if any of the following
applies:
1. Where any of the procedures violates Article 4 (1) or 7;
2. Where the person fails to pay a fee required under Article 78;
3. Where any of the procedures violates any formality prescribed by this Act or any order issued
hereunder.
 
Article 40 (Amendment before Decision to Publish Application)
(1) Any applicant may amend items mentioned in an application for trademark registration, designated
goods concerning an application for trademark registration, and a trademark to the extent that the
substance of the initial application for trademark registration remains unchanged until the following time:
<Amended on Feb. 3, 2022>
1. Where a re-examination is requested under Article 55-2: The period for requesting a re-examination;
1-2. Where a decision to publish an application under Article 57 is made: Until the application is
published;
2. Where no decision to publish an application under Article 57 is made: Until a decision to reject
trademark registration under Article 54 is made;
3. Where a trial against a decision to reject under Article 116 is requested: Within 30 days from the date
of such request;
4. Where examination regulations are applied mutatis mutandis to a trial against a decision to reject
pursuant to Article 123: The period for submitting a written opinion under Article 55 (1) or (3) or 87 (2)
or (3).
(2) Where an amendment made under paragraph (1) falls under any of the following, the substance of the
relevant application for trademark registration shall be deemed unchanged:
1. Reduction of the scope of designated goods;
2. Correction of written errors;
3. Clarification of ambiguous statements;
4. Omission of supplemental portion of the trademark;5. Other matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, such as
explanation concerning the mark under Article 36 (2).
(3) Where an amendment made under paragraph (1) is not deemed to fall under paragraph (2) after the
establishment and registration of trademark rights, an application for such trademark registration shall be
deemed filed at the time a written amendment is submitted.
 
Article 41 (Amendment after Decision to Publish Application)
(1) Where any applicant falls under any of the following after a certified copy of a decision to publish an
application under Article 57 (2) is served, he or she may amend designated goods and the trademark to the
extent that the substance of the initial application for trademark registration remains unchanged within the
period prescribed in the relevant subparagraph: <Amended on Feb. 3, 2022>
1. Where he or she requests a trial under Article 116 regarding matters mentioned in grounds for a
decision to reject trademark registration under Article 54 or a decision to reject registration of additional
designated goods under Article 87 (1): 30 days from the date he or she requests a trial;
2. Where he or she intends to amend matters mentioned in grounds for rejection after he or she is
notified of grounds for rejection under Articles 55 (1) and 87 (2): The period for submitting a written
opinion on the relevant reasons for rejection;
2-2. Where he or she requests a re-examination under Article 55-2: The period for requesting a re-
examination;
3. Where he or she intends to amend matters mentioned in reasons for filing a formal objection when
such formal objection is filed: The period for submitting a written answer under Article 66 (1).
(2) Where an amendment under paragraph (1) falls under any of the subparagraphs of Article 40 (2), the
substance of an application for trademark registration shall be deemed unchanged.
(3) Where an amendment under paragraph (1) is deemed to fall outside of any of the subparagraphs of
Article 40 (2) after registration and establishment of trademark rights, trademark rights shall be deemed
registered and established concerning such application for trademark registration which has not been
amended.
 
Article 42 (Dismissal of Amendment)
(1) Where an amendment under Articles 40 and 41 falls outside of any of the subparagraphs of Article 40
(2), an examiner shall dismiss such amendment by decision.
(2) Where an examiner makes a decision to dismiss under paragraph (1), he or she shall not decide on
whether to grant trademark registration concerning an application for trademark registration until the
expiry of the period for requesting a trial against a decision to dismiss an amendment under Article 115;
and where a decision to dismiss is made under paragraph (1) before publication of the application is
decided, he or she shall decide not to publish the application as well. <Amended on Oct. 19, 2021>(3) Where an applicant requests a trial against a decision to dismiss under paragraph (1) pursuant to
Article 115, an examiner shall suspend the examination of such application for trademark registration until
a trial decision becomes final and conclusive.
(4) A decision to dismiss under paragraph (1) shall be made in writing, and reasons therefor shall be
specified.
(5) No decision of dismissal (limited to a decision to dismiss an amendment under Article 41) under
paragraph (1) shall be appealed: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where an applicant requests a
trial against a decision to dismiss under Article 116.
 
Article 43 (Submission of Amended Articles of Incorporation)
(1) Where an applicant for registration of a collective mark amends the articles of incorporation under
Article 36 (3), he or she shall submit the amended articles of incorporation to the Commissioner of the
Korean Intellectual Property Office within a period prescribed by the subparagraphs of Article 40 (1) or
the subparagraphs of Article 41 (1).
(2) Where an applicant for registration of a certification mark amends the articles of incorporation or the
rules, he or she shall submit the amended articles of incorporation or the amended rules to the
Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office within a period prescribed under the
subparagraphs of Article 40 (1) or the subparagraphs of Article 41 (1).
 
Article 44 (Modification of Applications)
(1) Any applicant who has filed any of the following applications may modify the application with any of
the other following applications:
1. An application for trademark registration;
2. An application for collective mark registration (excluding an application for collective mark
registration with geographical indication);
3. An application for certification mark registration (excluding an application for certification mark
registration with geographical indication).
(2) Any applicant who has filed an application for registration of additional designated goods may modify
such application to an application for trademark registration: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply
where a trial to invalidate a registered trademark which becomes the basis of an application for registration
of additional designated goods or a trial to revoke such registered trademark is requested, or such
trademark is nullified due to the aforesaid trial.
(3) An application modified pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) (hereinafter referred to as "modified
application") shall be deemed filed when the first application is filed: Provided, That the application of the
provisions of Article 46 (3) or (4) or Article 47 (2) shall be based on the time a modified application is
filed. <Amended on Oct. 31, 2023>(4) No modification of an application under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be made after a decision on
whether registration based on the first application is granted or trial decision thereon becomes final and
conclusive.
(5) Where an application forming the basis of a modified application is the one for which priority is
claimed pursuant to Article 46, such priority shall be deemed claimed at the time such modified
application is filed under paragraphs (1) and (2); and where any documents or writings have been
submitted under Article 46 for an application forming the basis of a modified application, the relevant
documents or writings shall be deemed submitted for such modified application. <Newly Inserted on Oct. 31,
2023>
(6) With regard to a modified application for which priority is deemed claimed under Article 46 in
accordance with paragraph (5), all or part of such priority claim may be withdrawn within 30 days from
the date the modified application is filed. <Newly Inserted on Oct. 31, 2023>
(7) Paragraphs (5) and (6) shall apply mutatis mutandis to special cases at the time of filing applications
under Article 47. <Newly Inserted on Oct. 31, 2023>
(8) In cases of a modified application, the first application shall be deemed withdrawn. <Amended on Oct.
31, 2023>
 
Article 45 (Division of Application)
(1) Where an applicant has filed an application for trademark registration for at least two kinds of goods as
designated goods, such application for trademark registration may be divided into at least two applications
for trademark registration within a period prescribed by the subparagraphs of Article 40 (1) and the
subparagraphs of Article 41 (1).
(2) Where an application for trademark registration divided pursuant to paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred
to as "divisional application") is filed, such divisional application shall be deemed filed at the time the first
application for trademark registration is filed: Provided, That the application of the provisions of Article
46 (3) or (4) or Article 47 (2) shall be based on the time a divisional application is filed. <Amended on Oct.
31, 2023>
(3) Where an application for trademark registration on which division is based is an application for
trademark registration for which priority is claimed under Article 46, priority shall be deemed claimed
also with regard to a divisional application if such divisional application is filed under paragraph (1); and
where there exist any documents or writings submitted under Article 46 in respect to an application for
trademark registration on which division is based, the relevant documents or writings shall be deemed
submitted also with respect to the divisional application. <Newly Inserted on Oct. 19, 2021>
(4) With regard to a divisional application for which priority is deemed claimed under Article 46 in
accordance with paragraph (3), all or part of such priority claim may be withdrawn within 30 days from
the date the divisional application is filed. <Newly Inserted on Oct. 19, 2021>(5) Paragraphs (3) and (4) shall apply mutatis mutandis to special cases at the time of filing an application
under Article 47. <Newly Inserted on Oct. 19, 2021>
 
Article 46 (Claim of Priority under Treaty)
(1) Where a citizen of a State party which recognizes the priority of an application for trademark
registration filed by a citizen of the Republic of Korea in accordance with the treaty claims priority by
filing an application for registration of the same trademark with the Republic of Korea after he or she has
filed an application for trademark registration with the State party or other State parties, the date the
application for trademark registration is filed with the State party shall be deemed the date the application
for trademark registration is filed with the Republic of Korea when Article 35 is applied. The same shall
also apply where a citizen of the Republic of Korea files an application for registration of the same
trademark with the Republic of Korea after he or she has filed an application for trademark registration
with the State party which recognizes the priority of an application for trademark registration filed by a
citizen of the Republic of Korea in accordance with the treaty.
(2) No person who intends to claim priority pursuant to paragraph (1) shall claim such priority unless he or
she files an application within six months after the date of the first application forming the basis for
claiming the priority.
(3) Any person who intends to claim the priority pursuant to paragraph (1) shall state the purpose of filing
an application for trademark registration, the name of the country with which the first application for
trademark registration was filed, and the filing date of the first application in the written application for
trademark registration at the time of filing the application.
(4) Any person who claims priority pursuant to paragraph (3) shall submit a document stating the filing
date of an application for trademark registration recognized by the government of a State party with which
he or she filed the first application for trademark registration, a trademark and a certified copy of
designated goods, to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office within three months
after the filing date of an application for trademark registration.
(5) Where a person who claims priority pursuant to paragraph (3) fails to submit documents under
paragraph (4) within the period under paragraph (4), his or her claim of the priority shall lose its effect.
 
Article 47 (Special Cases at Time of Filing Applications)
(1) Where any person who may obtain trademark registration files an application for registration of a
trademark used on goods exhibited in any of the following exhibitions by designating such goods as
designated goods within six months from the date the goods are exhibited, such application for trademark
registration shall be deemed filed at the time of the exhibition of the goods:
1. An exhibition held by the Government or a local government;
2. An exhibition held by a person who obtained approval from the Government or a local government;3. An exhibition held outside the Republic of Korea with the approval of the Government;
4. An international exhibition held by the government of a State party to the treaty or a person who
obtained approval from such government in the territory of the State party.
(2) Any person who intends to be subject to paragraph (1) shall submit a written application for trademark
registration stating the purpose thereof to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office and
also submit a document proving the purpose to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property
Office within 30 days from the filing date of the application for trademark registration.
 
Article 48 (Succession to and Divided Transfer of Applications)
(1) No succession to an application for trademark registration shall take effect unless a report on the
change of the applicant is filed, except in cases of inheritance and other general succession.
(2) An application for trademark registration may be transferred by dividing such application for each of
the designated goods. In such cases, similar designated goods shall be transferred en bloc.
(3) Where an application for trademark registration is inherited or succeeded in general, the successor
shall report, without delay, the purpose thereof to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property
Office.
(4) Where an application for trademark registration is owned jointly, no joint owner shall transfer his or
her stake therein without the consent of all other joint owners.
(5) An application for trademark registration transferred after the division thereof pursuant to paragraph
(2) shall be deemed filed at the time the first application for trademark registration was filed: Provided,
That the foregoing shall not apply where the priority under Article 46 (1) is claimed or special cases exist
at the time of filing of the application under Article 47 (1).
(6) Any of the following applications for registration shall not be transferred: Provided, That where such
application for registration is transferred together with affairs under the relevant subparagraph, it may be
transferred:
1. An application for registration of a business emblem under Article 3 (6);
2. An application for trademark registration under the proviso of Article 34 (1) 1 (c), the proviso of item
(d) of the same subparagraph and the proviso of subparagraph 3 of the same paragraph.
(7) No application for collective mark registration shall be transferred: Provided, That where corporations
are merged, an application for collective mark registration may be transferred with permission of the
Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office.
(8) No application for certification mark registration shall be transferred: Provided, That where an
application for certification mark registration is transferred together with its business to a person who may
obtain a certification mark registration under Article 3 (3) with the relevant certification mark, such
application for certification mark registration may be transferred with the permission of the Commissioner
of the Korean Intellectual Property Office. 
Article 49 (Provision of Information)
Any person may provide the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the President of
the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board with information to the effect that a trademark for which
an application for registration was filed cannot be registered because it falls under Article 54, along with
evidence.
 
CHAPTER III EXAMINATIONS 
 
Article 50 (Examination by Examiners)
(1) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may require examiners to examine
applications for trademark registration and formal objections.
(2) Matters necessary for qualifications of examiners shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
 
Article 51 (Registration of Institutions Specializing in Trademarks)
(1) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may request a specialized institution
under paragraph (2) to conduct the following affairs where deemed necessary to examine applications for
trademark registration: <Amended on Jan. 8, 2019>
1. Search of trademark;
2. Classification of goods;
3. Other affairs prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as the examination of the use of a trademark.
(2) Any person intending to conduct affairs requested by the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual
Property Office under paragraph (1) shall be registered as a specialized institution with the Commissioner.
<Newly Inserted on Jan. 8, 2019>
(3) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may have a dedicated institution
prescribed by Presidential Decree manage and evaluate the affairs of a specialized institution on his or her
behalf where deemed necessary to effectively conduct the affairs prescribed in paragraph (1). <Newly
Inserted on Jan. 8, 2019>
(4) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may seek cooperation and opinions from
related administrative agencies or persons with extensive knowledge of and experience in trademarks, or
other relevant persons where deemed necessary to examine applications for trademark registration.
<Amended on Jan. 8, 2019>
(5) Where an application for a collective mark with a geographical indication is filed on a product eligible
for the registration of a geographical indication under the Agricultural and Fishery Products Quality
Control Act, the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall hear opinions of the
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs or the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries as to whether
such collective mark constitutes a geographical indication. <Amended on Jan. 8, 2019>(6) Criteria for the registration of a specialized institution under paragraph (2) and matters necessary for
requesting trademark search, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 8, 2019>
 
Article 52 (Revocation of Registration of Institutions Specializing in Trademarks)
(1) Where a specialized institution under Article 51 (2) falls under subparagraph 1, the Commissioner of
the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall revoke the registration thereof; and where it falls under
subparagraph 2, he or she may revoke the registration thereof or order it to suspend its business for a fixed
period not exceeding six months: <Amended on Jan. 8, 2019>
1. Where it is registered by fraud or other improper means;
2. Where it fails to meet the criteria for registration under Article 51 (6).
(2) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office intends to revoke the registration
of a specialized institution or order it to suspend its business pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall hold
hearings. <Amended on Jan. 8, 2019>
(3) Matters necessary for criteria, procedures, etc. for taking administrative measures under paragraph (1)
shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
 
Article 53 (Order of Examination and Preferential Examination)
(1) Applications for trademark registration shall be examined in the order of the applications filed.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may
require examiners to examine any of the following applications for trademark registration in preference to
other applications for trademark registration:
1. Where a person who is not an applicant is deemed to use a trademark identical or similar to the
trademark for the registration of which an application has been filed on the same or similar designated
goods as his or her business without justifiable grounds, after an application for trademark registration
has been filed;
2. Where urgent management of an application for trademark registration is deemed necessary, which is
prescribed by Presidential Decree, because an applicant uses a trademark for the registration of which
an application has been filed on all the designated goods.
 
Article 54 (Decision to Reject Trademark Registration)
Where an application for trademark registration falls under any of the following, an examiner shall decide
to reject trademark registration. In such cases, where some of designated goods in the application for
trademark registration fall under any of the following cases, a decision to reject trademark registration
shall be made only for such designated goods: <Amended on Feb. 3, 2022>
1. Where a trademark fails to meet the definitions of a trademark, collective mark, geographical
indication, collective mark with geographical indication, certification mark, certification mark with
geographical indication, or business emblem under Article 2 (1);2. Where a trademark is in violation of the treaty;
3. Where a trademark cannot be registered pursuant to Articles 3, 27, 33 through 35, 38 (1), the latter
part of Article 48 (2), or Article 48 (4) or (6) through (8);
4. Where a person is not entitled to registration of a collective mark, certification mark and business
emblem under Article 3;
5. In cases of an application for registration of a collective mark with geographical indication, where the
articles of incorporation of an organization actually do not permit persons to join the organization as its
members, such as prohibiting persons from joining the organization in accordance with the articles of
incorporation, or impracticable conditions for joining the organization are stipulated in the articles of
incorporation;
6. Where all or some of the matters regarding using a collective mark prescribed by Presidential Decree
are not stated in the articles of incorporation under Article 36 (3), or all or some of the matters regarding
using a certification mark prescribed by Presidential Decree are not stated in the articles of
incorporation or the rules under paragraph (4) of that Article;
7. In cases of an application for registration of a certification mark, where the articles of incorporation
actually do not permit persons who may use such certification mark to use it, such as prohibiting
persons from using it in accordance with the articles of incorporation or the rules without justifiable
grounds, or impracticable conditions of use thereof are stipulated in the articles of incorporation or the
rules.
 
Article 55 (Notification of Grounds for Rejection)
(1) An examiner shall pre-notify an applicant of grounds for rejection (referring to grounds provided in
any of the subparagraphs of Article 54; hereinafter referred to as "grounds for rejection") in any of the
following cases. In such cases, the applicant may submit a written opinion about grounds for rejection
within a period prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy: <Amended on Oct.
19, 2021>
1. Where the examiner intends to decide to reject trademark registration under Article 54;
2. Where the examiner intends to decide to reject trademark registration on the grounds for rejection
that have already been notified before a decision to grant trademark registration revoked upon ex officio
re-examination prescribed in Article 68-2 (1).
(2) Where an examiner notifies an applicant of grounds for rejection pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she
shall specify the grounds and basis for rejection of each of the designated goods.
(3) An applicant who fails to submit a written opinion within a period under the latter part of paragraph (1)
may apply for continuing trademark-related procedures and submit a written opinion addressing the
grounds for rejection within two months from the expiration date of such period.
 Article 55-2 (Request for Re-Examination)
(1) A person subject to a decision to reject trademark registration under Article 54 may request a re-
examination of the relevant application for trademark registration after amending the designated goods or
trademark within three months (where the period prescribed in Article 116 is extended pursuant to Article
17 (1), referring to the extended period) from the date a certified copy of such decision is served:
Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where a decision to reject trademark registration has already
been made following a re-examination or a trial is requested under Article 116 when a re-examination is
requested.
(2) An applicant may submit a written opinion when requesting a re-examination under paragraph (1).
(3) Where a re-examination is requested under paragraph (1), the previous decision to reject trademark
registration made with regard to the relevant application for trademark registration shall be deemed
revoked: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where the procedures for requesting a re-
examination are invalidated under Article 18 (1).
(4) No request for a re-examination filed under paragraph (1) shall be withdrawn.
 
Article 56 (Submission of Documents)
The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or an examiner may request a party to
submit documents and other articles necessary for any procedure other than a procedure for trial or retrial.
 
Article 57 (Publication of Applications)
(1) Where an examiner fails to discover any ground for rejection of an application for trademark
registration (where any ground for rejection exists with respect to part of designated goods, referring to
where a decision to reject such designated goods becomes final and conclusive), he or she shall decide to
publish such application: Provided, That a decision to publish an application may be omitted in any of the
following cases: <Amended on Feb. 3, 2022>
1. Where the applicant divides his or her application for trademark registration officially announced into
at least two applications for trademark registration pursuant to Article 45 after a certified copy of a
decision to publish the application under paragraph (2) is served on the applicant, in which case the
examiner fails to discover any grounds for rejection of such divisional application;
2. Where a trial decision to revoke a decision to reject trademark registration under Article 54 is made,
in which case the relevant application for trademark registration has already been publicly announced
and the examiner fails to discover other grounds for rejection.
(2) Where a decision under the main clause, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of paragraph (1) is
made, the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall serve a certified copy of such
decision on the applicant and publish the application for trademark registration in the Trademark Official
Gazette.(3) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall make an application for trademark
registration and accompanying documents available for public inspection at the Korean Intellectual
Property Office for two months from the date of publication of the application pursuant to paragraph (2).
 
Article 58 (Right to Claim Compensation for Loss)
(1) An applicant may issue a warning in writing to a person who uses a trademark identical or similar to
the trademark concerning the relevant application for trademark registration regarding goods identical or
similar to designated goods concerning the relevant application for trademark registration after publication
of the application under Article 57 (2) (including where it is applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Articles
88 (2) and 123 (1)) is made: Provided, That where the applicant presents a copy of the relevant application
for trademark registration, he or she may issue a written warning even before the application is published.
(2) An applicant who has issued a warning pursuant to paragraph (1) may claim the payment of
compensation equivalent to business loss incurred in relation to the use of the relevant trademark during
the period after the issuance of a warning until trademark rights are established and registered.
(3) No right to claim under paragraph (2) shall be exercised until trademark rights to the relevant
application for trademark registration are established and registered.
(4) No exercise of the right to claim under paragraph (2) shall affect the exercise of trademark rights.
(5) Articles 91, 108, 113 and 114 of this Act, and Articles 760 and 766 of the Civil Act shall apply mutatis
mutandis to the scope, etc. of protection of a registered trademark where the right to claim under
paragraph (2) is exercised. In such cases, "date the injured party or his or her legal representative becomes
aware of such loss and of the identity of the person who caused it" in Article 766 (1) of the Civil Act shall
be construed as "date the relevant trademark rights are established and registered".
(6) Where an application for trademark registration falls under any of the following, the right to claim
under paragraph (2) shall be deemed never to have occurred:
1. Where the application for trademark registration is abandoned, withdrawn, or invalidated;
2. Where a decision to reject trademark registration under Article 54 on an application for trademark
registration becomes final and conclusive;
3. Where a trial decision to invalidate trademark registration pursuant to Article 117 (excluding cases
falling under paragraph (1) 5 through 7 of the same Article) becomes final and conclusive.
 
Article 59 (Ex Officio Amendment)
(1) Where any matter mentioned in a written application for trademark registration is clearly incorrect
when an examiner decides to publish an application under Article 57, he or she may make any
amendments ex officio (hereinafter referred to as "ex officio amendment"). In such cases, the ex officio
amendment shall be made within the scope specified in Article 40 (2). <Amended on Oct. 31, 2023>
(2) In order for an examiner to make ex officio amendments pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall
notify the applicant of such ex officio amendments along with a certified copy of a decision to publish anapplication served under Article 57 (2).
(3) Where an applicant cannot accept all or some of the ex officio amendments, he or she shall submit his
or her written opinion thereon to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office within a
period under Article 57 (3).
(4) Where an applicant submits his or her written opinion pursuant to paragraph (3), all or some of the ex
officio amendments shall be deemed never to have existed. In such cases, a decision to publish such
application shall be deemed revoked simultaneously.
(5) Where an ex officio amendment exceeds the scope specified in Article 40 (2) or any matter which is
not evidently wrong is amended ex officio, such ex officio amendment shall be deemed never to have
existed. <Newly Inserted on Oct. 31, 2023>
 
Article 60 (Formal Objections)
(1) Where an application is published, any person may file a formal objection with the Commissioner of
the Korean Intellectual Property Office on the grounds that such application falls under any of the
following within two months from the date of publication of the application:
1. The application constitutes grounds for rejection of a decision to reject trademark registration under
Article 54;
2. The application constitutes grounds for rejection of a decision to reject additional registration under
Article 87 (1).
(2) Any person who intends to file a formal objection pursuant to paragraph (1) shall submit a formal
objection stating the following to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office along with
necessary evidence:
1. Name and address of the applicant (in cases of a corporation, referring to its name and the seat of its
place of business);
2. Where there is an agent of an applicant, the name and address or the seat of the place of business of
such agent (where an agent is a patent corporation or patent corporation (with limited liability),
referring to its name, the seat of its place of business, and the name of a patent attorney designated);
3. An application subject to formal objection;
4. Matters against which a formal objection is filed;
5. Grounds for filing a formal objection and citation of necessary evidence.
 
Article 61 (Amendment of Grounds for Filing Formal Objection)
A person who raises a formal objection (hereinafter referred to as "person who raises a formal objection")
to trademark registration under Article 60 (1) may amend the grounds stated in a written formal objection
and evidence within 30 days after the period for filing a formal objection expires.
 Article 62 (Examination of Formal Objections)
(1) A collegial body of examiners (hereinafter referred to as "collegial body of examiners") composed of
three examiners shall examine and decide on a formal objection.
(2) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall designate examiners to form a
collegial body of examiners for each formal objection.
(3) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall designate the chief examiner from
among examiners designated pursuant to paragraph (2).
(4) Articles 130 (2), 131 (2), and 132 (2) and (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis to a collegial body of
examiners and the chief examiner. In such cases, "President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal
Board" shall be construed as "Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office," "judge" as
"examiner," "trial decision" as "examination" under Article 130 (2), "presiding judge" as "chief examiner,"
and "case of trial decision" as "case of formal objection" under Article 131 (2), "collegial body of judges"
as "collegial body of examiners" under Article 132 (2), and "trial decision" as "examination" under Article
132 (3), respectively.
 
Article 63 (Scope of Examination of Formal Objections)
A collegial body of examiners may also examine grounds not claimed by an applicant or a person who
raises a formal objection concerning a formal objection. In such cases, it shall provide an applicant or a
person who raises a formal objection with an opportunity to state his or her opinion on such grounds
within a fixed period.
 
Article 64 (Consolidation or Division of Formal Objections)
A collegial body of examiners may examine or decide on at least two formal objections by consolidating
or dividing them.
 
Article 65 (Competition in Formal Objections)
(1) If at least two formal objections are raised, where a collegial body of examiners deems one formal
objection is found to have reasonable grounds during examination thereof, he or she may choose not to
decide on the remaining formal objections.
(2) Where a collegial body of examiners fails to decide on a formal objection pursuant to paragraph (1),
the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall also serve a certified copy of a decision
to reject trademark registration on the relevant person who has raised the formal objection.
 
Article 66 (Decision on Formal Objection)
(1) Where a formal objection is raised, the chief examiner shall serve a duplicate copy of a formal
objection on an applicant, and provide him or her with an opportunity to submit a written answer within a
fixed period.(2) A collegial body of examiners shall decide on a formal objection after the period for raising a formal
objection under paragraph (1) and Article 60 (1) expires.
(3) A decision on a formal objection shall be made in writing, and grounds therefor shall be specified. In
such cases, where grounds for a decision on at least two designated goods are mutually different, grounds
for the decision on each of the designated goods shall be specified.
(4) Where a person who raises a formal objection fails to submit grounds for the formal objection or
evidence within the period for raising the formal objection under Article 60 (1), notwithstanding paragraph
(1), a collegial body of examiners may dismiss the formal objection by decision after the period under
Article 61 expires. In such cases, it shall serve a certified copy of such decision on the person who has
raised the formal objection.
(5) Where a decision under paragraph (2) is made, the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property
Office shall serve a certified copy of such decision on an applicant and a person who has raised a formal
objection.
(6) An applicant and a person who has raised a formal objection may appeal a decision under paragraphs
(2) and (4) according to any of the following methods:
1. Applicant: Request for a trial under Article 116;
2. Person who has raised a formal objection: Request for a trial to invalidate trademark registration
under Article 117.
 
Article 67 (Decision to Reject Trademark Registration Ex Officio after Publication of Application for
Trademark Registration)
(1) Where an examiner discovers grounds for rejection after publication of an application, he or she may
decide to reject trademark registration under Article 54 ex officio.
(2) Where an examiner decides to reject trademark registration pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall
not decide on a formal objection even if the formal objection is raised.
(3) Where an examiner decides to reject trademark registration pursuant to paragraph (1), the
Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall serve a certified copy of a decision to reject
trademark registration on a person who has raised a formal objection.
 
Article 68 (Decision to Grant Trademark Registration)
Where an examiner fails to discover grounds for rejection of an application for trademark registration
(where any ground for rejection exists with respect to part of designated goods, referring to where a
decision to reject such designated goods becomes final and conclusive), he or she shall decide to grant
trademark registration. <Amended on Feb. 3, 2022>
 
Article 68-2 (Ex Officio Re-Examination after Decision to Grant Trademark Registration)(1) Where an examiner discovers any obvious ground for rejection of an application for which a decision
to grant trademark registration is made, he or she may revoke such decision ex officio and re-examine the
application (hereinafter referred to as "ex officio re-examination"): Provided, That the foregoing shall not
apply in any of the following cases:
1. Where the ground for rejection falls under Article 38 (1);
2. Where trademark rights are established and registered following the decision to grant trademark
registration;
3. Where the application for trademark registration is withdrawn or abandoned.
(2) When an examiner intends to conduct an ex officio re-examination under paragraph (1), he or she shall
notify the relevant applicant that he or she revokes the decision to grant trademark registration.
(3) Where an application for trademark registration falls under paragraph (1) 2 or 3 before the applicant is
notified under paragraph (2), the decision to grant trademark registration shall be deemed never to have
been revoked.
 
Article 69 (Methods to Decide Whether to Grant Trademark Registration)
(1) All decisions on whether to grant trademark registration shall be made in writing, and grounds therefor
shall be specified.
(2) Where a decision on whether to grant trademark registration is made, the Commissioner of the Korean
Intellectual Property Office shall serve a certified copy of such decision on the applicant.
 
Article 70 (Suspension of Procedures for Examination or Legal Proceedings)
(1) Where necessary for examining an application for trademark registration, procedures for examination
of such application for trademark registration may be suspended until a trial decision becomes final and
conclusive or legal proceedings are completed.
(2) Where necessary for litigation, the court may suspend legal proceedings until a decision on whether to
grant trademark registration becomes final and conclusive.
 
Article 71 (Application Mutatis Mutandis of Trial Provisions to Examination of and Decision on
Formal Objections)
The provisions of Article 128, subparagraphs 1 through 5 and 7 of Article 134, Article 144 and Articles
143, 299 and 367 of the Civil Procedure Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the examination of and
decision on formal objections.
 
CHAPTER IV TRADEMARK REGISTRATION FEES AND 
TRADEMARK REGISTRATION 
 Article 72 (Trademark Registration Fees)
(1) Any person who intends to obtain establishment and registration of any of the following trademark
rights shall pay a trademark registration fee. In such cases, where registration falls under subparagraph 1
or 2, he or she may pay a trademark registration fee in two installments:
1. Establishment and registration of trademark rights under Article 82;
2. Registration to renew the duration of trademark rights;
3. Registration of additional designated goods under Article 86.
(2) An interested party may pay a trademark registration fee, irrespective of the wishes of a person liable
to pay a trademark registration fee under paragraph (1).
(3) Matters necessary for trademark registration fees under paragraph (1), methods of the payment thereof,
the period for payment, payment in installments, etc. shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of
Trade, Industry and Energy.
 
Article 73 (Abandonment of Some of Designated Goods When Paying Trademark Registration Fees)
(1) Where any of the following persons pays a trademark registration fee (where he or she pays the
trademark registration fee in installments pursuant to the latter part, with the exception of the
subparagraphs, of Article 72 (1), referring to the first installment of the trademark registration fee), he or
she may abandon trademark registration for each of the designated goods:
1. A person issued a decision to grant trademark registration in relation to an application for trademark
registration containing at least two designated goods;
2. A person who receives a decision to grant registration of additional designated goods in relation to an
application for registration of additional designated goods;
3. A person who files an application to register the renewal of the duration of trademark rights.
(2) Matters necessary for abandoning designated goods under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by
Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
 
Article 74 (Extension of Payment Period of Trademark Registration Fees)
The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may extend the payment period of
trademark registration fees under Article 72 (3), by up to 30 days at the request of an applicant.
 
Article 75 (Abandonment of Applications due to Failure to Pay Trademark Registration Fees)
Where an applicant falls under any of the following, he or she shall be deemed to have abandoned an
application for trademark registration, application for registration of additional designated goods or
application to register the renewal of the duration of trademark rights:
1. Where he or she fails to pay the relevant trademark registration fee (where he or she pays the
trademark registration fee in installments pursuant to the latter, with the exception of the subparagraphs,
part of Article 72 (1), referring to the first installment of the trademark registration fee; hereinafter thesame shall apply) within the payment period under Articles 72 (3) or 74;
2. Where he or she is ordered to pay the remainder of a trademark registration fee pursuant to Article 76
(1) but fails to do so within the period prescribed therefor;
3. Where he or she falls under Article 77 (1), in which case he or she fails to pay a trademark
registration fee or pay the remainder of the trademark registration fee within the relevant period.
 
Article 76 (Payment of Remainder of Trademark Registration Fees)
(1) Any person who intends to obtain establishment and registration of trademark rights, registration of
additional designated goods, or registration to renew the duration of trademark rights, or a trademark right
holder fails to pay part of the trademark registration fee within the payment period under Article 72 (3) or
74, the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall order him or her to pay the
remainder of the trademark registration fee.
(2) Any person ordered to pay the remainder of the trademark registration fee pursuant to paragraph (1)
may do so within one month (hereinafter referred to as "period for remainder payment") after he or she
receives such order.
(3) Any person who pays the remainder of the trademark registration fee pursuant to paragraph (2) shall
pay an amount prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy by up to twice the
unpaid amount.
 
Article 77 (Reinstatement of Application for Trademark Registration by Payment of Trademark
Registration Fees or Remainder Payment)
(1) Where any of the following persons fails to pay a trademark registration fee within the payment period
under Article 72 (3) or 74 or fails to pay the remainder within the period for remainder payment under
Article 76 (2) for good reason, he or she may pay such trademark registration fee or pay the remainder
within two months from the date such reason ceases to exist: Provided, That where one year has elapsed
since the expiration of the period for payment or of the period for remainder payment, whichever occurs
later, he or she shall not be able to pay the trademark registration fee or pay the remainder: <Amended on
Oct. 19, 2021>
1. An applicant for trademark registration;
2. An applicant for registration of additional designated goods;
3. An applicant to register the renewal of the duration of trademark rights, or a trademark right holder.
(2) Notwithstanding Article 75, any person who has paid a trademark registration fee or paid a remainder
(where he or she has paid a trademark registration fee in installments pursuant to the latter part, with the
exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 72 (1), referring to a person who has paid the first installment of
a trademark registration fee or paid the remainder thereof) pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not be deemed
to have abandoned such application for trademark registration, application for registration of additional
designated goods or application to register the renewal of the duration of trademark rights.(3) Where an application for trademark registration, an application for registration of additional designated
goods or a bundle of trademark rights (hereafter in this Article, referred to as "application for trademark
registration, etc.") has been recovered pursuant to paragraph (2), such application for trademark
registration, etc. shall not effect an act of using a trademark identical or similar to such trademark on
goods identical or similar to such designated goods before the application for trademark registration, etc. is
recovered after the period for payment under Article 72 (3) or 74 expires.
 
Article 78 (Fees)
(1) Any person who follows trademark-related procedures shall pay fees: Provided, That where an
examiner requests a trial to invalidate a trademark pursuant to Articles 117 (1) and 118 (1), he or she shall
be exempted from the fees.
(2) Matters necessary for fees under paragraph (1), methods of payment thereof, the period for the
payment thereof, etc. shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
(3) Any person who intends to file an application to register the renewal of the duration of trademark
rights during the period under the proviso of Article 84 (2) shall pay fees under paragraph (2) in addition
to an amount prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
 
Article 79 (Refund of Trademark Registration Fees and Fees)
(1) Where a trademark registration fee or a fee already paid falls under any of the following, the trademark
registration fee or the fee under the following classification shall be refunded at the request of the person
who has paid the trademark registration fee or the fee: <Amended on Oct. 31, 2023>
1. Where the trademark registration fee or the fee is paid mistakenly: The trademark registration fee or
the fee mistakenly paid;
2. Where an application for trademark registration is withdrawn or abandoned within one month such
application for trademark registration is filed: An application fee for trademark registration and an
application fee for priority claim among the fees already paid: Provided, That the foregoing shall not
apply to the following applications:
(a) Divisional applications, applications for modification, or applications for trademark registration
which become the basis of divisional applications or applications for modification;
(b) Applications for preferential examination under Article 53;
(c) Applications for international trademark registration deemed applications for trademark
registration under this Act pursuant to Article 180 (1);
3. Where a decision to dismiss an amendment or decision to reject an amendment is revoked pursuant to
Article 156 (including where such decision is applied mutatis mutandis to procedures for retrial
pursuant to Article 161, but excluding where there are amendments under the subparagraphs of Article
40 (1) and Article 41 (1) 1 among trials or retrials): A fee for requesting a trial among fees already paid
(in cases of a retrial, referring to a fee for requesting a retrial; hereinafter the same shall apply);4. Where a request for a trial is dismissed by decision pursuant to Article 127 (2) and such decision
becomes final and conclusive (including where such decision is applied mutatis mutandis to procedures
for retrial pursuant to Article 161): An amount equivalent to half the fee for a request for a trial from
among fees already paid;
5. Where an application for intervention under Article 142 (1) is withdrawn before the completion of a
trial is notified (including where such decision is applied mutatis mutandis to procedures for retrial
pursuant to Article 161): An amount equivalent to half the fee for a request for intervention from among
fees already paid;
6. Where a request for intervention under Article 142 (1) is rejected by decision (including where such
decision is applied mutatis mutandis to procedures for retrial pursuant to Article 161): An amount
equivalent to half the fee for a request for intervention among fees already paid;
7. Where a request for a trial is withdrawn before the completion of a trial is notified (including where
such decision is applied mutatis mutandis to procedures for retrial pursuant to Article 161): An amount
equivalent to half the fee for a request for a trial among fees already paid.
8. Where an application to register the renewal of the duration has been filed before the expiration of the
duration of a trademark right under the main clause of Article 84 (2), but all or part of the trademark
right is extinguished or relinquished before the effective date of registration to renew the duration of the
trademark right: An amount calculated by deducting a trademark registration fee calculated by
excluding the extinguished or relinquished trademark from the trademark registration fee already paid;
9. Where a trademark registration fee has been paid in installments pursuant to the latter part of Article
72 (1), and the second installment of the trademark registration fee is paid but all or part of the
trademark right has been extinguished or relinquished before five years elapse from the date of
establishment and registration of the trademark right or the date of registration to renew the duration of
the trademark: An amount calculated by deducting a second installment calculated by excluding the
extinguished or relinquished trademark right from the second installment of the trademark registration
fee already paid.
(2) Where a trademark registration fee or fee already paid falls under any of the subparagraphs of
paragraph (1), the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the President of the
Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board shall notify the person who has paid such fee of the fact.
(3) No claim for refund of a trademark registration fee or fee under paragraph (1) shall be filed if five
years elapse from the date a person receives notification under paragraph (2). <Amended on Oct. 18, 2022>
 
Article 80 (Trademark Register)
(1) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall keep the trademark register at the
Korean Intellectual Property Office and register the following:
1. The establishment, transfer, amendment, extinguishment, reinstatement, renewal of the duration of
trademark rights, conversion of the classification of goods (hereinafter referred to as "conversion of theclassification of goods") under Article 209, restrictions on addition or disposition of designated goods;
2. The establishment, maintenance, transfer, amendment, extinguishment, or restrictions on disposition
of an exclusive license or a non-exclusive license;
3. The establishment, transfer, amendment, extinguishment, or restrictions on disposition of a pledge,
the object of which is to acquire trademark rights, an exclusive license, or a non-exclusive license.
(2) The trademark register under paragraph (1) may be prepared, fully or partially, by electronic recording
media, etc.
(3) Except as provided in paragraphs (1) and (2), matters necessary for the items to be registered,
procedures for registration, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
 
Article 81 (Issuance of Trademark Registration Certificate)
(1) Where trademark rights are established and registered, the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual
Property Office shall issue a trademark registration certificate to a trademark right holder.
(2) Where a trademark registration certificate is inconsistent with the trademark register or other
documents, the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall withdraw such trademark
registration certificate and issue a corrected trademark registration certificate or a new trademark
registration certificate at the request of a trademark right holder or ex officio.
 
CHAPTER V TRADEMARK RIGHTS 
 
Article 82 (Registration and Establishment of Trademark Rights)
(1) Trademark rights shall come into existence by obtaining trademark registration and establishing
trademark rights.
(2) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall grant trademark registration for the
establishment of trademark rights, in any of the following cases:
1. Where an applicant pays a trademark registration fee (where he or she pays the trademark registration
fee in installments pursuant to the latter part, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 72 (1),
referring to the first installment of the trademark registration fee; hereafter in this paragraph, the same
shall apply) pursuant to Article 72 (3) or 74;
2. Where an applicant pays the remainder of the trademark registration fee pursuant to Article 76 (2);
3. Where an applicant pays a trademark registration fee or pays the remainder thereof pursuant to
Article 77 (1).
(3) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office grants trademark registration
pursuant to paragraph (2), he or she shall officially announce the trademark registration by publishing
matters prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as the name, address, and trademark registration number
of the trademark right holder, in the Trademark Official Gazette. 
Article 83 (Duration of Trademark Rights)
(1) The duration of trademark rights shall be 10 years from the date of registration and establishment
thereof pursuant to Article 82 (1).
(2) The duration of trademark rights may be renewed for another 10 years by filing an application to
register the renewal of the duration.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), in any of the following cases, trademark rights shall be
extinguished where five years elapse from the date of registration and establishment of trademark rights or
the date of registration to renew the duration:
1. Where an applicant fails to pay a trademark registration fee (where he or she pays the trademark
registration fee in installments pursuant to the latter part, with the exception of its subparagraphs, of
Article 72 (1) referring to the second installment of the trademark registration fee; hereafter in the
paragraph, the same shall apply) within the period for payment pursuant to Article 72 (3) or 74;
2. Where an applicant fails to pay the remainder of the trademark registration fee within the period for
remainder payment despite being ordered to pay the remainder of the trademark registration fee
pursuant to Article 76 (1);
3. In cases falling under Article 77 (1), where an applicant fails to pay a trademark registration fee or
pay the remainder thereof within the relevant period.
 
Article 84 (Application to Register Renewal of Duration of Trademark Rights)
(1) Any trademark right holder (where a trademark right is owned jointly, each joint owner shall be
deemed a trademark right holder; hereafter in this Article the same shall apply) who intends to file an
application to register the renewal of the duration of a trademark right pursuant to Article 83 (2) shall
submit a written application to register the renewal of the duration of the trademark right stating the
following, to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office: <Amended on Oct. 31, 2023>
1. Name and address of the trademark right holder (in cases of a corporation, referring to its name and
the seat of its place of business);
2. Where the trademark right holder has appointed an agent, the name and address of his or her agent or
the seat of the place of business of his or her agent (where his or her agent is a patent corporation or
patent corporation (with limited liability), referring to its name, the seat of its office and the name of a
designated patent attorney);
3. Registration number of the registered trademark;
4. Designated goods and the category of designated goods;
(2) An application to register the renewal of the duration of a trademark right shall be filed within one year
prior to the expiry of the duration of the trademark right: Provided, That any trademark right holder who
fails to apply for registering the renewal of the duration of a trademark right within this period may apply
for registering the renewal of the duration of the trademark right within six months after the duration ofthe trademark right expires. <Amended on Oct. 31, 2023>
(3) Deleted. <Apr. 23, 2019>
(4) Except as provided in paragraphs (1) and (2), matters necessary to file an application to register the
renewal of the duration of trademark rights shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade,
Industry and Energy. <Amended on Apr. 23, 2019>
 
Article 85 (Effect of Application to Register Renewal of Duration of Trademark Rights)
(1) Where an application to register the renewal of the duration of trademark rights is filed within the
period under Article 84 (2), the duration of trademark rights shall be deemed renewed.
(2) Registration to renew the duration of trademark rights shall take effect from the day following the date
the effect of the original registration expires.
 
Article 86 (Application for Registration of Additional Designated Goods)
(1) A trademark right holder or an applicant may obtain trademark registration by adding designated goods
to the registered trademark or to the application for trademark registration. In such cases, the date of
expiration of the duration of trademark rights of additionally registered designated goods shall be the
expiration date of the duration of the registered trademark rights.
(2) Any person who intends to obtain registration of additional designated goods pursuant to paragraph (1)
shall submit a written application for registration of additional designated goods stating the following to
the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office:
1. Matters under Article 36 (1) 1, 2, 5 and 6;
2. Trademark registration number, or application number for trademark registration;
3. Goods to be designated additionally and the category of such goods.
 
Article 87 (Decision to Reject Registration of Additional Designated Goods and Notification of
Grounds for Rejection)
(1) Where an application for registration of additional designated goods falls under any of the following,
an examiner shall decide to reject registration of such additional designated goods. In such cases, where
some of designated goods in the application for registration of additional designated goods fall under any
of the following, a decision to reject registration of additional designated goods shall be made only for
such designated goods: <Amended on Feb. 3, 2022>
1. Where such application falls under any of the subparagraphs of Article 54;
2. Where an applicant for registration of additional designated goods is not the relevant trademark right
holder or the relevant applicant thereof;
3. Where trademark rights of the registered trademark or an application for trademark registration fall(s)
under any of the following:(a) Extinguishment of trademark rights;
(b) Abandonment, withdrawal or invalidation of an application for trademark registration;
(c) Final and conclusive decision to reject trademark registration under Article 54 in relation to an
application for trademark registration.
(2) An examiner shall notify an applicant of grounds for rejection in any of the following cases. In such
cases, the applicant may submit a written opinion on the grounds for rejection within a period prescribed
by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy: <Amended on Oct. 19, 2021>
1. Where the examiner intends to decide to reject registration of additional designated goods under
paragraph (1);
2. Where the examiner intends to decide to reject registration of additional designated goods on the
grounds for rejection that have already been notified before a decision to grant registration of additional
designated goods revoked upon ex officio re-examination prescribed in Article 68-2 (1) applicable
mutatis mutandis in Article 88 (2).
(3) An applicant who fails to submit a written opinion within a period under the latter part of paragraph (2)
may request an examiner to proceed with procedures for registration of additional designated goods within
two months from the expiration date of such period; and may submit a written opinion about grounds for
rejection within the period.
(4) Where an examiner notifies an applicant of grounds for rejection pursuant to paragraph (2), he or she
shall specify the grounds and basis for rejection for each designated goods. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 3, 2022>
 
Article 88 (Provisions Applicable Mutatis Mutandis to Procedures for Filing Application to Register
Renewal of Duration)
(1) Article 39 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the amendment of procedures for filing an application to
register the renewal of the duration of trademark rights.
(2) Articles 37, 38 (1), 39 through 43, 46, 47, 50, 53, 55-2, 57 through 68, 68-2, 69, 70, 128,
subparagraphs 1 through 5 and 7 of Article 134, and Article144, and Articles 143, 299, and 367 of the
Civil Procedure Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to an application for registration of additional designated
goods. <Amended on Oct. 19, 2021; Feb. 3, 2022>
 
Article 89 (Effect of Trademark Rights)
A trademark right holder shall hold the exclusive right to use the registered trademark in relation to
designated goods: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply to the extent that a person has the exclusive
right to use the registered trademark pursuant to Article 95 (3) when the exclusive right to use has been
established on the trademark rights.
 
Article 90 (Extent on Which Trademark Rights Do Not Have Effect)(1) Where trademark rights (excluding the right to a collective mark with geographical indication) fall
under any of the following, trademark rights shall not effect the same:
1. Any trademark using his or her own name, title, or trade name, portrait, signature, seal, or well-
known pseudonym, stage name, pen name, and the well-known abbreviated title thereof, in accordance
with generally accepted business practices;
2. Any trademark indicating the common name, place of production, quality, raw materials, efficacy,
uses, quantity, shape, price, or methods of production, methods of processing, methods of use and time
of goods identical or similar to the designated goods of the registered trademark according to methods
in common use;
3. In cases of a trademark which consists of a three-dimensional shape, where it is impossible to
recognize that such three-dimensional shape indicates goods related to whose business, any trademark
which consists of the shape identical or similar to the three-dimensional shape of the registered
trademark that is used on goods identical or similar to the designated goods of the registered trademark;
4. Any trademark used commonly on the goods identical or similar to the designated goods of the
registered trademark, and trademark which consists of a distinguished geographical name and the
abbreviated title thereof or a map;
5. Any trademark which consists of a shape, color, combination of colors, sound or smell essential to
secure the function of the designated goods of the registered trademark or the package thereof.
(2) Where the right to a collective mark with geographical indication falls under any of the following, such
right shall not effect the same:
1. Any trademark falling under paragraph (1) 1, 2 (excluding cases falling under place of production), or
5;
2. Any trademark used commonly on goods deemed identical to the designated goods of the registered
collective mark with geographical indication;
3. Any geographical indication used on goods deemed identical to the designated goods of the
registered collective mark with geographical indication, used by a person who engages in producing,
manufacturing or processing such goods in the relevant region, or any other homonymous geographical
indication;
4. Where a trademark registered based on first to file contains a geographical indication identical or
similar to a registered collective mark with geographical indication, any registered trademark used by
the trademark right holder, an exclusive licensee or a non-exclusive licensee on the designated goods.
(3) Paragraph (1) 1 shall not apply where a person uses his or her own name, title or trade name, portrait,
signature, seal or well-known pseudonym, stage name, pen name and the well-known abbreviation thereof
for the purpose of unfair competition after registration and establishment of trademark rights.
 
Article 91 (Scope of Protection of Registered Trademarks)(1) The scope of protection of registered trademarks shall be determined by a trademark and items
mentioned in an application for trademark registration.
(2) The scope of protection of designated goods shall be determined by goods mentioned in an application
for trademark registration or an application for registration of the conversion of the classification of goods.
 
Article 92 (Relationship to Design Rights of Other Persons)
(1) Where a trademark right holder, an exclusive licensee or a non-exclusive licensee uses his or her
registered trademark, in which case his or her use of the registered trademark is in conflict with another
person’s patent right, utility model right or design right for which the application was filed prior to the
filing date of an application for such trademark registration or another person’s copyright created prior to
the filing date of an application for such trademark registration depending on how the trademark is used,
he or she shall not use the registered trademark on designated goods in conflict with the relevant rights of
others without the consent of the patentee, the holder of the utility model right, the holder of design right,
or the holder of the copyright, respectively.
(2) Where the use of the registered trademark constitutes an act of unfair competition under subparagraph
1 (m) of Article 2 of the Unfair Competition Prevention and Trade Secret Protection Act, a trademark right
holder, an exclusive licensee or a non-exclusive licensee shall not use the registered trademark without the
consent of others under the aforesaid item. <Amended on Oct. 19, 2021; Dec. 7, 2021>
 
Article 93 (Transfer and Joint Ownership of Trademark Rights)
(1) Trademark rights may be transferred by dividing them for each of the designated goods. In such cases,
similar designated goods shall be transferred en bloc.
(2) Where trademark rights are owned jointly, no joint owner may transfer his or her stake or establish a
pledge on his or her stake without the consent of all of the other joint owners.
(3) Where trademark rights are owned jointly, no joint owner may establish an exclusive license or a non-
exclusive license on such trademark rights without the consent of all of the other joint owners.
(4) No business emblem right shall be transferred: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where the
business emblem right is transferred together with the relevant business.
(5) No trademark rights registered pursuant to the proviso of Article 34 (1) 1 (c), the proviso of item (d) of
the same subparagraph or the proviso of subparagraph 3 of the same paragraph shall be transferred:
Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where registered trademark rights are transferred together
with affairs related to the title, abbreviation or mark under Article 34 (1) 1 (c) or (d) or Article 34 (1) 3.
(6) No collective mark right shall be transferred: Provided, That in cases of a merger of corporations, a
collective mark right may be transferred with the permission of the Commissioner of the Korean
Intellectual Property Office.
(7) No certification mark right shall be transferred: Provided, That a certification mark right may be
transferred with the permission of the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office wheresuch certification mark right is transferred along with the relevant affairs to a person eligible to obtain
registration of the relevant certification mark pursuant to Article 3 (3).
(8) No pledge the object of which is to acquire the business emblem right, trademark rights under the
proviso of Article 34 (1) 1 (c), the collective mark right under the proviso of item (d) of the same
subparagraph, or the certification mark right under the proviso of subparagraph (3) of the same paragraph
shall be established.
 
Article 94 (Division of Trademark Rights)
(1) Where there are at least two designated goods by trademark rights, such trademark rights may be
divided for each of the designated goods.
(2) Where a trial to invalidate a trademark under Article 117 (1) is requested, trademark rights under
paragraph (1) may be divided until a trial decision becomes final and conclusive even after the trademark
rights are extinguished.
 
Article 95 (Exclusive License)
(1) A trademark right holder may establish an exclusive license on others in relation to his or her
trademark rights.
(2) No exclusive license shall be established in relation to the business emblem right, the collective mark
right, or the certification mark right.
(3) An exclusive licensee who has obtained establishment of the exclusive license under paragraph (1)
shall exclusively possess the license of the registered trademark on designated goods to the extent
determined by the establishment of the exclusive license.
(4) An exclusive licensee shall indicate his or her own name or title on the goods.
(5) Except in cases of inheritance or other general succession, no exclusive licensee shall transfer the
exclusive license without the consent of a trademark right holder.
(6) No exclusive licensee shall establish a pledge, the object of which is to acquire an exclusive license, or
a non-exclusive license without the consent of a trademark right holder.
(7) Article 93 (2) and (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the transfer and joint ownership of the exclusive
license.
 
Article 96 (Effect of Registration of Trademark Rights)
(1) None of the following matters shall take effect unless they are registered:
1. Transfer (excluding transfer by inheritance or other general succession), amendment, or
extinguishment by abandonment of trademark rights, renewal of the duration, conversion of the
classification of goods, addition of designated goods or restrictions on disposition of trademark rights;
2. Establishment, transfer (excluding transfer by inheritance or other general succession), amendment,
extinguishment (excluding cases arising due to confusion of trademark rights) or restrictions ondisposition of the pledge, the object of which is to acquire trademark rights.
(2) In cases of inheritance of or other general succession to the trademark rights and the pledge under the
subparagraphs of paragraph (1), the purpose thereof shall be reported to the Commissioner of the Korean
Intellectual Property Office without delay.
 
Article 97 (Non-Exclusive License)
(1) A trademark right holder may establish a non-exclusive license on others pertaining to his or her
trademark rights.
(2) A non-exclusive licensee who has obtained establishment of the non-exclusive license under paragraph
(1) shall have the right to use the registered trademark on the designated goods to the extent determined by
the establishment of the non-exclusive license.
(3) No non-exclusive license shall be transferred without the consent of a trademark right holder (in cases
of a non-exclusive license relating to an exclusive license, referring to a trademark right holder and an
exclusive licensee), except in cases of inheritance or other general succession.
(4) No pledge the object of which is to acquire a non-exclusive license shall be established without the
consent of a trademark right holder (in cases of a non-exclusive license relating to an exclusive license,
referring to a trademark right holder and an exclusive licensee).
(5) Articles 93 (2) and 95 (2) and (4) shall apply mutatis mutandis to restrictions on the joint ownership
and establishment of the non-exclusive license.
 
Article 98 (Right to Use Trademark after Expiration of Duration of Patent Rights)
(1) Where patent rights registered after filing an application for the patent before the filing date of a
trademark application or on the same date as the filing of a trademark application is in conflict with such
trademark right, and the duration of the patent rights expires, the original patent right holder shall have the
right to use a trademark identical or similar to such registered trademark on goods identical or similar to
designated goods of the registered trademark to the extent of the original patent rights: Provided, That the
foregoing shall not apply where the trademark is used for the purpose of unfair competition.
(2) Where patent rights registered after filing an application for the patent before the filing date of a
trademark application or on the same date as the filing of a trademark application is in conflict with such
trademark rights, and the duration of the patent rights expires, a person who has the exclusive license on
the patent rights which exist at the time the duration of the patent rights expires, or the non-exclusive
license which has the effect under Article 118 (1) of the Patent Act on the patent rights or the exclusive
license shall have the right to use a trademark identical or similar to such registered trademark on goods
identical or similar to designated goods of the registered trademark to the extent of the original rights:
Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where the trademark is used for the purpose of unfair
competition.(3) Any person who has the right to use a trademark pursuant to paragraph (2) shall pay a reasonable price
to the trademark right holder or the exclusive licensee.
(4) The relevant trademark right holder or exclusive licensee may request a person who has the right to use
the trademark pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) to make an indication necessary to prevent confusion
between goods concerning the business of the person and goods concerning his or her business.
(5) Where a person intends to transfer (excluding transfer by inheritance or other general succession) the
right to use a trademark under paragraphs (1) and (2), he or she shall obtain the consent of the trademark
right holder or the exclusive licensee.
(6) Where the utility model right or the design right registered after filing an application for registration
thereof before the filing date of a trademark application or on the same date as the filing of a trademark
application is in conflict with such trademark rights, in which case the duration of the utility model right
or the design right expires, paragraphs (1) through (5) shall apply thereto.
 
Article 99 (Right to Continuously Use Trademark Based on First to Use)
(1) Any person who uses a trademark identical or similar to the registered trademark of another person on
goods identical or similar to the designated goods, and meets the following requirements (including a
person who succeeds to his or her position) shall have the right to continuously use the trademark on
goods on which he or she uses the relevant trademark:
1. He or she shall have continuously used the trademark in the Republic of Korea without the intention
of unfair competition, before another person files an application for trademark registration;
2. Upon using the trademark pursuant to subparagraph 1, the trademark shall be recognized among
consumers of the Republic of Korea to indicate the goods of a specific person at the time another person
files an application for trademark registration.
(2) Any person who uses a means indicating the identity of his or her character, such as his or her name
and trade name, as his or her trademark in accordance with generally accepted business practices, and
meets requirements under paragraph (1) 1 shall have the right to continuously use the trademark on goods
on which he or she uses the relevant trademark.
(3) The trademark right holder or the exclusive licensee may request a person who has the right to use the
trademark pursuant to paragraph (1) to make an indication necessary to prevent the misunderstanding or
confusion of the source between goods of the person and his or her goods.
 
Article 100 (Effect of Registration of Exclusive License or Non-Exclusive License)
(1) None of the following matters shall be effective against third parties unless they are registered:
1. Establishment, transfer (excluding transfer by inheritance or other general succession), amendment,
extinguishment by abandonment or restrictions on disposition of the exclusive license or the non-
exclusive license;2. Establishment, transfer (excluding transfer by inheritance or other general succession), amendment,
extinguishment by abandonment or restrictions on disposition of a pledge, the object of which is to
acquire the exclusive license or the non-exclusive license.
(2) Where the exclusive license or the non-exclusive license is registered, it shall also have the effect on
any person who acquires the trademark rights or the exclusive license after registration thereof.
(3) In cases of inheritance of or other general succession to the exclusive license, the non-exclusive license
and the pledge under the subparagraphs of paragraph (1), the purpose thereof shall be reported to the
Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office without delay.
 
Article 101 (Relinquishment of Trademark Rights)
The trademark right holder may relinquish trademark rights for each of the designated goods.
 
Article 102 (Restrictions on Relinquishment of Trademark Rights)
(1) No trademark right holder shall relinquish trademark rights without the consent of the exclusive
licensee, the non-exclusive licensee, or the pledgee.
(2) No exclusive licensee shall relinquish the exclusive license without the consent of the pledgee or the
non-exclusive licensee under Article 95 (6).
(3) No non-exclusive licensee shall relinquish the non-exclusive license without the consent of the pledgee
under Article 97 (4).
 
Article 103 (Effects of Relinquishment)
Where trademark rights, exclusive license, non-exclusive license, or pledge is relinquished, the trademark
rights, exclusive license, non-exclusive license, or pledge shall be extinguished henceforth.
 
Article 104 (Pledge)
Where a pledge whose objective is to acquire trademark rights, an exclusive license, or a non-exclusive
license is established, no pledgee shall use the relevant trademark rights.
 
Article 104-2 (Non-Exclusive License following Transfer of Trademark Rights by Exercise of Pledge)
Where a trademark right holder (where division of a jointly-owned trademark right is requested, referring
to the other joint owner except for the owner who requests such division) uses the relevant registered
trademark with regard to designated goods before establishing a pledge, the object of which is to acquire a
trademark right, or before requesting division of a jointly-owned trademark right, even if the trademark
right is transferred by auction, etc., the trademark right holder shall have a non-exclusive license with
respect to the trademark right only for the goods that he or she uses among designated goods. In such
cases, the trademark right holder shall pay a reasonable price to the person who acquires the trademark
right by auction, etc. 
Article 105 (Subrogation of Pledge)
A pledge may also be exercised on the price to be paid or goods to be delivered for the use of trademark
rights under this Act: Provided, That the price or goods shall be seized before the price is paid or goods are
delivered.
 
Article 106 (Extinguishment of Trademark Rights)
(1) Where a successor fails to obtain transfer registration of the trademark rights within three years after
the decease of the trademark right holder, the trademark rights shall be extinguished on the day following
the date on which three years elapse after the decease of the trademark right holder.
(2) Where no successor exists when the inheritance of a trademark right begins, the trademark right shall
be extinguished. <Newly Inserted on Oct. 31, 2023>
(3) Where a transfer registration of the trademark rights of a corporation whose liquidation procedures are
being performed is not obtained by the date of registration of the completion of the liquidation of such
corporation (where the process of liquidation is not substantially completed even if registration of the
completion of liquidation is obtained, referring to the earlier of the date the process of liquidation is
substantially completed and the date six months elapse from the date of registration of the completion of
the liquidation; hereafter in this paragraph, the same shall apply), the trademark rights shall be
extinguished on the day following the date of registration of the completion of liquidation. <Amended on
Oct. 31, 2023>
 
CHAPTER VI PROTECTION OF TRADEMARK RIGHT 
HOLDERS 
 
Article 107 (Right to Seek Injunction against Infringement)
(1) A trademark right holder or an exclusive licensee may seek an injunction requesting the prohibition or
prevention of infringement against a person who infringes or is likely to infringe on his or her right.
(2) Where a trademark right holder or an exclusive licensee makes a request under paragraph (1), he or she
may request the destruction of infringing goods, the removal of facilities provided for infringement, or
other necessary measures.
(3) Where a lawsuit requesting the prohibition or prevention of infringement under paragraph (1) is
brought, the court may provisionally order an injunction on infringement, confiscation of goods, etc. used
for infringement, or other necessary measures at the request of the plaintiff or complainant (limited to
where a case is prosecuted pursuant to this Act). In such cases, the court may require the plaintiff or
complainant to provide security.
 Article 108 (Acts Deemed Infringement)
(1) The following shall be deemed infringement of trademark rights (excluding the right to collective mark
with geographical indication) or an exclusive license:
1. Using a trademark identical to a registered trademark of another person on goods similar to the
designated goods, or using a trademark similar to the registered trademark of another person on goods
identical or similar to the designated goods;
2. Delivering, selling, forging, imitating, or possessing a trademark identical or similar to a registered
trademark of another person for the purpose of using or causing a third party to use such trademark on
goods identical or similar to the designated goods;
3. Manufacturing, delivering, selling or possessing equipment for the purpose of forging or imitating a
registered trademark of another person or causing a third party to forge or imitate such registered
trademark;
4. Possessing goods identical or similar to the designated goods bearing a registered trademark of
another person or any other similar trademark for the purpose of transferring or delivering such goods.
(2) The following shall be deemed infringement of the right to a collective mark with geographical
indication:
1. Using a trademark (excluding a homonymous geographical indication; hereafter in this paragraph, the
same shall apply) similar to a registered collective mark with geographical indication of another person
on goods deemed identical to the designated goods;
2. Delivering, selling, forging, imitating or possessing a trademark identical or similar to the registered
collective mark with geographical indication of another person for the purpose of using or causing a
third party to use such trademark on goods deemed identical to the designated goods;
3. Manufacturing, delivering, selling or possessing equipment for the purpose of forging or imitating, or
causing a third person to forge or imitate the registered collective mark with geographical indication of
another person;
4. Possessing goods deemed identical to designated goods bearing a trademark identical or similar to the
registered collective mark with geographical indication for the purpose of transferring or delivering
such goods.
 
Article 109 (Claim for Damages)
A trademark right holder or an exclusive licensee may claim damages he or she has incurred against a
person who has willfully or negligently infringed his or her trademark rights or exclusive license.
 
Article 110 (Estimation of Damages)
(1) Where a claim for damage is filed pursuant to Article 109, when a person who infringed upon the right
transferred the products that constituted the infringement to a third party, the aggregate of the following
amounts may be determined as the amount of loss that a trademark right holder or exclusive licensee hassustained: <Amended on Dec. 22, 2020>
1. The amount calculated by multiplying the quantity not exceeding the quantity of products that the
trademark right holder or exclusive licensee could have produced, minus the quantity of products
actually sold among the quantity of the transferred products (the quantity calculated by subtracting the
quantity of products that the trademark right holder or exclusive licensee could not sell due to any cause
or event, other than the infringement, from the quantity of the transferred products, if such cause or
event, in addition to the infringement, prevented the trademark right holder or exclusive licensee from
selling the products) by the profit per unit of the products that the trademark right holder or the
exclusive licensee could have sold if not for the infringement;
2. The amount that he or she can reasonably receive for use of the trademark eligible for trademark
registration (the quantity calculated by subtracting the relevant quantity, if it is not recognized that the
trademark right holder or exclusive licensee was able to establish an exclusive license, a non-exclusive
license as to the trademark right of the trademark right holder or to grant a non-exclusive license as to
the exclusive license of the exclusive licensee), where there is any quantity exceeding the quantity of
products that the trademark right holder or exclusive licensee could have produced, minus the quantity
of products actually sold among the quantity of the transferred products or quantity of products that the
trademark right holder or exclusive licensee could not sold due to any cause or event, other than the
infringement.
(12) Deleted. <Feb. 22, 2020>
(3) Where a person who has committed infringement gains profits attributable to the infringement when a
trademark right holder or an exclusive licensee claims damages under Article 109, such profits shall be
estimated as the amount of damages the trademark right holder or the exclusive licensee has incurred.
(4) Where a trademark right holder or an exclusive licensee claims damages under Article 109, he or she
may claim damages by estimating an amount equivalent to that he or she can reasonably receive from the
use of the registered trademark as the amount of damages he or she has incurred. <Amended on Oct. 20,
2020>
(5) Notwithstanding paragraph (4), where an amount of damages exceeds an amount prescribed in the
same paragraph, a trademark right holder or an exclusive licensee may also claim damages on the excess
amount. In such cases, where the person has not infringed on a trademark right or an exclusive license
willfully or by gross negligence, the court may take such fact into consideration when calculating the
amount of damages.
(6) Where the court recognizes that a trademark right holder or an exclusive licensee has incurred damages
in a lawsuit regarding the infringement on a trademark right or exclusive license, but it is difficult for the
court to verify the facts necessary to prove the amount of such damages in the nature of the truth,
notwithstanding paragraphs (1) through (5), the court may recognize a reasonable amount of damages on
the basis of the meaning of all pleadings and the result of the examination of evidence.(7) The court may determine the amount of damages within the scope not exceeding three times the
amount recognized as damage under paragraphs (1) through (6) to be paid by a person who has
intentionally infringed on a trademark identical or similar to the registered trademark of a trademark right
holder or an exclusive licensee by using the trademark on goods identical or similar to the designated
goods, notwithstanding Article 109. <Newly Inserted on Oct. 20, 2020>
(8) In determining the amount of damages under paragraph (7), the court shall take the following matters
into consideration: <Newly Inserted on Oct. 20, 2020>
1. The degree of dilution to the distinctiveness or reputation of the relevant trademark due to the
infringement;
2. Whether the infringement has been willful or the level of awareness of the risk of causing damage;
3. The severity of the damage inflicted upon a trademark right holder or an exclusive licensee by the
infringement;
4. The economic benefits obtained by the infringer through the infringement;
5. The period, the number, etc. of the infringement;
6. The fines imposed for the infringement;
7. The financial status of the infringer;
8. The relative degree of efforts made by the infringer to redress damage.
 
Article 111 (Claim for Legal Damages)
(1) A trademark right holder or an exclusive licensee may claim compensation for a reasonable amount to
the extent not exceeding 100 million won (300 million won in the case of willful infringement), in lieu of
claiming damages under Article 109 against a person who has willfully or negligently infringed his or her
trademark right or exclusive license by using a trademark identical or similar to the registered trademark
he or she uses on goods identical or similar to the designated goods. In such cases, the court may
recognize a reasonable amount of damages in consideration of the meaning of all pleadings and the result
of the examination of evidence. <Amended on Oct. 20, 2020>
(2) A trademark right holder or an exclusive licensee who has filed a claim for damages against
infringement corresponding to the former part of paragraph (1) pursuant to Article 109 may change such
claim into the claim under paragraph (1) until the court closes pleadings.
 
Article 112 (Presumption of Willfulness)
Any person who has infringed trademark rights or an exclusive license of another person who indicates
that it is a registered trademark pursuant to Article 222 shall be presumed to have been aware that the
trademark was already registered, in relation to his or her infringement.
 
Article 113 (Recovery of Reputation of Trademark Right Holders)The court may order a person who has damaged business reputation of a trademark right holder or an
exclusive licensee by willfully or negligently infringing the trademark rights or the exclusive license to
pay damages at the request of the trademark right holder or the exclusive licensee, or order the person to
take measures necessary to reinstate the business reputation of the trademark right holder or the exclusive
licensee along with compensation for damages.
 
Article 114 (Submission of Documents)
In a lawsuit regarding infringement of a trademark right or an exclusive license, the court may order the
other party to submit documents necessary to calculate damages caused by infringement at the request of
one party: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where a person who possesses such documents has
justifiable grounds for refusing to submit the documents.
 
CHAPTER VII TRIAL 
 
Article 115 (Trial against Decision to Dismiss Amendment)
Where a person who receives a decision to dismiss an amendment under Article 42 (1) appeals against
such decision, he or she may request a trial within three months from the date he or she is served with a
certified copy of such decision. <Amended on Oct. 19, 2021>
 
Article 116 (Trial against Decision to Reject)
Where a person who receives a decision to reject trademark registration, decision to reject registration of
additional designated goods, or decision to reject registration of the conversion of the classification of
goods (hereinafter referred to as "decision to reject") under Article 54 appeals against such decision, he or
she may request a trial with respect to all or part of the designated goods for which a decision to reject is
made, within three months from the date he or she is served with a certified copy of such decision to
reject. <Amended on Oct. 19, 2021; Feb. 3, 2022>
 
Article 117 (Trial to Invalidate Trademark Registration)
(1) Where trademark registration or registration of additional designated goods falls under any of the
following, an interested party or an examiner may request a trial to invalidate such trademark registration.
In such cases, where at least two designated goods bearing the registered trademark exist, he or she may
request a trial to invalidate the relevant trademark registration for each of the designated goods:
1. Where trademark registration or registration of additional designated goods violates Articles 3, 27, 33
through 35, the latter part of Article 48 (2), Article 48 (4) and (6) through (8), and subparagraphs 1, 2
and 4 through 7 of Article 54;
2. Where trademark registration or registration of additional designated goods is obtained by a person
who fails to succeed to the right arising from an application for such trademark registration;3. Where registration of additional designated goods violates Article 87 (1) 3;
4. Where trademark registration or registration of additional designated goods violates the treaty;
5. Where a trademark right holder becomes ineligible to enjoy the trademark rights pursuant to Article
27 after the trademark is registered or such registered trademark violates the treaty;
6. Where a registered trademark falls under Article 33 (1) after the trademark is registered (excluding
cases falling under paragraph (2) of that Article);
7. Where a geographical indication which constitutes a registered collective mark is no longer protected
or used in the country of origin after the collective mark with geographical indication is registered
pursuant to Article 82.
(2) A trial to invalidate a trademark under paragraph (1) may be requested even after the trademark rights
are extinguished.
(3) Where a trial decision to invalidate trademark registration becomes final and conclusive, such
trademark rights shall be deemed never to have existed: Provided, That where the trial decision to
invalidate the trademark registration becomes final and conclusive pursuant to paragraph (1) 5 through 7,
the trademark rights shall be deemed not to have existed from the time the registered trademark falls under
the same subparagraph.
(4) Where the proviso of paragraph (3) is applied, if it is impossible to specify the time a registered
trademark falls under paragraph (1) 5 through 7, the relevant trademark rights shall be deemed to have not
existed from the time a trial to invalidate trademark registration under paragraph (1) is requested and the
content of the trial is officially announced on the original register.
(5) Where a trial to invalidate trademark registration under paragraph (1) is requested, the presiding judge
shall notify the exclusive licensee of the relevant trademark rights and other persons who have registered
rights to the trademark of the purpose thereof.
 
Article 118 (Trial to Invalidate Registration to Renew Duration of Trademark Rights)
(1) Where registration to renew the duration of trademark rights falls under any of the following, an
interested party or an examiner may request a trial to invalidate such renewal registration. In such cases,
where at least two designated goods bearing a registered trademark renewed exist, he or she may request a
trial to invalidate such renewal registration for each of the designated goods: <Amended on Apr. 23, 2019>
1. Where registration to renew the duration of trademark rights violates Article 84 (2);
2. Where a person who is not the relevant trademark right holder (where a trademark is jointly owned,
each joint owner shall be deemed a trademark right holder) files an application to register the renewal of
the duration of the trademark rights.
(2) A trial to invalidate a renewal registration under paragraph (1) may be requested even after the
trademark rights are extinguished.
(3) Where a trial decision to invalidate registration to renew the duration of trademark rights becomes final
and conclusive, such renewal registration shall be deemed never to have existed.(4) Where a trial under paragraph (1) is requested, the presiding judge shall notify the exclusive licensee
of the relevant trademark rights and other persons who have registered rights to the trademark of the
purpose thereof.
 
Article 119 (Trial to Revoke Trademark Registration)
(1) Where a registered trademark falls under any of the following, a trial to revoke the trademark
registration may be requested: <Amended on Oct. 31, 2023>
1. Where a trademark right holder causes the misunderstanding of the quality of goods or confusion
with goods related to another person's business among consumers by willfully using a trademark similar
to the registered trademark on the designated goods, or using the registered trademark or a similar
trademark on goods similar to the designated goods;
2. Where an exclusive licensee or a non-exclusive licensee causes the misunderstanding of the quality
of goods or confusion with goods related to another person's business by using a registered trademark or
a trademark similar to the registered trademark on the designated goods, or goods similar to the
designated goods: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where the trademark right holder pays
considerable attention;
3. Where none of a trademark right holder, an exclusive licensee or a non-exclusive licensee has used
the registered trademark on the designated goods in the Republic of Korea for at least three consecutive
years without justifiable grounds before a trial to revoke the registered trademark is requested;
4. Where the registered trademark violates the latter part of Article 93 (1), and paragraphs (2), and (4)
through (7) of the same Article;
5. Where similar registered trademarks belong to different respective trademark right holders due to the
transfer of the trademark rights, and one of them causes the misunderstanding of the quality of goods or
confusion with goods related to another person's business among consumers by using his or her
registered trademark for the purpose of unfair competition on goods identical or similar to the
designated goods of his or her registered trademark;
5-2. Where one person among the right holder of a trademark that is registered under the proviso of
Article 34 (1) 7 or Article 35 (6) and the persons who have consented to the registration of the
trademark causes the misunderstanding of the quality of goods or confusion with goods related to
another person's business among consumers by using his or her registered trademark for the purpose of
unfair competition on goods identical or similar to the designated goods of his or her registered
trademark;
6. Where a person who has the right to the registered trademark falling under Article 92 (2) requests a
trial to revoke the trademark registration within five years from the date the relevant trademark is
registered;
7. Where a collective mark falls under any of the following:(a) Where a member of the organization allows another person to use its collective mark in violation
of its articles of incorporation, or causes the misunderstanding of the quality of goods or the source of
a geographical indication, or confusion with goods related to another person's business among
consumers by using its collective mark in violation of its articles of incorporation: Provided, That the
foregoing shall not apply where the holder of the collective mark right pays due attention to supervise
its members;
(b) Where the organization is likely to cause the misunderstanding of the quality of goods or
confusion with goods related to another person's business among consumers by amending its articles
of incorporation under Article 36 (3) after it registers its collective mark and establishes its collective
mark right;
(c) Even where a third party causes the misunderstanding of the quality of goods or the source of a
geographical indication, or confusion with goods related to another person's business among
consumers by using its collective mark, the holder of the collective mark right willfully fails to take
appropriate measures;
8. Where a collective mark with geographical indication falls under any of the following:
(a) In cases of an application for registration of a collective mark with geographical indication, where
the articles of incorporation of the organization actually prevents its members from joining the
organization, such as prohibiting them from joining the organization or stipulating impracticable
conditions for joining the organization, or allow a person ineligible to use such geographical
indication to join the organization;
(b) Where the holder of a collective mark right with geographical indication or a member of the
organization causes the misunderstanding of the quality of goods or confusion on the source of the
geographical indication by using the collective mark in violation of Article 223;
9. Where a certification mark falls under any of the following:
(a) Where the holder of the certification mark right permits the use of the certification mark, in
violation of the articles of incorporation or the rules submitted pursuant to Article 36 (4);
(b) Where the holder of the certification mark right uses the certification mark on his or her own
goods, in violation of the proviso of Article 3 (3);
(c) Where a person permitted to use the certification mark right allows another person to use such
mark, in violation of the articles of incorporation or the rules, or causes confusion concerning the
quality of goods, the place of origin, methods of production or other characteristics among consumers
by using the certification mark in violation of the articles of incorporation or the rules: Provided, That
the foregoing shall not apply where the holder of the certification mark right pays due attention to
supervise any person permitted to use the certification mark;
(d) Where the holder of the certification mark right fails to make appropriate measures even though
he or she is aware that a third party who fails to obtain permission to use the certification mark causes
confusion concerning the quality of goods, the place of origin, methods of production or othercharacteristics among consumers by using the certification mark;
(e) Where the holder of the certification mark right actually prevents a person eligible to use the
certification mark right from using the certification mark right without justifiable grounds in
accordance with the articles of incorporation or the rules, or stipulates impracticable conditions for
using the certification mark right in the articles of incorporation or the rules.
(2) Where at least two designated goods bearing the registered trademark exist when a trial to revoke
trademark registration is requested on the grounds that the registered trademark falls under paragraph (1)
3, a trial to revoke trademark registration may be requested in relation to some of the designated goods.
(3) Where a trial to revoke trademark registration is requested on the grounds that the registered trademark
falls under paragraph (1) 3, no trademark right holder may be exempted from the revocation of trademark
registration for the designated goods related to such lawsuit unless the requested person proves that he or
she has legitimately used the relevant registered trademark on at least one designated goods related to the
trial to revoke trademark registration in the Republic of Korea within three years before the date the trial is
requested: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where the requested person has proved justifiable
grounds for using a registered trademark which he or she has not used.
(4) Even if the fact that constitutes grounds for requesting a trial of revocation ceases to exist after the trial
has been requested on the grounds falling under paragraph (1) (excluding subparagraphs 4 and 6 of the
same paragraph), the absence thereof shall not affect the grounds for revocation.
(5) Any person may request a trial to revoke trademark registration under paragraph (1): Provided, That a
trial to revoke trademark registration on the grounds that the registered trademark falls under paragraph (1)
4 and 6 may be requested by an interested person only.
(6) Where a trial decision to revoke trademark registration becomes final and conclusive, such trademark
rights shall be extinguished henceforth: Provided, That where the trial decision to revoke the trademark
registration on the grounds that the registered trademark falls under paragraph (1) 3 becomes final and
conclusive, the trademark rights shall be deemed extinguished on the date the trial is requested.
(7) Where a trial to revoke trademark registration under paragraph (1) is requested, the presiding judge
shall notify the exclusive licensee of the relevant trademark rights and other persons who have registered
rights to the trademark of the purpose thereof.
 
Article 120 (Trial to Revoke Registration of Exclusive License or Non-Exclusive License)
(1) Where an exclusive licensee or a non-exclusive licensee commits an act falling under Article 119 (1) 2,
the trademark right holder may request a trial to revoke registration of such exclusive license or non-
exclusive license.
(2) Even if a fact that constitutes grounds for requesting a trial to revoke registration of an exclusive
license or a non-exclusive license ceases to exist after the trademark right holder files such lawsuit
pursuant to paragraph (1), the non-existence of such fact shall not have an influence on grounds for
revocation.(3) Any person may request a trial to revoke an exclusive license or a non-exclusive license under
paragraph (1).
(4) Where a trial decision to revoke registration of an exclusive license or a non-exclusive license becomes
final and conclusive, such exclusive license or non-exclusive license shall be extinguished from that time.
(5) Where any person requests a trial to revoke registration under paragraph (1), the presiding judge shall
notify the non-exclusive licensee of the relevant exclusive license, the right holder who has registered
other exclusive license, or the right holder who has registered the relevant non-exclusive license of the
purpose thereof.
 
Article 121 (Trial to Confirm Scope of Rights)
A trademark right holder, an exclusive licensee, or an interested party may request a trial to confirm the
scope of rights of trademark rights to confirm the scope of rights of the registered trademark. In such
cases, where at least two designated goods bearing the registered trademark exist, any of the aforesaid
persons may request a trial to confirm the scope of rights for each of the designated goods.
 
Article 122 (Period of Exclusion)
(1) No trial to invalidate trademark registration, registration to renew the duration of trademark rights, or
registration of the conversion of the classification of goods on the grounds that the registered trademark
falls under Article 34 (1) 6 through 10 and 16, Articles 35, 118 (1) 1 and 214 (1) 3 shall be requested after
five years elapse from the date of trademark registration, the date of registration to renew the duration of
the trademark rights, or the date of registration of the conversion of the classification of goods.
(2) No trial to revoke trademark registration or registration of an exclusive license or non-exclusive license
on the grounds that the trademark falls under Articles 119 (1) 1, 2, 5, 5-2, 7 through 9 and 120 (1) shall be
requested after three years elapse from the date the fact that constitutes grounds for revocation ceases to
exist. <Amended on Oct. 31, 2023>
 
Article 123 (Application Mutatis Mutandis of Examination Provisions to Trial against Decision to
Reject Trademark Registration)
(1) Articles 41, 42, 45, 55, 57 through 68, 87 (2) and (3), and 210 (2) and (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis
to trials against a decision to reject trademark registration under Article 54. In such cases, Article 57 shall
not apply mutatis mutandis to cases where an application for trademark registration or application for
registration of additional designated goods has already been announced officially.
(2) Where Article 42 is applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (1), "Where a person files a
lawsuit pursuant to Article 115" in Article 42 (3) shall be construed as "where a lawsuit is commenced
pursuant to Article 162 (1)," and "until the trial decision becomes final and conclusive" shall be construed
as "until the judgment becomes final and conclusive," respectively.(3) Articles 42 (4) and (5), 55, 87 (2) and (3), and 210 (2) and (3) applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall also apply mutatis mutandis where grounds for decision to reject the relevant
trademark registration and other grounds for rejection are discovered.
 
Article 124 (Request for Joint Trial)
(1) Where at least two persons request any of the following trials on the same trademark rights, they may
severally or jointly request a trial:
1. A trial to invalidate trademark registration under Article 117 (1) or registration to renew the duration
of trademark rights under Article 118 (1);
2. A trial to revoke trademark registration under Article 119 (1);
3. A trial to revoke registration of an exclusive license or a non-exclusive license under Article 120 (1);
4. A trial to confirm the scope of rights under Article 121;
5. A trial to invalidate registration of the conversion of the classification of goods under Article 214 (1).
(2) Where a person requests a trial against the holder of a trademark right under joint ownership, he or she
shall file a lawsuit against all of the joint owners requested.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), where a joint owner of the trademark rights or the right to obtain
trademark registration requests a trial concerning the rights under joint ownership, all of the joint owners
shall file such lawsuit.
(4) Where the cause for the interruption or the suspension of trial proceedings lies in a requester under
paragraph (1) or (3), or one of the requested persons under paragraph (2), such interruption or suspension
shall take effect on all of them.
 
Article 124-2 (State-Appointed Attorney)
(1) The President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board may appoint an attorney (hereinafter
referred to as a "State-appointed attorney") at the request of a party to a trial who meets the requirements
prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy: Provided, That this shall not apply
where the request for a trial is clearly groundless or where it is deemed abuse of rights.
(2) Fees associated with trial proceedings payable by a party represented by a State-appointed attorney
may be waived or reduced.
(3) Matters regarding State-appointed attorneys, such as procedures for applying for appointment of a
State-appointed attorney and waiver or reduction of fees shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry
of Trade, Industry and Energy.
 
Article 125 (Methods of Requesting Trials, Such as Trial to Invalidate Trademark Registration)
(1) Any person who intends to request a trial under Articles 117 through 121 shall submit a written request
therefor stating the following to the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board:1. Name and address of the party (in cases of a corporation, referring to its name and the seat of its place
of business);
2. Where the party has appointed an agent, the name and address of his or her agent or the seat of the
place of business of his or her agent (where his or her agent is a patent corporation or patent corporation
(with limited liability), referring to its name, the seat of its office and the name of a designated patent
attorney);
3. Indication of the case at trial;
4. Purpose of and grounds for the request.
(2) Where a person amends a written request for a trial submitted pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall
not amend the purpose thereof: Provided, That in any of the following cases, the foregoing shall not apply:
1. Where an amendment (including an addition) is made to correct items mentioned by a trademark
right holder among the parties under paragraph (1) 1;
2. Where grounds for a request made under paragraph (1) 4 are amended;
3. Where a requester amends a trademark subject to confirmation under a written request for a trial and
goods bearing such trademark to make such trademark and goods identical to the trademark used by a
requested person and goods bearing the trademark when the requested person claims that the trademark
he or she actually uses and goods bearing the trademark are different from the trademark subject to
confirmation under the written request for a trial and goods bearing the trademark (referring to the
trademark and goods bearing the trademark of the requested person claimed by the requester) in a trial
to confirm the scope of rights requested by a trademark right holder or an exclusive licensee pursuant to
Article 121.
(3) Where a person requests a trial to confirm the scope of rights under Article 121, he or she shall submit
a sample of a trademark and a list of goods bearing such trademark to compare with the registered
trademark.
 
Article 126 (Methods of Request for Trial against Decision to Dismiss Amendments)
(1) Any person who intends to request a trial against a decision to dismiss an amendment under Article
115 or on a decision to reject under Article 116 shall submit a written request for a trial stating the
following, to the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board:
1. Name and address of the requester (in cases of a corporation, referring to its name and the seat of its
place of business);
2. Where the requester has appointed an agent, the name and address of his or her agent or the seat of
the place of business of his or her agent (where his or her agent is a patent corporation or patent
corporation (with limited liability), referring to its name, the seat of its office and the name of a
designated patent attorney);
3. The filing date of the application and the application number;4. Designated goods and the category of designated goods;
5. The date of decision to reject or the date of decision to dismiss an amendment made by an examiner;
6. Indication of the case at trial;
7. Purpose of and grounds for the request.
(2) Where a person makes an amendment to a written request for a trial submitted pursuant to paragraph
(1), he or she shall not amend the purpose thereof: Provided, That in any of the following cases, the
foregoing shall not apply:
1. Where he or she makes an amendment (including an addition) to correct items mentioned by a
requester under paragraph (1) 1;
2. Where he or she makes an amendment to grounds for request under paragraph (1) 7.
(3) Where a person requests a trial against a decision to reject under Article 116, the President of the
Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board shall notify a person who has filed a formal objection of the
purpose of such decision to reject when the decision to make the rejection is made due to a formal
objection.
 
Article 127 (Dismissal of Request for Trial)
(1) Where a written request falls under any of the following, the presiding judge shall require a requester
to make an amendment with a fixed period: Provided, that if matters to be amended are insignificant and
clear, the presiding judge may amend them ex officio. <Amended on Sep. 14, 2023>
1. Where a written request violates Article 125 (1) or (3) or 126 (1);
2. Where trial proceedings fall under any of the following:
(a) Trial proceedings violate Article 4 (1) or 7;
(b) Where a requester fails to pay a fee payable under Article 78;
(c) Trial proceedings violate a method prescribed by this Act or an order under this Act.
(2) Where a person ordered to make an amendment under the main clause of paragraph (1) fails to make
an amendment within a designated period or any matters amended violate Article 125 (2) or 126 (2), the
presiding judge shall dismiss a written request or a request related to the relevant procedures by decision.
<Amended on Sep. 14, 2023>
(3) A ruling under paragraph (2) shall be made in writing, stating the grounds therefor.
(4) Where the presiding judge intends to make an ex officio amendment pursuant to the proviso of
paragraph (1), he or she shall notify the requester of such ex officio amendment. <Newly Inserted on Sep. 14,
2023>
(5) If the requester cannot accept such ex officio amendment under the proviso of paragraph (1), the
requester shall submit a written opinion on the ex officio amendment to the presiding judge within seven
days from the date the requester receives notification of the ex officio amendment. <Newly Inserted on Sep.
14, 2023>(6) Where the requester submits his or her written opinion pursuant to paragraph (5), the relevant ex
officio amendment shall be deemed never to have existed. <Newly Inserted on Sep. 14, 2023>
(7) Where an ex officio amendment under the proviso of paragraph (1) is clearly incorrect, such ex officio
amendment shall be deemed never to have existed. <Newly Inserted on Sep. 14, 2023>
 
Article 128 (Dismissal of Trial Decision on Request for Trial Unamendable)
Notwithstanding Article 133 (1), where it is impossible to amend an unlawful defect in a request for a
trial, the presiding judge may dismiss such request through a trial decision without providing a requested
person with an opportunity to submit a written answer.
 
Article 129 (Judges)
(1) The President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board shall require judges to make a trial
decision if a trial is requested.
(2) The qualification for administrative patent judges shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(3) Administrative patent judges shall maintain independence in performing their duties to examine a case
on trial.
 
Article 130 (Designation of Judges)
(1) The President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appel Board shall designate judges to form a
collegial body (hereinafter referred to as "collegial body of judges") under Article 132 on each trial case.
(2) Where any judge is unable to participate in a trial among judges under paragraph (1), the President of
the Intellectual Property Trial and Appel Board may require another judge to make a trial decision.
 
Article 131 (Presiding Judges)
(1) The President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board shall designate one person among
the judges designated under Article 130 (1) as the presiding judge.
(2) The presiding judge shall preside over affairs concerning each case on trial.
 
Article 132 (Collegial Body of Judges)
(1) A collegial body of judges comprised of three or five judges shall make a trial.
(2) Agreement of a collegial body of judges under paragraph (1) shall be reached by majority decision.
(3) No agreement in a trial shall be disclosed.
 
Article 133 (Submission of Written Answers)
(1) Where a person requests a trial, the presiding judge shall serve a duplicate copy of a written request on
a requested person and provide him or her with an opportunity to submit his or her written answer within a
fixed period.(2) The presiding judge, in receipt of a written answer under paragraph (1), shall serve a duplicate copy of
the written answer on a requester.
(3) The presiding judge may examine each party concerning a trial.
 
Article 134 (Exclusion of Judges)
Where a judge falls under any of the following, he or she shall be excluded from the trial:
1. Where a judge or person who is or was his or her spouse is a party of, an intervenor in or a person
who raises a formal objection in the case;
2. Where a judge is or was a relative of a party of, an intervenor in, or a person who raises a formal
objection to the case on trial;
3. Where a judge is or was the legal representative of a party of, an intervenor in, or a person who raises
a formal objection to the case on trial;
4. Where a judge bears witness to the case or is or was an expert witness of the case;
5. Where a judge is or was an agent of a party of, an intervenor in or a person who raises a formal
objection to the case;
6. Where a judge has participated in a decision on whether to grant trademark registration, or decision
or trial decision on a formal objection as a judge or examiner in relation the case;
7. Where a judge has direct interest in the case on trial.
 
Article 135 (Requests for Exclusion)
Where a cause of exclusion under Article 134 exists, a party or an intervenor may apply for exclusion.
 
Article 136 (Challenge to Judges)
(1) Where a party or an intervenor is unable to expect a judge to make a fair trial, he or she may file an
application for challenge of such judge.
(2) No party or intervenor shall file an application for challenge after he or she has submitted his or her
statements on the case in writing or verbally: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where he or she
is unaware that the cause of challenge exists or the cause of challenge occurs after he or she has made his
or her statements.
 
Article 137 (Explanation of Exclusion or Challenge)
(1) Any person who intends to apply for exclusion or challenge pursuant to Articles 135 and 136 shall
submit a document stating the ground therefor to the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and
Appealing Board: Provided, That where a hearing is held, he or she may make a verbal statement about
the cause thereof.
(2) Any person who files an application for exclusion or challenge shall provide an explanation of the
ground therefor within three days from the date he or she files such application. 
Article 138 (Decision on Application for Exclusion or Challenge)
(1) Where an application for exclusion or challenge is filed, exclusion or challenge shall be decided
through a trial.
(2) No judge against whom an application for exclusion or challenge is filed shall participate in a trial
related to such exclusion or challenge: Provided, That he or she may state his or her opinion.
(3) All decisions made under paragraph (1) shall be in writing, and grounds for such decision shall be
stated therein.
(4) No person shall appeal a decision under paragraph (1).
 
Article 139 (Suspension of Trial Proceedings)
Where an application for exclusion or challenge is filed, trial proceedings shall be suspended until a
decision on such application is made: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where there is an urgent
reason prescribed by Presidential Decree.
 
Article 140 (Abstention by Judges)
Where a judge falls under Article 134 or 136, he or she may abstain from a trial for the relevant case with
the permission of the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board.
 
Article 141 (Hearings)
(1) A hearing in a trial shall be either oral or paper: Provided, That where a party applies for an oral
hearing, the oral hearing shall be held except where it is deemed that a decision may be made only by a
paper hearing.
(2) All oral hearings shall be open to the public: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where public
order and good morals are likely to be compromised.
(3) Where the presiding judge holds an oral hearing for a trial pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall
determine the date and place and serve a document stating the purport thereof on a party and an
intervenor: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where he or she notifies the party and intervenor
who attend the relevant trial.
(4) Where the presiding judge holds an oral hearing for a trial pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall
require an officer designated by the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board to
prepare records stating the outline of the trial and other necessary matters on each date of the trial.
(5) The presiding judge of a trial and an officer who has prepared records shall affix their signatures and
seals to the records under paragraph (4).
(6) Articles 153, 154 and 156 through 160 of the Civil Procedure Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the
records under paragraph (4).(7) Articles 143, 259, 299 and 367 of the Civil Procedure Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to all trials.
(8) The presiding judge shall maintain order in the court during an oral hearing.
 
Article 141-2 (Submission of Written Opinions of Expert Witnesses)
(1) Where it is deemed necessary for the hearing of a case, taking into consideration impacts, etc. on
industries, the presiding judge may have public organizations and other expert witnesses submit written
opinions on the case at trial.
(2) A national agency or local government may submit a written opinion on a case at trial to the
Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board with respect to matters related to the public interest.
(3) With respect to a written opinion submitted by an expert witness under paragraph (1) or (2), the
presiding judge shall provide the parties with an opportunity to state their opinions orally or in writing.
(4) Matters necessary for submission of written opinions by expert witnesses under paragraph (1) or (2),
such as expert witness selection, expenses, and matters to be observed, shall be prescribed by Ordinance of
the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
 
Article 142 (Intervention)
(1) Any person entitled to request a trial under Article 124 (1) may intervene in the trial until the trial is
completed.
(2) Any intervenor under paragraph (1) may continue trial proceedings even after the party in whose favor
the intervenor enters the proceedings voluntarily withdraws his or her request for the trial.
(3) Any person who has an interest in the result of a trial may intervene in such trial to assist either party
until the trial is completed.
(4) Any intervenor under paragraph (3) may participate in all trial proceedings.
(5) Where any cause for interruption or suspension of trial proceedings lies in an intervenor under
paragraph (1) or (3), such interruption or suspension shall also effect the party in whose favor the
intervenor entered the proceedings.
 
Article 143 (Application for and Decision on Intervention)
(1) Any person who intends to intervene in a trial shall submit an application for intervention to the
presiding judge.
(2) Upon receipt of an application for intervention, the presiding judge shall serve a duplicate copy of the
application for intervention on the parties and other intervenors, and provide them with an opportunity to
submit their written opinions within a fixed period.
(3) Where an application for intervention is filed, such intervention shall be decided through a trial.
(4) A decision under paragraph (3) shall be made in writing, and grounds for such decision shall be
specified.(5) No person shall appeal a decision under paragraph (3).
 
Article 144 (Examination and Preservation of Evidence)
(1) A judge may examine or preserve evidence at the request of a party, an intervenor or an interested
party or ex officio.
(2) The provisions concerning the examination and preservation of evidence of the Civil Procedure Act
shall apply mutatis mutandis to the examination and preservation of evidence under paragraph (1):
Provided, That a judge shall not determine an administrative fine, order the arrest of any person or require
any person to deposit security.
(3) An application for the preservation of evidence under paragraph (1) shall be filed with the President of
the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board before a request for a trial is made, and with the presiding
judge when the trial is proceeding.
(4) Where an application for preservation of evidence under paragraph (1) is filed with the President of the
Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board before a request for a trial is made, he or she shall designate
judges to participate in such application.
(5) Where the presiding judge examines or preserves evidence ex officio pursuant to paragraph (1), he or
she shall serve the result thereof on the parties, intervenors or interested parties, and provide them with an
opportunity to submit their written opinions within a fixed period.
 
Article 145 (Proceeding with Trial)
The presiding judge may proceed with a trial even if a party or an intervenor fails to follow procedures
within a statutory period or designated period or fails to attend the trial on the date under Article 141 (3).
 
Article 145-2 (Principle of Timely Presentation)
@Articles 146, 147, and 149 of the Civil Procedure Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the submission of
arguments or evidence in the trial proceedings.
 
Article 146 (Ex Officio Hearings)
(1) A judge may hold hearings about grounds a party or an intervenor did not mention in his or her
application. In such cases, the judge shall give them an opportunity to state their opinions on such grounds
within a fixed period.
(2) No judge shall hold hearings about the purport of a request not made by a requester.
 
Article 147 (Consolidation or Division of Hearings or Trial Decisions)
A collegial body of judges may consolidate or divide hearings or trial decisions on at least two trials in
which one or both parties are the same. 
Article 148 (Withdrawal of Requests for Trial)
(1) A request for a trial may be withdrawn until a trial decision becomes final and conclusive: Provided,
That where a written answer under Article 133 (1) is submitted, one party shall obtain the consent of the
other party.
(2) Where a trial against a decision to reject under Article 116 or a trial to invalidate trademark registration
under Article 117 (1), 118 (1), or 214 (1) is requested in relation to at least two designated goods, a request
for a trial may be withdrawn for each of the designated goods. <Amended on Feb. 3, 2022>
(3) Where a request for a trial is withdrawn pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2), such request for a trial or a
request for a trial concerning such designated goods shall be deemed never to have existed.
 
Article 149 (Trial Decision)
(1) Except as otherwise expressly provided, a trial shall be completed upon a trial decision.
(2) A trial decision under paragraph (1) shall be made in writing stating the following, and judges who
make such trial decision shall affix their signatures and seals to such documents:
1. Trial Number;
2. Names and addresses of the parties and intervenors (in cases of a corporation, referring to its name
and the seat of its place of business);
3. Where an agent of a party or an intervenor exists, the name and address of his or her agent or the seat
of his or her place of business [where the agent is a patent corporation or patent corporation (with limited
liability), referring to its name, the seat of its office and the name of a designated patent attorney];
4. Indication of the case at trial;
5. Text of the trial decision;
6. Grounds for the trial decision (including the purpose of the request and an outline of such grounds);
7. Date of the trial decision.
(3) When a case is due for trial decision, the presiding judge shall notify a party and an intervenor of the
completion of a hearing.
(4) If deemed necessary, the presiding judge may resume a hearing at the request of a party or an
intervenor or ex officio, even after he or she has notified the completion of the hearing pursuant to
paragraph (3).
(5) A trial decision shall be made within 20 days from the date the presiding judge notifies the completion
of a hearing under paragraph (3).
(6) Where a trial decision or a decision is made, the presiding judge shall serve a certified copy of the trial
decision or decision on a party, an intervenor and persons whose application for intervention is rejected
though they have filed an application for intervention.
 Article 150 (Res Judicata)
Where a trial decision under this Act becomes final and conclusive, no person shall re-request a trial on
the case based on the same fact or evidence: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where the final
and conclusive trial decision is dismissal.
 
Article 151 (Relationship to Lawsuits)
(1) Where necessary in a trial, the presiding judge may suspend procedures ex officio or at the request of a
party until a trial decision rendered in another trial in connection with the trial’s case becomes final and
conclusive or legal proceedings are completed.
(2) Where necessary in legal proceedings, a court may suspend such legal proceedings, ex officio or at the
request of a party, until a trademark-related trial decision becomes final and conclusive.
(3) Where a lawsuit against infringement of a trademark right or an exclusive license is brought, the court
shall notify the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board of the purpose of such
lawsuit. The same shall also apply where such legal proceedings are completed.
(4) Where in response to a lawsuit concerning infringement on trademark rights or an exclusive license
under paragraph (3), a trial to invalidate such trademark rights, etc. is requested, the President of the
Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board shall notify the court under the same paragraph of the
purpose of such lawsuit. The same shall also apply where a decision to dismiss a written request for such
trial, or a trial decision is made or such request is withdrawn.
 
Article 151-2 (Referral to Committee for Mediation of Disputes over Industrial Property Rights)
(1) Where deemed necessary to reasonably settle a trial case, a presiding judge may suspend the
procedures for such trial case with the consent of the parties and may, by decision, refer the case to the
Committee for Mediation of Disputes over Industrial Property Rights established under Article 41 of the
Invention Promotion Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Mediation Committee").
(2) Where a presiding judge refers a trial case to the Mediation Committee under paragraph (1), he or she
shall send the records of such trial case to the Mediation Committee.
(3) Where a mediation procedure of the Mediation Committee is concluded without success, a presiding
judge shall revoke the decision of suspension under paragraph (1) and resume a trial; and where the
mediation succeeds, a request for the relevant trial shall be deemed withdrawn.
 
Article 152 (Trial Expenses)
(1) The payment of trial expenses under Articles 117 (1), 118 (1), 119 (1), 120 (1), 121 and 214 (1) shall
be determined through a trial decision if a trial is completed upon a trial decision, or by decision if a trial
is completed without a trial decision.
(2) Articles 98 through 103, 107 (1) and (2), 108, 111, 112 and 116 of the Civil Procedure Act shall apply
mutatis mutandis to trial expenses under paragraph (1).(3) Trial expenses under Article 115 or 116 shall be borne by a requester.
(4) Article 102 of the Civil Procedure Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to expenses borne by a requester
pursuant to paragraph (3).
(5) The President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board shall determine the amount of trial
expenses at the request of a party after a trial decision or a decision becomes final and conclusive.
(6) The extent, amount and payment of trial expenses and the payment of expenses incurred in performing
procedures in a trial shall coincide with precedents in the relevant provisions of the Costs of Civil
Procedure Act to the extent not inconsistent with the nature thereof.
(7) A fee paid or to be paid by a party to a patent attorney who has followed trial proceedings on behalf of
the party shall be deemed trial expenses to the extent of the amount prescribed by the Commissioner of the
Korean Intellectual Property Office. In such cases, even if several patent attorneys have participated in
trial proceedings on behalf of the party, only one patent attorney is deemed to have followed trial
proceedings on behalf of the party.
 
Article 153 (Title of Execution on Amount of Trial Expenses)
A final and conclusive decision concerning the amount of trial expenses determined by the President of
the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board shall be of the same effect as an enforceable title of
execution. In such cases, a public official of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board shall grant
the enforceable writ.
 
Article 154 (Special Rules of Trial concerning Decision to Dismiss Amendments and Decision to
Reject)
The provisions of Articles 133 (1) and (2), 142 and 143 shall not apply to a trial concerning a decision to
dismiss amendments under Article 115 and a decision to reject under Article 116.
 
Article 155 (Effect of Procedures for Examination or Formal Objection)
Trademark-related procedures followed in an examination or a formal objection shall have the effect on a
trial concerning any of the following decisions to reject:
1. Decision to reject trademark registration under Article 54;
2. Decision to reject an application to register the renewal of the duration of trademark rights;
3. Decision to reject an application for registration of additional designated goods;
4. Decision to reject registration of the conversion of the classification of goods.
 
Article 156 (Revocation of Decision to Dismiss Amendments)
(1) Where a trial concerning a decision to reject an amendment under Article 115 or trial concerning a
decision to reject under Article 116 is requested, where a collegial body of judges deems such request
reasonable, it shall revoke such decision to dismiss the amendment or decision to reject through a trialdecision.
(2) Where a decision to dismiss an amendment or a decision to reject is revoked in a trial pursuant to
paragraph (1), a trial decision that the revocation thereof will be referred to examination may be made.
(3) Grounds that form the basis for revocation in a trial decision under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall bind
the examiners to such case.
 
CHAPTER VIII RETRIAL AND LAWSUITS 
 
Article 157 (Requests for Retrial)
(1) Any party may request a retrial concerning the final and conclusive trial decision.
(2) Articles 451, 453, and 459 (1) of the Civil Procedure Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to a request for
a retrial under paragraph (1).
 
Article 158 (Appealing Against Trial Decision by Deception)
(1) Where a party to a trial conspires to cause the court to reach a trial decision by deception for the
purpose of infringing the right of or breaching the interest of a third party, the third party may request a
retrial on the final and conclusive trial decision.
(2) In cases of a request for a retrial under paragraph (1), the parties to a trial shall be joint respondents.
 
Article 159 (Period of Request for Retrial)
(1) A party shall request a retrial within 30 days from the date he or she becomes aware of the grounds for
a retrial after a trial decision becomes final and conclusive.
(2) Where a retrial is requested on the grounds of a defect in agency authority, the period under paragraph
(1) shall be counted from the day following the date a requester or his or her legal representative becomes
aware that a trial decision is made when he or she is served with a certified copy of the trial decision.
(3) No retrial shall be requested where three years elapse after the trial decision becomes final and
conclusive.
(4) Where a reason for retrial arises after the trial decision becomes final and conclusive, the period under
paragraph (3) shall be counted from the day following the date such reason arises.
(5) Paragraphs (1) and (3) shall not apply where a retrial is requested on the grounds that the retrial is in
conflict with the final and conclusive trial decision before the relevant trial decision.
 
Article 160 (Restrictions on Effect of Trademark Rights Reinstated through Retrial)
In any of the following cases, the trademark rights shall not effect the act of using a trademark identical to
the relevant registered trademark on goods identical to designated goods bearing the registered trademark
in good faith before the registration of the trademark rights reinstated after the relevant trial decision
becomes final and conclusive, or an act falling under any of the subparagraphs of Article 108 (1) or thesubparagraphs of paragraph (2) of the same Article:
1. Where the effect of trademark rights is reinstated through a retrial after the trademark registration or
registration to renew the duration of the trademark rights is invalidated;
2. Where the effect of the trademark rights is reinstated through a retrial after the trademark registration
is revoked;
3. Where after a trial decision that trademark rights do not belong to the scope of rights of the trademark
rights becomes final and conclusive, another trial decision contrary to the aforesaid trial decision
becomes final and conclusive through a retrial.
 
Article 161 (Application Mutatis Mutandis of Provisions of Trial Proceedings in Retrial)
The provisions concerning trial proceedings shall apply mutatis mutandis to retrial proceedings to the
extent not inconsistent with the nature thereof.
 
Article 162 (Lawsuits against Trial Decision)
(1) A patent court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over lawsuits for trial decisions and lawsuits for
decisions to dismiss an amendment or decision to reject a written request for a trial or written request for a
retrial under Article 42 (1) applicable mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 123 (1) (including cases
applicable mutatis mutandis in Article 161).
(2) A lawsuit under paragraph (1) may be brought by only the party, intervenors or those whose
application for intervention in a retrial is rejected even though they have filed such application.
(3) A lawsuit under paragraph (1) shall be brought within 30 days from the date the relevant person is
served with a certified copy of a trial decision or a decision.
(4) The period under paragraph (3) shall be fixed: Provided, That the presiding judge may determine an
additional period to the fixed period for those in the area with inconvenient traffic, such as islands and
remote rural areas, on his or her own authority, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade,
Industry and Energy.
(5) No lawsuit concerning matters on which a trial may be requested shall be brought unless such matters
relate to a trial decision.
(6) No lawsuit under paragraph (1) for a trial decision or a decision on trial expenses under Article 152 (1)
shall be brought independently.
(7) With respect to a judgment made by a patent court under paragraph (1), a final appeal may be made to
the Supreme Court.
 
Article 163 (Standing to Be Sued)
A lawsuit under Article 162 (1) shall be brought against the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual
Property Office as defendant: Provided, That a lawsuit for a trial decision at the trial or the retrial thereof
under Articles 117 (1), 118 (1), 119 (1) and (2), 120 (1), 121, and 214 (1) shall be brought against therequester thereof or the requested person as defendant.
 
Article 164 (Notification of Lawsuits Filed and Sending of Authenticated Copy of Written Judgment)
(1) Where a lawsuit under Article 162 (1) is brought or a final appeal under paragraph (7) of the same
Article is made, the court shall notify the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board of
the purpose thereof without delay.
(2) Where legal proceedings are completed concerning a lawsuit under the proviso of Article 163, the
court shall send, without delay, an authenticated copy of the written judgment by the court at each level on
the case to the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board.
 
Article 165 (Revocation of Trial Decisions or Decisions)
(1) Where the court deems a lawsuit brought pursuant to Article 162 (1) well-grounded, it shall revoke the
relevant trial decision or decision by judgment.
(2) Where the judgment on the revocation of a trial decision or a decision becomes final and conclusive
pursuant to paragraph (1), an examiner shall hold a hearing again to make a trial decision or a decision.
(3) Grounds which have formed the basis for the revocation through the judgment under paragraph (1)
shall bind the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board to the outcome of case.
 
Article 166 (Patent Attorney’s Fees and Litigation Costs)
@Article 109 of the Civil Procedure Act shall apply to patent attorney's fees for legal services performed
by a patent attorney. In such cases, "attorney at law" shall be construed as "patent attorney".
 
CHAPTER IX INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS UNDER 
PROTOCOL RELATING TO THE MADRID 
AGREEMENT CONCERNING THE 
INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION OF MARKS 
 
SECTION 1 International Applications 
 
Article 167 (International Applications)
Any person who intends to obtain an international registration (hereinafter referred to as "international
registration") under Article 2 (1) of the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement concerning
International Registration of Marks (hereinafter referred to as the "Madrid Protocol") shall file an
international application with the Commissioner of the Korean International Property Office based on an
application for trademark registration or trademark registration falling under any of the following:
1. Application for his or her trademark registration;2. His or her trademark registration;
3. Application for his or her trademark registration and his or her trademark registration.
 
Article 168 (Qualification of Persons Who File International Application)
(1) A person eligible to file an international application with the Commissioner of the Korean International
Property Office shall fall under any of the following:
1. A citizen of the Republic of Korea;
2. A person domiciled (in cases of a corporation, referring to the seat of its place of business) in the
Republic of Korea.
(2) Where at least two persons intend to jointly file an international application, applicants shall satisfy all
the following requirements:
1. A person who intends to jointly file an international application shall fall under any of the
subparagraphs of paragraph (1);
2. A person shall jointly file a basic application under Article 169 (2) 4 or jointly own the trademark
rights concerning the basic registration.
 
Article 169 (International Application Procedures)
(1) Any person who intends to file an international application shall submit an international application
(hereinafter referred to as "international application") prepared in the language prescribed by Ordinance of
the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and documents necessary to file an international application to
the Commissioner of the Korean International Property Office.
(2) The following shall be stated in each international application:
1. Name and address of the applicant (in cases of a corporation, referring to its name and the seat of its
place of business);
2. Matters concerning qualification of an international applicant under Article 168;
3. Country where the trademark shall be protected (including an intergovernmental organization;
hereinafter referred to as "designated country");
4. Filing date of the basic application (hereinafter referred to as "basic application") and the application
number thereof under Article 2 (1) of the Madrid Protocol or the date of registration of a basic
registration (hereinafter referred to as "basic registration") and the registration number thereof under
Article 2 (1) of the Madrid Protocol;
5. Trademark of which international registration an applicant intends to obtain;
6. Goods and the category of such goods of which international registration an applicant intends to
obtain;
7. Other matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
 Article 170 (Time Submission of Documents Including International Application Takes Effect)
An international application and documents necessary to file such application shall take effect from the
date they are delivered to the Commissioner of the Korean International Property Office. The same shall
also apply where they are submitted by mail.
 
Article 171 (Examination of Items Mentioned)
(1) Where the items mentioned in an international application are consistent with those in a basic
application or basic registration, the Commissioner of the Korean International Property Office shall note
his or her intention to recognize the fact thereof and the date such international application is delivered to
the Korean International Property Office in the international application.
(2) The Commissioner of the Korean International Property Office shall send an international application
and documents necessary to file an international application to the International Secretariat (hereinafter
referred to as the "International Secretariat") under Article 2 (1) of the Madrid Protocol and send a copy of
such international application to the relevant applicant immediately after he or she writes down the date of
arrival, etc. pursuant to paragraph (1).
 
Article 172 (Subsequent Designation)
(1) Where a holder of an international registration (hereinafter referred to as "holder of an international
registration") intends to additionally designate a designated country internationally registered (hereinafter
referred to as "subsequent designation"), he or she may file an application for subsequent designation with
the Commissioner of the Korean International Property Office, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry
of Trade, Industry and Energy.
(2) Where paragraph (1) is applied, the holder of an international registration may subsequently designate
all or some of the designated goods which are internationally registered.
 
Article 173 (Renewal of Duration of International Registration)
(1) The holder of an international registration may renew the duration of an international registration every
10 years.
(2) Any person who intends to renew the duration of an international registration pursuant to paragraph (1)
may file an application for renewal of the duration of the international registration with the Commissioner
of the Korean International Property Office, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry
and Energy.
 
Article 174 (Change of Ownership of International Registration)
(1) The holder of an international registration or his or her successor may change the ownership of the
international registration for all or some of the designated goods or the designated countries.(2) Any person who intends to change the ownership of the international registration pursuant to paragraph
(1) may file an application therefor with the Commissioner of the Korean International Property Office, as
prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
 
Article 175 (Payment of Fees)
(1) Any of the following persons shall pay a fee to the Commissioner of the Korean International Property
Office:
1. A person who intends to file an international application;
2. A person who intends to apply for a subsequent designation;
3. A person who intends to apply for renewal of the duration of an international registration pursuant to
Article 173;
4. A person who intends to apply for a change of ownership of an international registration pursuant to
Article 174.
(2) Matters necessary for fees, the method and period for the payment thereof under paragraph (1) shall be
prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
 
Article 176 (Correction for Unpaid Fees)
Where a person who falls under Article 175 (1) fails to pay a fee, the Commissioner of the Korean
International Property Office may order him or her to make a correction within a fixed period, as
prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
 
Article 177 (Invalidation of Procedures)
Where a person who is ordered to make a correction pursuant to Article 176 fails to pay a fee within the
designated period, the Commissioner of the Korean International Property Office may invalidate the
relevant procedures.
 
Article 178 (Registration of Change in Particulars of International Registration)
Matters necessary for applying for registration of a change in the particulars of an international registration
and other international applications shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry
and Energy.
 
Article 179 (Exclusion from Application to Business Emblem)
None of the provisions of Articles 167 through 178 shall apply to a business emblem.
 
SECTION 2 Special Cases concerning Application for International Trademark
Registration  
Article 180 (Application for International Trademark Registration)
(1) An international application that has been registered internationally in accordance with the Madrid
Protocol, which has designated the Republic of Korea as a designated country (including subsequent
designation), shall be deemed an application for trademark registration under this Act.
(2) Where paragraph (1) is applied, the date of international registration (hereinafter referred to as "date of
international registration") under Article 3 (4) of the Madrid Protocol shall be deemed the filing date of an
application for trademark registration under this Act: Provided, That in cases of an international
application which has designated the Republic of Korea subsequently, the date such subsequent
designation is registered (hereinafter referred to as "date of subsequent designation") on the International
Register (referring to the International Register under Article 2 (1) of the Madrid Protocol; hereinafter
referred to as "International Trademark Register") shall be deemed the filing date of an application for
trademark registration under this Act.
(3) With respect to an international application deemed an application for trademark registration
(hereinafter referred to "application for international trademark registration") under this Act pursuant to
paragraph (1), the name, address (in cases of a corporation, referring to its name and the seat of its place of
business), trademark, designated goods and the category of such goods of the holder of an international
registration registered on the International Trademark Register shall be construed as the name, address (in
cases of a corporation, referring to its name and the seat of its place of business), trademark, designated
goods and the category of such goods of an applicant under this Act.
 
Article 181 (Special Cases of Business Emblem)
None of the provisions concerning a business emblem shall apply to an application for international
trademark registration.
 
Article 182 (Special Cases of Application for International Trademark Registration)
(1) Where this Act applies to an application for international trademark registration, the purpose for
claiming priority, the name of the country where the first application is filed, and the filing date of the first
application registered on the International Trademark Register shall be construed as the purpose for
claiming priority, the name of a country where the first application is filed, and the filing date of the first
application stated in an application for trademark registration.
(2) Where this Act applies to an application for international trademark registration, the purpose of a
trademark registered on the International Trademark Register shall be construed as the purpose of the
relevant trademark mentioned in an application for trademark registration.
(3) Any person who intends to obtain collective mark registration shall submit documents and the articles
of incorporation under Article 36 (1) and (3) to the Commissioner of the Korean International Property
Office, and any person who intends to obtain certification mark registration shall submit documents underparagraphs (1) and (4) of that Article to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office,
within the period prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. In such cases,
any person who intends to obtain registration of a collective mark with geographical indication shall
submit documents stating the purpose thereof, along with documents prescribed by Presidential Decree
which can verify that such collective mark with geographical indication is consistent with the definition of
the geographical indication under Article 2 (1) 4.
 
Article 183 (Effect of Application for International Trademark Registration Where Domestically
Registered Trademark Exists)
(1) Where a holder of a trademark registered with and the right thereto established in the Republic of
Korea (excluding a registered trademark following an application for international trademark registration;
hereinafter referred to as "domestically registered trademark") satisfies all the following requirements
when he or she files an application for international trademark registration, such application for
international trademark registration shall be deemed filed on the filing date of an application for trademark
registration relating to the relevant domestically registered trademark to the extent that designated goods
overlap:
1. The trademark registered on the International Trademark Register (hereafter in this paragraph,
referred to as "internationally registered trademark") following an application for international
trademark registration shall be identical to the domestically registered trademark;
2. The holder of an international registration concerning the internationally registered trademark shall
be identical to the holder of the domestically registered trademark;
3. Deleted; <Oct. 31, 2023>
4. The effect of territory extension under Article 3-3 of the Madrid Protocol shall arise after the date of
trademark registration of the domestically registered trademark.
(2) Where the priority right under the treaty is recognized on an application for trademark registration
concerning the domestically registered trademark under paragraph (1), the priority right is also recognized
on an application for international trademark registration under the same paragraph.
(3) Where the trademark right of the domestically registered trademark is revoked or extinguished on any
of the following grounds, the effect on the relevant application for international trademark registration
under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not be recognized to the same extent as designated goods of the
trademark right revoked or extinguished:
1. Where a trial decision to the effect that the trademark registration is revoked on the grounds that the
trademark registration falls under the subparagraphs (excluding subparagraph 4) of Article 119 (1)
becomes final and conclusive;
2. Where a trial to revoke trademark registration is requested on the grounds that the trademark
registration falls under the subparagraphs (excluding subparagraph 4) of Article 119 (1), and trademark
rights are extinguished due to the expiration of the duration, or some trademark rights or designatedgoods are relinquished after the date of such trial is requested.
(4) Any person who intends to file an application under Article 4-2 (2) of the Madrid Protocol shall submit
a written application stating the following to the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office:
1. Name and address of the holder of the international registration (in cases of a corporation, referring to
its name and the seat of its place of business);
2. International registration number;
3. Related domestically registered trademark number;
4. Overlapping designated goods;
5. Other matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
(5) Where an application under paragraph (4) is filed, an examiner shall advise the applicant whether the
effect under paragraphs (1) through (3) is recognized on the relevant application for international
trademark registration.
 
Article 184 (Special Cases of Succession to Application and Transfer of Divisional Application)
(1) Where Article 48 (1) applies in relation to an application for international trademark registration,
"report on the modification of an applicant excluding inheritance or other general succession" shall be
construed as "report made by an applicant to the International Secretariat in order to change the
ownership".
(2) Where all or some of the designated goods of an international registration are divided and transferred
following a change in the ownership of the international registration, an application for international
trademark registration shall be deemed filed by each changed holder of the international registration.
(3) Article 48 (3) shall not apply to an application for international trademark registration.
 
Article 185 (Special Cases of Amendment)
(1) Where the provisions, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 40 (1) applies in relation to
an application for international trademark registration, "items mentioned in a written application for
trademark registration, designated goods and trademark concerning an application for trademark
registration" shall be construed as "designated goods concerning such application for trademark
registration limited to where an applicant is notified of grounds for rejection under Article 55 (1)".
(2) Articles 40 (1) 1 and (2) 4 and 41 (1) 2-2 shall not apply to an application for international trademark
registration. <Amended on Feb. 3, 2022>
(3) Where Article 40 (3) applies in relation to an application for international trademark registration,
"amendment under paragraph (1) falls outside paragraph (2)" shall be construed as "amendment of
designated goods falls outside paragraph (2) (excluding subparagraph 4 of the same paragraph)"; and
where Article 41 (3) applies in relation to an application for international trademark registration,
"amendment under paragraph (1) falls outside Article 40 (2)" shall be construed as "amendment of
designated goods falls outside Article 40 (2) (excluding subparagraph 4 of the same paragraph)".(4) Where Article 41 (1) applies in relation to an application for international trademark registration,
"designated goods and the trademark" shall be construed as "designated goods".
 
Article 186 (Special Cases of Modification of Application)
None of the provisions of Article 44 (1) through (7) shall apply to an application for international
trademark registration. <Amended on Oct. 31, 2023>
 
Article 187 (Special Cases of Division of Application)
@Article 45 (4) shall not apply to an application for international trademark registration. <Amended on Oct.
31, 2023>
 
Article 188 (Special Cases of Priority Claim under Paris Convention)
@Article 46 (4) and (5) shall not apply where any person who intends to file an application for
international trademark registration claims priority under the Paris Convention.
 
Article 189 (Special Cases When Filing Application and of Preferential Examination)
(1) Where Article 47 (2) applies in relation to an application for international trademark registration,
"submit a written application for trademark registration stating the purpose thereof to the Commissioner of
the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and documents that may prove such goods within 30 days from
the filing date of an application for trademark registration" shall be construed as "documents stating the
purpose thereof and documents that can prove such goods within the period prescribed by Ordinance of
the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy".
(2) Article 53 (2) shall not apply to an application for international trademark registration.
 
Article 190 (Special Cases of Notification of Grounds for Rejection)
(1) Where the former part of Article 55 (1) applies in relation to an application for international trademark
registration, "notify an applicant" shall be construed as "notify an applicant through the International
Secretariat".
(2) Article 55 (3) shall not apply to an application for international trademark registration.
 
Article 191 (Special Cases of Publication of Application)
Where the main clause, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 57 (1) applies in relation to an
application for international trademark registration, "where grounds for rejection cannot be discovered
(where any ground for rejection exists with respect to part of designated goods, referring to where a
decision to reject such designated goods becomes final and conclusive)" shall be construed as "where
grounds for rejection cannot be discovered within the period prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of
Trade, Industry and Energy (where any ground for rejection exists with respect to part of designatedgoods, referring to where a decision to reject such designated goods becomes final and conclusive)".
<Amended on Feb. 3, 2022>
 
Article 192 (Special Cases of Right to Claim Damages)
Where Article 58 (1) applies in relation to an application for international trademark registration, "copy of
the relevant application for trademark registration" shall be construed as "copy of the relevant
international application".
 
Article 193 (Special Cases of Decision to Register Trademark and Ex Officio Amendment)
(1) Where Article 68 applies in relation to an application for international trademark registration, "where
no grounds for rejection can be discovered (where any ground for rejection exists with respect to part of
designated goods, referring to where a decision to reject such designated goods becomes final and
conclusive)" shall be construed as "where no grounds for rejection can be discovered within the period
prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (where any ground for rejection
exists with respect to part of designated goods, referring to where a decision to reject such designated
goods becomes final and conclusive)". <Amended on Feb. 3, 2022>
(2) Article 59 shall not apply to an application for international trademark registration.
(3) Article 68-2 shall not apply to an application for international trademark registration. <Newly Inserted on
Oct. 19, 2021>
 
Article 193-2 (Special Cases of Request for Re-Examination)
@Article 55-2 shall not apply to an application for international trademark registration.
 
Article 193-3 (Special Cases for Methods to Decide Whether to Grant Trademark Registration)
Where Article 69 (2) applies to an application for international trademark registration, "decision on
whether to grant trademark registration" shall be construed as "decision on whether to grant trademark
registration (excluding cases falling under the latter part, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of
Article 54)" and "on the applicant" as "on the applicant through the International Secretariat".
 
Article 194 (Special Cases of Trademark Registration Fees)
(1) Any person who intends to file an application for international trademark rights or who intends to
renew the duration of trademark rights established and registered (hereinafter referred to as
"internationally registered basic trademark rights") pursuant to Article 197 shall pay an individual fee
under Article 8 (7) (a) of the Madrid Protocol to the International Secretariat.
(2) Matters necessary for individual fees under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.(3) None of the provisions of Articles 72 through 77 shall apply to an application for international
trademark registration or internationally registered basic trademark rights.
 
Article 195 (Special Cases of Refund of Trademark Registration Fees)
Where the provisions, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 79 (1) applies in relation to an
application for international trademark registration, "trademark registration fee and fee paid" shall be
construed as "fee already paid," "trademark registration fee and fee" shall be construed as "fee," and where
Article 79 (1) 1 and Article 79 (2) and (3) are applied to an application for international trademark
registration, "trademark registration fee and fee" shall be construed as "fee," respectively.
 
Article 196 (Special Cases of Registration on Trademark Register)
(1) Where Article 80 (1) 1 applies in relation to internationally registered basic trademark rights,
"establishment, transfer, change, extinguishment, recovery, renewal of the duration of trademark rights,
conversion of the classification of goods, addition of or restrictions on disposition of designated goods"
shall be construed as "establishment of and restrictions on disposition of trademark rights".
(2) The transfer, change, extinguishment, or renewal of the duration of internationally registered basic
trademark rights shall be performed as registered on the International Trademark Register.
 
Article 197 (Special Cases of Registration and Establishment of Trademark Rights)
Where the provisions, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 82 (2) applies in relation to an
application for international trademark registration, "any of the following cases" shall be construed as
"cases where trademark registration is determined".
 
Article 198 (Special Cases of Duration of Trademark Rights)
(1) The duration of internationally registered basic trademark rights shall remain in force until the date 10
years elapse after the date of international registration from the date trademark rights under Article 197 are
registered and established.
(2) The duration of internationally registered basic trademark rights may be renewed every 10 years
through the renewal of the duration of the international registration.
(3) Where the duration of internationally registered basic trademark rights is renewed pursuant to
paragraph (2), the duration of such internationally registered basic trademark rights shall be deemed
renewed at the time of the expiration of the duration thereof.
(4) None of the provisions of Articles 83 through 85, 88 (1) and 209 through 213 shall apply to
internationally registered basic trademark rights.
 
Article 199 (Special Cases of Application for Registration of Additional Designated Goods)The provisions of Articles 86, 87, and 88 (2) shall not apply to an application for international trademark
registration or internationally registered basic trademark rights.
 
Article 200 Deleted. <Oct. 31, 2023>
 
Article 201 (Special Cases of Effect of Registration of Trademark Rights)
(1) No extinguishment of internationally registered basic trademark rights following the transfer, change
or abandonment thereof or the renewal of the duration thereof shall take effect unless such extinguishment
or renewal is registered on the International Trademark Register.
(2) None of the provisions of Article 96 (1) 1 (excluding the part concerning restrictions on disposition)
shall apply to internationally registered basic trademark rights.
(3) Where Article 96 (2) applies in relation to internationally registered basic trademark rights, "trademark
rights and a pledge" shall be construed as "pledge".
 
Article 202 (Effect of Extinguishment of International Registration)
(1) Where all or some of the international registration forming the basis of an application for international
trademark registration are extinguished, the relevant application for international trademark registration on
all or some of the designated goods shall be deemed withdrawn to the extent of the extinguishment
thereof.
(2) Where all or some of the international registration forming the basis of internationally registered basic
trademark rights are extinguished, the relevant trademark rights to all or some of the designated goods
shall be deemed extinguished to the extent of the extinguishment thereof.
(3) The effect of withdrawal or extinguishment under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall occur from the date the
relevant international registration is extinguished.
 
Article 203 (Special Cases of Relinquishment of Trademark Rights)
(1) The provisions of Article 102 (1) shall not apply to internationally registered basic trademark rights.
(2) Where Article 103 applies in relation to internationally registered basic trademark rights, "trademark
rights or exclusive license" shall be construed as "exclusive license".
 
Article 204 (Special Cases of Trial to Invalidate Registration to Renew Duration)
The provisions of Article 118 or 214 shall not apply to internationally registered basic trademark rights.
 
SECTION 3 Special Cases of Applications for Trademark Registrations 
 
Article 205 (Special Cases of Applications for Trademark Registrations after Lapse of International
Registration)(1) Where an international registration of a trademark, which is eligible for international registration
through which the Republic of Korea has been designated as a designated country (including subsequent
designation), on all or some of the designated goods lapses pursuant to Article 6 (4) of the Madrid
Protocol, the holder of the international registration may file an application for trademark registration on
all or some of such goods with the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office.
(2) Where an application for trademark registration under paragraph (1) satisfies all the following
requirements, such application shall be deemed filed on the date of international registration (in cases of a
subsequent designation, referring to the date of the subsequent designation):
1. An application for trademark registration under paragraph (1) shall be filed within three months from
the expiration date of the international registration under the same paragraph;
2. All designated goods in an application for trademark registration under paragraph (1) shall be
included in designated goods in international registration;
3. A trademark filed to obtain trademark registration shall be identical to another trademark eligible for
the international registration which has lapsed.
(3) Where the priority under the treaty is recognized on an application for international trademark
registration concerning international registration under paragraph (1), the priority shall be recognized on
an application for trademark registration under the same paragraph.
 
Article 206 (Special Cases of Application for Trademark Registrations after Abrogation of Madrid
Protocol)
(1) Where the holder of an international registration through which the Republic of Korea has been
designated as a designated country (including subsequent designation) is disqualified as an applicant
pursuant to Article 15 (5) (b) of the Madrid Protocol, the holder of the relevant international registration
may file an application for trademark registration on all or some of the internationally registered
designated goods with the Commissioner of the Intellectual Property Office.
(2) Article 205 (2) and (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis to an application for trademark registration under
paragraph (1). In such cases, "within three months from the expiration date of the international registration
under the same paragraph" in Article 205 (2) 1 shall be construed as "within two years from the date the
effect of abrogation occurs pursuant to Article 15 (3) of the Madrid Protocol".
 
Article 207 (Special Cases of Examination)
Where any of the following applications for trademark registration (hereinafter referred to as
"reapplication") is related to the registered trademark established and registered pursuant to Article 197,
the provisions of Articles 54, 55, 57, and 60 through 67 shall not apply to an application for trademark
registration filed by the relevant principal: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where such
application falls under subparagraph 2 of Article 54:1. An application for trademark registration filed pursuant to Article 205 (1) because it satisfies all the
requirements under the subparagraphs of Article 205 (2);
2. An application for trademark registration filed pursuant to Article 206 (1) because it satisfies all the
requirements under the subparagraphs of Article 205 (2) applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article
206 (2).
 
Article 208 (Special Cases of Period of Exclusion)
Where the relevant trademark is established and registered through reapplication therefor, in which case
the period of exclusion under Article 122 (1) relating to the previous internationally registered basic
trademark rights has elapsed, no trial to invalidate the trademark established and registered following the
reapplication shall be requested.
 
CHAPTER X REGISTRATION OF CONVERSION OF 
CLASSIFICATION OF GOODS 
 
Article 209 (Application for Registration of Conversion of Classification of Goods)
(1) A trademark right holder who has obtained establishment and registration of trademark rights,
registration of additional designated goods or registration to renew the duration by designating goods in
accordance with the classification of the category of goods prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry under Article 10 (1) of the previous Act (referring to the Trademark Act before
being amended by Act No. 5355) shall obtain registration after converting the relevant designated goods in
accordance with the classification of the category of goods: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply to
a person who obtains registration to renew the duration by designating goods in accordance with the
classification of the category of goods prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
under Article 10 (1) of the Trademark Act (Act No. 5355).
(2) Any person who intends to obtain registration of the conversion of the classification of goods under
paragraph (1) shall submit an application for registration of conversion of the classification of goods
stating the following:
1. Name and address of the applicant (in cases of a corporation, referring to its name and the seat of its
place of business);
2. Where there is an agent for the applicant, the name and address of his or her agent or the seat of his or
her agent's place of business (where an agent is a patent corporation or patent corporation (limited
liability company), referring to its name, the seat of its office and the name of a designated patent
attorney);
3. Registration number of the registered trademark;
4. Designated goods intended to be registered after conversion and the category of such goods.(3) An application for registration of the conversion of the classification of goods shall be filed from one
year before the duration of trademark rights expires for a period not exceeding six months after the
duration of trademark rights expires.
(4) Where trademark rights are jointly owned, all joint owners shall jointly file an application for
registration of the conversion of the classification of goods.
 
Article 210 (Decision to Reject Registration of Conversion of Classification of Goods and Notification
of Grounds for Rejection)
(1) Where an application for registration of the conversion of the classification of goods falls under any of
the following, an examiner shall decide to reject registration of the conversion of the classification of
goods against such application:
1. Where non-designated goods of the relevant registered trademark are designated as designated goods
in the application for registration of the conversion of the classification of goods, or the scope of
designated goods is substantially extended;
2. Where goods in the application for registration of the conversion of the classification of goods are
inconsistent with the classification of the category of goods;
3. Where an applicant for registration of the conversion of the classification of goods is not the holder of
the relevant registered trademark;
4. Where the application fails to satisfy requirements for an application for registration of conversion of
the classification of goods under Article 209;
5. Where trademark rights are extinguished, an application to register the renewal of the duration is
abandoned or withdrawn, or invalidated.
(2) An examiner shall notify an applicant of grounds for rejection in any of the following cases. In such
cases, the applicant may submit his or her written opinion regarding grounds for rejection within the
period prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy: <Amended on Oct. 19, 2021>
1. Where the examiner intends to decide to reject registration of the conversion of the classification of
goods;
2. Where the examiner intends to decide to reject registration of the conversion of the classification of
goods on the grounds for rejection that have already been notified before a decision to grant registration
of the conversion of the classification of goods revoked upon ex officio re-examination prescribed in
Article 68-2 (1) applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 212.
(3) An applicant who fails to submit his or her opinion within a period under the latter part of paragraph
(2) may file an application for continuance of procedures concerning registration of the conversion of the
classification of goods within two months after such period expires, and may submit his or her opinion on
grounds for rejection within the period.
(4) Where an examiner notifies an applicant of grounds for rejection pursuant to paragraph (2), he or she
shall specify the grounds and basis for rejection for each designated goods. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 3, 2022> 
Article 211 (Registration of Conversion of Classification of Goods)
Where a decision to register a trademark under Article 68 applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article
212 is made, the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall register the conversion of
the classification of designated goods.
 
Article 212 (Application Mutatis Mutandis to Application for Registration of Conversion of
Classification of Goods)
The provisions of Articles 38 (1), 39, 40, 41 (3), 42, 50, 55-2, 68, 68-2, 69, and 70, and subparagraphs 1
through 5 and 7 of Article 134 shall apply mutatis mutandis to an application for registration of the
conversion of the classification of goods. <Amended on Oct. 19, 2021; Feb. 3, 2022>
 
Article 213 (Extinguishment of Trademark Rights Where Application for Registration of Conversion
of Classification of Goods Is Not Filed)
(1) In any of the following cases, trademark rights to designated goods eligible for registration of the
conversion of the classification of goods shall be extinguished on the day following the expiration date of
the duration to which the expiration date of the period for filing an application for registration of the
conversion of the classification of goods under Article 209 (3):
1. Where a person who shall obtain registration of the conversion of the classification of goods fails to
file an application for registration of the conversion of the classification of goods within the period
under Article 209 (3);
2. Where an application for registration of the conversion of the classification of goods is withdrawn;
3. Where procedures concerning the conversion of the classification of goods are invalidated pursuant to
Article 18 (1);
4. Where a decision to reject registration of the conversion of the classification of goods becomes final
and conclusive;
5. Where the trial decision to the effect that registration of the conversion of the classification of goods
is invalidated becomes final and conclusive pursuant to Article 214.
(2) Trademark rights to designated goods not mentioned in an application for registration of the
conversion of the classification of goods under 209 (2), which are eligible for registration of the
conversion of the classification of goods, shall be extinguished on the date the conversion of designated
goods mentioned in an application for registration of the conversion of the classification of goods is
registered pursuant to Article 211: Provided, That where registration of the conversion of the classification
of goods is obtained before the expiration date of the duration of trademark rights, trademark rights shall
be extinguished on the day following the expiration date of the duration of trademark rights.
 Article 214 (Trial to Invalidate Registration of Conversion of Classification of Goods)
(1) Where registration of the conversion of the classification of goods falls under any of the following, an
interested party or an examiner may request a trial to invalidate registration thereof. In such cases, where
at least two designated goods relating to registration of the conversion of the classification of goods exist,
a trial may be requested for each of the designated goods:
1. Where non-designated goods bearing the relevant trademark are registered for the conversion of the
classification of goods, or the scope of designated goods has been substantially extended;
2. Where registration of the conversion of the classification of goods is obtained through an application
filed by a person who is not the holder of the relevant registered trademark;
3. Where registration of the conversion of the classification of goods violates Article 209 (3).
(2) Articles 117 (2) and (5) shall apply mutatis mutandis to a trial to invalidate registration of the
conversion of the classification of goods.
(3) Where the trial decision to the effect that registration of the conversion of the classification of goods is
invalidated becomes final and conclusive, the relevant registration of the conversion of the classification
of goods shall be deemed never to have existed.
 
CHAPTER XI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS 
 
Article 215 (Perusal of Documents)
Any person who desires to obtain certification concerning an application for trademark registration and the
trial, a certified copy or an abstract of documents, to peruse or reproduce the trademark register and
documents may file an application for permission for perusal, etc. of documents with the Commissioner of
the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal
Board.
 
Article 216 (Prohibition of Taking out and Disclosure of Documents Relating to Application for
Trademark Registration, Examination, or Trial)
(1) Any documents relating to an application for trademark registration, examination, formal objection,
trial or retrial, or the trademark register shall not be removed except in any of the following cases:
<Amended on Jan. 8, 2019; Aug. 17, 2021>
1. Where documents relating to an application for trademark registration, application for registration of
a collective mark with geographical indication, examination or formal objection are taken out for
trademark search, etc. under Article 51 (1) and (3) through (5);
1-2. Where documents relating to an application for trademark registration, examination, formal
objection, trial or retrial, or the trademark register is removed for mediation under Article 151-2 (2);
2. Where documents relating to an application for trademark registration, examination, formal
objection, trial or retrial, or the trademark register is removed to entrust the digitization of trademarkdocuments under Article 217 (2);
3. Where documents relating to an application for trademark registration, examination, formal
objection, trial, or retrial, or the trademark register is removed for online telecommuting under Article
32 (3) of the Electronic Government Act.
(2) No expert opinion shall be provided, no testimony shall be borne or no answers shall be provided to
any question concerning the details of an application for trademark registration, examination, formal
objection, a case pending due to a trial or retrial, or decision on whether to grant trademark registration, or
the details of the trial decision or decision.
 
Article 217 (Digitization of Trademark Documents by Agency)
(1) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may conduct affairs concerning the
digitization of documents concerning applications for trademark registration, examinations, trials or
retrials or the Trademark register, or affairs similar thereto (hereinafter referred to as "digitization of
trademark documents") by utilizing the electronic data processing system and using technology in the
electronic data processing system in order to efficiently perform trademark-related procedures.
(2) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may entrust the digitization of trademark
documents to a corporation equipped with facilities and human resources prescribed by Ordinance of the
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
(3) A current or former executive officer or employee of a person entrusted with the digitization of
trademark documents under paragraph (2) (hereinafter referred to as “agency for digitizing trademark
documents”) shall not divulge or pirate confidential information he or she has become aware of regarding
trademark the registration of which is pending in the course of performing his or her duties. <Newly
Inserted on Apr. 17, 2018>
(4) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may digitize applications for trademark
registrations and other documents prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy,
which have not been submitted in electronic form under Article 30 (1), pursuant to paragraph (1), and
store such applications and documents in the file of the Korean Intellectual Property Office or the
Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board. <Amended on Apr. 17, 2018>
(5) Content stored in the file pursuant to paragraph (4) shall be deemed the same content as that stated in
the relevant documents. <Amended on Apr. 17, 2018>
(6) Methods of digitization of trademark documents and other matters necessary for the digitization of
trademark documents shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
<Amended on Apr. 17, 2018>
(7) Where an agency for digitizing trademark documents fails to comply with standards for facilities and
human resources prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, as prescribed in
paragraph (2) or an executive officer or employee of such agency divulges or pirates confidential
information he or she has become aware of regarding trademark the registration of which is pending, theCommissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may order such agency for digitizing trademark
documents to make corrections; and where the agency for digitizing trademark documents fails to comply
with his or her order to make corrections, he or she may revoke the entrustment of the digitization of
trademark documents. In such cases, the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Officer shall
provide any party subject to revocation with an opportunity to state its or his or her opinion in advance.
<Amended on Apr. 17, 2018>
 
Article 218 (Service of Documents)
Matters necessary for the procedure for service of documents, etc. specified in this Act shall be prescribed
by Presidential Decree.
 
Article 219 (Service by Publication)
(1) Where it is impossible to serve documents because the address or the place of business of a person on
whom documents shall be served is unclear, service by publication shall be effected in lieu thereof.
(2) Service by publication shall be effected by publishing the intention of delivering documents to a
person on whom documents shall be served at any time in the Trademark Official Gazette.
(3) The first service by publication shall take effect after two weeks elapse from the date the intention of
delivery at any time is published in the Trademark Official Gazette: Provided, That service by publication
to the same relevant person after this shall take effect from the day following the date on which the
intention of delivery at any time is published in the Trademark Official Gazette.
 
Article 220 (Service on Overseas Residents)
(1) Where a non-resident has a trademark manager, any document to be served on such non-resident shall
be served on his or her trademark manager: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply in any of the
following cases: <Amended on Oct. 31, 2023>
1. Where an examiner notifies an applicant for international trademark registration of the ground for
rejection through the International Secretariat under Article 190;
2. Where an examiner serves a certified copy of a decision on whether to grant trademark registration
on the applicant for international trademark registration through the International Secretariat under with
Article 193-3.
(2) Where a non-resident does not have a trademark manager, any document to be served on such non-
resident may be sent by registered airmail.
(3) Where a certified copy of a decision on whether to grant trademark registration is sent to the
International Secretariat pursuant to paragraph (1) 2 or a document is sent by registered airmail pursuant to
paragraph (2), such copy or document shall be deemed served on the date it is sent. <Amended on Oct. 31,
2023> 
Article 221 (Trademark Official Gazette)
(1) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall publish the Trademark Official
Gazette.
(2) The Trademark Official Gazette may be published through electronic media, as prescribed by
Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
(3) Where the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office publishes the Trademark Official
Gazette through electronic media, he or she shall announce the publication of the Trademark Official
Gazette, important contents and matters concerning service by publication using the information and
communications network.
(4) Matters to be published in the Trademark Official Gazette shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
 
Article 222 (Indication of Registered Trademark)
Where a trademark right holder, an exclusive licensee, or a non-exclusive licensee uses a registered
trademark, he or she may indicate that the relevant trademark is the registered trademark.
 
Article 223 (Indication of Registered Collective Mark with Homonymous Geographical Indication)
Where at least two registered collective marks with geographical indication correspond to a mutually
homonymous geographical indication, each collective mark right holder and its members shall use a mark
that prevents consumers from being confused about the geographical source along with its registered
collective mark.
 
Article 224 (Prohibition of False Display)
(1) No person shall engage in any of the following conduct:
1. Displaying an unregistered trademark or a trademark no application for registration of which has
been filed on goods, as if such trademark is a registered trademark or a trademark of which application
for registration has been filed;
2. Displaying an unregistered trademark or a trademark no application for registration of which has not
been filed on advertisements for business, signboards, labels, packages of goods or other business
transaction documents as if such trademark is a registered trademark or a trademark of which
application for registration has been filed;
3. Where a registered trademark is used on goods other than designated goods, displaying the trademark
registration or a mark likely to be confused therewith on such trademark.
(2) Displaying a trademark under paragraph (1) 1 and 2 shall include the making of goods, packages of
goods, advertisements, signboards, or labels in the shape of a mark.
 Article 225 (Special Rules on Trademarks Similar to Registered Trademark)
(1) "Registered trademark" under Articles 89, 92, 95 (3), 97 (2), 104, 110 (4), 119 (1) 3 and (3), 160, 222
and 224 shall be deemed to include a trademark similar to such registered trademark, in which case if the
same color as that of the registered trademark is applied to such trademark, the trademark is recognized as
identical to the registered trademark.
(2) "Trademark similar to the registered trademark" under Articles 108 (1) 1 and 119 (1) 1 shall not be
deemed to include a trademark similar to such registered trademark, in which case if the same color as that
of the registered trademark is applied to such trademark, the trademark is recognized as identical to the
registered trademark.
(3) "Trademark similar to the registered collective mark with geographical indication" under Article 108
(2) 1 shall not be deemed to include a trademark similar to such registered collective mark, in which case
if the same color as that of the registered collective mark is applied to such trademark, the trademark is
recognized as identical to the registered collective mark.
(4) None of the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (3) shall apply to a registered trademark which
consists of colors or a combination of colors only.
 
Article 226 (Restrictions on Appeals)
(1) No person shall appeal under any other statute against a decision to reject a modification, decision on
whether to grant trademark registration, trial decision, decision to reject a request for a trial or request for
a retrial, and appeal under other statutes against the disposition to which no appeal shall be filed pursuant
to this Act.
(2) The Administrative Appeals Act or the Administrative Litigation Act shall apply to an appeal against a
disposition other than the disposition under paragraph (1).
 
Article 227 (Orders to Maintain Confidentiality)
(1) Where one party has explained all the following grounds about trade secrets (referring to trade secrets
under subparagraph 2 of Article 2 of the Unfair Competition Prevention and Trade Secret Protection Act)
it possesses in a lawsuit concerning infringement on trademark rights or exclusive license, the court may,
at the request of one party, order the other party (in cases of a corporation, referring to its representative),
a person who brings a lawsuit on behalf of one party, or other persons who have learned such trade secrets
due to such lawsuit not to use the trade secrets for any purpose other than carrying on the lawsuit, or not to
disclose the trade secrets to any person other than those who have received an order under this paragraph
related to the trade secrets by decision: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where the other party
(in cases of a corporation, referring to its representative), a person who brings a lawsuit on behalf of one
party, or other persons who have learned trade secrets due to such lawsuit have already acquired such
trade secrets through a method other than the perusal of prepared documents under subparagraph 1 for the
taking of evidence:1. Trade secrets are included in prepared documents already submitted or to be submitted, or evidence
already taken or to be taken;
2. Because the use of trade secrets under subparagraph 1 for purposes other than carrying on the
relevant lawsuit or the disclosure thereof is likely to interfere with one party's business, it is necessary to
restrict the use or disclosure of such trade secrets.
(2) A request for an order under paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as "order to maintain
confidentiality") shall be made in writing stating the following:
1. Those who are to receive an order to maintain confidentiality;
2. Facts enough to specify trade secrets subject to an order to maintain confidentiality;
3. Facts constituting grounds under the subparagraphs of paragraph (1).
(3) Where the court decides to issue an order to maintain confidentiality, it shall serve a written decision
on those who have received an order to maintain confidentiality.
(4) An order to maintain confidentiality shall take effect from the time when a written decision under
paragraph (3) is served on those who have received an order to maintain confidentiality.
(5) One party may immediately appeal a decision to dismiss or reject a request for issuing an order to
maintain confidentiality.
 
Article 228 (Revocation of Orders to Maintain Confidentiality)
(1) Where a person who has made a request for issuing an order to maintain confidentiality or a person
who has received an order to maintain confidentiality does not or fails to satisfy requirements under
Article 227 (1), he or she may request the court which keeps the lawsuit records (where there is no court
which keeps the lawsuit records, referring to the court which has issued an order to maintain
confidentiality) to revoke an order to maintain confidentiality.
(2) Where a decision on a request for revocation of an order to maintain confidentiality is made, the court
shall serve the written decision on a person who has made the request and the other party.
(3) Either party may immediately appeal a decision on the request for the revocation of an order to
maintain confidentiality.
(4) A decision to revoke an order to maintain confidentiality shall take effect when such decision becomes
final and conclusive.
(5) The court which has made a decision to revoke an order to maintain confidentiality shall immediately
notify a person who has made a request for the revocation of an order to maintain confidentiality or a
person who has received an order to keep the relevant trade secrets confidential other than the other party,
if any, of the fact that it has made a decision to revoke an order to maintain confidentiality.
 
Article 229 (Notification of Request for Perusal of Lawsuit Records)
(1) Where there is a decision to restrict the perusal, etc. under Article 163 (1) of the Civil Procedure Act of
the lawsuit records concerning a lawsuit in which an order to maintain confidentiality has been issued(excluding a lawsuit in which all orders to maintain confidentiality have been revoked), in which case any
person who has not been ordered to maintain confidentiality in such lawsuit follows procedures for
requesting the perusal, etc. of the part containing trade secrets for the other party who may peruse such
trade secrets, a clerical officer of Grade IV, clerical officer of Grade V, clerical officer of Grade VI, or
clerical officer of Grade VII of the court (hereafter in this Article, referred to as "clerical officer of Grade
V, etc. of the court") shall notify one party (excluding a person who has made a request for the perusal
thereof, etc.; hereafter in paragraph (3), the same shall apply) who requested the restrictions on the
perusal, etc. pursuant to Article 163 (1) of the Civil Procedure Act of the fact that a request for perusal
thereof, etc. has been made immediately after the clerical officer of Grade V, etc. of the court received
such request.
(2) In cases falling under paragraph (1), a clerical officer of Grade V, etc. of the court shall not allow a
person who follows procedures for requesting the perusal, etc. to peruse the part containing trade secrets
under paragraph (1) until two weeks elapse from the date a request under the same paragraph is made. In
such cases, where a request for issuing an order to maintain confidentiality to a person who follows
procedures for requesting the perusal, etc. is made within that period, the clerical officer of Grade V, etc.
of the court shall not allow the person who follows procedures for requesting the perusal, etc. to peruse the
part containing the trade secrets under paragraph (1) until the time when a decision on such request
becomes final and conclusive.
(3) Paragraph (2) shall not apply where all of the relevant persons who have made a request for restricting
the perusal, etc. pursuant to 163 (1) of the Civil Procedure Act give consent to allow a person who has
made a request for the perusal, etc. pursuant to paragraph (1) to peruse the part containing trade secrets
under paragraph (1).
 
CHAPTER XII PENALTY PROVISIONS 
 
Article 230 (Crime of Infringement)
Any person who infringes trademark rights or an exclusive license shall be punished by imprisonment
with labor for not more than seven years or by a fine not exceeding 100 million won.
 
Article 231 (Breach of Orders to Maintain Confidentiality)
(1) Any person who breaches an order to maintain confidentiality in the Republic of Korea or in a foreign
country without good cause shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than five years or
by a fine not exceeding 50 million won.
(2) With respect to a crime under paragraph (1), no case may be prosecuted without a criminal complaint
filed by the person who has requested to issue the order to maintain confidentiality.
 Article 232 (Crime of Perjury)
(1) Where a witness, expert witness, or interpreter who has made an oath pursuant to this Act makes any
false statement, provides any false expert opinion, or gives any false interpretation before the Intellectual
Property Trial and Appeal Board, he or she shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more
than five years or by a fine not exceeding 50 million won. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>
(2) Where a person who committed a crime under paragraph (1) confesses himself or herself before a
decision to grant or reject trademark registration or a trial decision of the case becomes final and
conclusive, the penalty may be reduced or exempted.
 
Article 233 (Crime of False Indication)
Any person who violates Article 224 shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than
three years, or by a fine not exceeding 30 million won. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>
 
Article 234 (Crime of Fraud)
Any person who obtains trademark registration, registration of additional designated goods, registration to
renew the duration of trademark rights, registration of the conversion of the classification of goods, or trial
decision by fraud or other improper means shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more
than three years or by a fine not exceeding 30 million won. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>
 
Article 235 (Joint Penalty Provisions)
If the representative of a corporation, or an agent, employee or any other worker of a corporation or
individual commits an offense under Article 230, 233 or 234 with respect to affairs of such corporation or
individual, not only shall the offender be punished, but the corporation also shall be punished by the
following fines and the individual shall be punished by a fine under the relevant provisions: Provided,
That the foregoing shall not apply where the corporation or individual has not neglected to pay due
attention to and exercise reasonable supervision over the relevant affairs to prevent such offense:
1. Where he or she violates Article 230: A fine not exceeding 300 million won;
2. Where he or she violates Article 233 or 234: A fine not exceeding 60 million won.
 
Article 236 (Confiscation)
(1) A trademark, mark, or goods (hereafter in this paragraph, referred to as "infringed goods") provided to
infringe trademark rights or an exclusive license under Article 230 or generated from such infringement,
and manufacturing tools or materials provided to be mainly used for manufacturing such infringed goods
shall be confiscated.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), where goods can be easily separated from a trademark or packing
without impairing the function or appearance thereof, such goods may not be confiscated. 
Article 237 (Administrative Fines)
(1) Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 500,000 won:
1. A person who has made an oath pursuant to Article 299 (2) or 367 of the Civil Procedure Act applied
mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 141 (7) but makes a false statement before the Intellectual Property
Trial and Appeal Board;
2. A person who has been ordered to produce or present documents or other things with respect to the
taking of evidence or the preservation of evidence by the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board
but fails to comply with the order without justifiable grounds;
3. A person who has been summoned to appear as a witness, expert witness, or interpreter by the
Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board but fails to comply with such summons to appear without
justifiable grounds or refuses to make an oath, make a statement, bear testimony, provide an expert
opinion, or interpret, as otherwise requested.
(2) Administrative fines under paragraph (1) shall be imposed and collected by the Commissioner of the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
 
ADDENDA <Act No. 14033, Feb. 29, 2016>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (General Transitional Measures)
(1) This Act shall begin to apply from the first application for trademark registration filed after this Act
enters into force.
(2) The amended provisions concerning a request for a trial of this Act shall begin to apply from the
cases where a request for a trial is made after this Act enters into force: Provided, That the amended
provisions of Article 79 (1) and (2) shall also apply to all request for a trial in which a decision to
dismiss an amendment or decision to reject an amendment is revoked or withdrawn, request for a trial in
which a decision on dismissal, or request for a trial in which a request for intervention is withdrawn or
refused after April 28, 2016 which is the enforcement date of the Trademark Act (Act No. 13848).
Article 3 (Applicability to Invalidation of Procedures)
The amended provisions of the main clause of Article 18 (2) shall also apply where trademark-related
procedures are invalidated because a person who was ordered to make corrections before this Act enters
into force has failed to observe the period of amendment in extenuating circumstances, in which case
two months do not elapse from the date such grounds cease to exist as at the time this Act enters into
force.
Article 4 (Applicability to Trademark of Which Registration Cannot Be Obtained)
The amended provisions of Article 34 (1) (excluding the amended provisions of subparagraph 21 of the
same paragraph) shall also apply where a decision to grant trademark registration for which anapplication was filed before this Act enters into force is made after this Act enters into force.
Article 5 (Applicability to Amendment before Decision to Publish Application)
The amended provisions of Article 40 (1) shall also apply to an application for trademark registration
filed before this Act enters into force.
Article 6 (Applicability to Recovery of Application for Trademark Registration through Payment of
Trademark Registration Fees or Remainder Payment)
(1) The amended provisions of the main clause of Article 77 (1) shall also apply where an applicant, etc.
fails to pay a trademark registration fee within the period for payment of a trademark registration fee or
to pay the remainder within the period for remainder payment in extenuating circumstances before this
Act enters into force, and two months do not elapse from the date such grounds cease to exist as at the
time this Act enters into force.
(2) The amended provisions of the proviso of Article 77 (1), with the exception of its subparagraphs,
shall also apply where an applicant, etc. fails to pay a trademark registration fee within the period for
payment of a trademark registration fee or to pay the remainder within the period for remainder
payment in extenuating circumstances before this Act enters into force, and one year does not elapse
from the later date between the expiration date of the period for payment of a trademark registration fee
or the expiration date of the period for remainder payment as at the time this Act enters into force.
Article 7 (Applicability to Publication of Registrations of Trademark and Establishment of
Trademark Rights)
The amended provisions of Article 82 (3) shall begin to apply from the first case where a trademark is
registered and trademark rights are established after this Act enters into force.
Article 8 (Applicability to Dismissal of Request for Trial)
The amended provisions of Article 127 (2) shall begin to apply from the first trial requested after this
Act enters into force.
Article 9 (General Transitional Measures)
The previous provisions shall apply to an application for trademark registration filed pursuant to the
previous provisions before this Act enters into force.
Article 10 (Transitional Measures concerning Service Mark)
Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Articles 2 (3), 3 (4) and 44 (1), the previous provisions
thereof shall apply where an application for service mark registration is filed or a service mark is
registered pursuant to the previous provisions as at the time this Act enters into force.
Article 11 (Transitional Measures concerning Incompetents)
A person in whose case the effect of the declaration of an incompetent or a quasi-incompetent is
maintained pursuant to Article 2 of the Addenda of the Civil Act (Act No. 10429) shall be deemed
included in a person with limited guardianship and a person with adult guardianship under the amended
provisions of Article 4 (1).Article 12 (Transitional Measures concerning Submission of Application for Trademark Registration)
An application for trademark registration submitted after stating the classification of the category of
goods pursuant to the previous provisions as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed an
application for trademark registration submitted pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 36 (1).
Article 13 (Transitional Measures concerning Submission of Amended Articles of Incorporation)
Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Article 43, the previous provisions thereof shall apply
where the articles of incorporation or the rules are amended before this Act enters into force.
Article 14 (Transitional Measures concerning Institution Specializing in Examination)
An institution specializing in examination designated pursuant to the previous provisions as at the time
this Act enters into force shall be deemed a specialized institution designated pursuant to the amended
provisions of Article 51.
Article 15 (Transitional Measures concerning Grounds for Notification of Decision to Reject
Trademark Registration and Grounds for Rejection)
(1) Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Article 54, the previous provisions thereof shall apply
where an applicant has received notification of a decision to reject registration or grounds for rejection
on the grounds that a trademark registered with a State party to the treaty or trademark similar thereto
corresponds to a trademark for the registration of which an application is filed (hereafter in this Article,
referred to as "relevant trademark") by designating goods identical or similar to designated goods of
such trademark as its designated goods without justifiable grounds, such as where a person who is an
agent or representative of a person who holds the right to such registered trademark, or who was an
agent or the representative of such person within one year before the filing date of an application for
trademark registration fails to obtain consent of the person who holds the right to such goods.
(2) Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Article 119 (1), the previous provision thereof shall
apply where the relevant trademark has been registered as at the time this Act enters into force, and a
person who holds the right to a trademark registered with a State party to the treaty requests a trial to
revoke the relevant trademark within five years from the date of registration thereof pursuant to the
previous provision.
Article 16 (Transitional Measures concerning Ex Officio Amendment)
Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Article 59, the previous provisions thereof shall apply
where an amendment to an application for trademark registration was made ex officio before this Act
enters into force.
Article 17 (Transitional Measures concerning Effect of Right to Use under Amendment of the Previous
Act)
The previous provisions shall apply to the effect of rights to use registered pursuant to the provisions
before amended (hereafter in this Article, referred to as "previous provisions") by the Trademark Act
(hereafter in this Article, referred to as "the same Act") before September 1, 1990 which is the
enforcement date of the same Act (Act No. 4210).Article 18 Omitted.
Article 19 (Relationship to Other Statutes or Regulations)
Where any of the provisions of the previous Trademark Act are cited in other statutes or regulations as
at the time this Act enters into force, and this Act contains provisions corresponding thereto, the
relevant provisions of this Act shall be deemed cited, in lieu of such previous provisions.
 
 
ADDENDUM <Act No. 14689, Mar. 21, 2017>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
 
 
ADDENDUM <Act No. 15581, Apr. 17, 2018>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended
provisions of Article 3 (2) shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
 
 
ADDENDA <Act No. 16205, Jan. 8, 2019>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Specialized Institutions)
Any specialized institution designated under the previous provisions as at the time this Act enters into
force shall be deemed to have been registered under the amended provisions of Article 51.
 
 
ADDENDUM <Act No. 16362, Apr. 23, 2019>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
 
 
ADDENDA <Act No. 17531, Oct. 20, 2020>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Lawsuits for Infringement of Trademark Rights or Exclusive Licenses)
The amended provisions of Articles 110 (7) and (8) and 111 shall begin to apply to violations
committed after this Act enters into force.
 
 ADDENDA <Act No. 17728, Dec. 22, 2020>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Estimation of Amount of Damages)
The amended provisions of Article 110 shall begin to apply to claims for damages filed after this Act
enters into force.
 
 
ADDENDA <Act No. 18406, Aug. 17, 2021>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Referral of Trial Cases to Mediation Committee)
The amended provisions of Article 151-2 shall also apply to cases on which trials are underway as at the
time this Act enters into force.
 
 
ADDENDA <Act No. 18502, Oct. 19, 2021>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Invalidation of Procedures)
The amended provisions of Article 18 (2) shall also apply where trademark-related procedures are
invalidated as a person who was ordered to make an amendment before this Act enters into force fails to
observe the period for amendment for good reason and where two months have not elapsed from the
date the relevant reason ceases to exist as at the time this Act enters into force.
Article 3 (Applicability to Dismissal of Amendment)
The amended provisions of Article 42 (2) shall begin to apply to applications for trademark registration,
applications for registration of additional designated goods, or applications for registration of the
conversion of the classification of goods for which a certified copy of a decision is served on or after the
date this Act enters into force.
Article 4 (Applicability to Division of Applications)
The amended provisions of Article 45 (3) through (5) shall begin to apply to divisional applications
filed on or after the date this Act enters into force.
Article 5 (Applicability to Ex Officio Re-Examination after Decision to Grant Trademark
Registration)
The amended provisions of Articles 55 (1), 68-2, 87 (2), 88 (2), 210 (2), and 212 shall begin to apply to
applications for trademark registration, applications for registration of additional designated goods, or
applications for registration of the conversion of the classification of goods filed on or after the date thisAct enters into force.
Article 6 (Applicability to Reinstatement of Application for Trademark Registration by Payment of
Trademark Registration Fees or Remainder Payment)
The amended provisions of Article 77 (1) shall also apply where an applicant, etc. fail to pay a
trademark registration fee within the payment period or to pay the remainder within the period for
remainder payment for good reason and where two months have not elapsed from the date the relevant
reason ceases to exist as at the time this Act enters into force.
Article 7 (Applicability to Non-Exclusive License following Transfer of Trademark Rights by Exercise
of Pledge)
The amended provisions of Article 104-2 shall begin to apply where a pledge, the object of which is to
acquire trademark rights, is established or where division of a jointly-owned trademark right is
requested on or after the date this Act enters into force.
Article 8 (Applicability to Trial against Decision to Dismiss Amendment)
The amended provisions of Article 115 shall begin to apply to applications for trademark registration,
applications for registration of additional designated goods, or applications for registration of the
conversion of the classification of goods for which a certified copy of a decision to dismiss an
amendment is served on or after the date this Act enters into force.
Article 9 (Applicability to Trial against Decision to Reject)
The amended provisions of Article 116 shall begin to apply to applications for trademark registration,
applications for registration of additional designated goods, or applications for registration of the
conversion of the classification of goods for which a certified copy of a decision to reject is served on or
after the date this Act enters into force.
 
 
ADDENDA <Act No. 18548, Dec. 7, 2021>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on April 20, 2022. (Proviso Omitted.)
Article 2 Omitted.
 
 
ADDENDA <Act No. 18817, Feb. 3, 2022>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended
provisions of Article 2 (1) 11 (b) shall enter into force six months after the date of the promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Request for Re-Examination)
The amended provisions of Articles 40 (1), 41 (1), 55-2, 88 (2), and 212 shall begin to apply to
applications for trademark registration, applications for registration of additional designated goods, orapplications for registration of the conversion of the classification of goods filed on or after the date this
Act enters into force.
Article 3 (Applicability to Decision to Reject Trademark Registration)
The amended provisions of Articles 54, 57 (1), 68, 87 (1), 116, 148 (2), 191, and 193 (1) shall begin to
apply to applications for trademark registration or applications for registration of additional designated
goods filed on or after the date this Act enters into force.
 
 
ADDENDA <Act No. 18999, Oct. 18, 2022>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Refunds of Trademark Registration Fees and Fees)
The amended provisions of Article 79 (3) shall also apply to trademark registration fees and fees for
which the period for a claim for refund under the previous provisions does not elapse as at the time this
Act enters into force.
 
 
ADDENDA <Act No. 19711, Sep. 14, 2023>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Submission of Written Opinions of Expert Witnesses)
The amended provisions of Articles 141-2 shall also apply to cases on trial pending in the Intellectual
Property Trial and Appeal Board as at the time this Act enters into force.
 
 
ADDENDA <Act No. 19809, Oct. 31, 2023>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Exception to Trademarks Ineligible for Trademark Registration)
The amended provisions of the proviso of Article 34 (1) 7 and of Article 35 (6) shall also apply where a
decision on whether to grant trademark registration is made after this Act enters into force for an
application for trademark registration, a modified application, a divisional application, or an application
for registration of additional designated goods filed before this Act enters into force.
Article 3 (Applicability to Trademarks Ineligible for Trademark Registration)
The amended provisions of Article 34 (3) shall also apply where a decision on whether to grant
trademark registration is made after this Act enters into force for an application for trademark
registration filed before this Act enters into force.Article 4 (Applicability to Modification of Applications)
The amended provisions of Article 44 (5) through (7) shall begin to apply to modified applications filed
after this Act enters into force.
Article 5 (Applicability to Ex Officio Amendment)
The amended provisions of Article 59 (5) shall begin to apply to applications for trademark registration
and applications for registration of additional designated goods trademark registration that are publicly
announced after this Act enters into force.
Article 6 (Applicability to Refund of Trademark Registration Fees)
The amended provisions of Article 79 (1) 8 and 9 shall begin to apply where all or part of a trademark
right is extinguished or relinquished after this Act enters into force.
Article 7 (Applicability to Special Cases concerning Methods to Decide Whether to Grant Trademark
Registration)
The amended provisions of Articles 193-3 and 220 shall begin to apply to applications for international
trademark registration for which a decision on whether to grant trademark registration is made after this
Act enters into force.
 
 
 
Last updated : 2023-12-19