Trademark Prosecution
Secure the name and logo your business runs on, before someone else does.
Why review this now
Trademark rights in Korea go to the first to file. A name you have used for years can become unusable if someone else registers it first.
Check for conflicting marks before the name is settled. Reversing course after signage, packaging, and domains are in place is far more expensive than a search.
How the goods and services are designated determines whether you will have to file again when the business expands. We look at what you plan to sell, not only what you sell today.
What we handle
Conflict search
We check whether a similar mark is already on the register.
Goods and services
We cover what you sell now and what you plan to sell.
Office actions
We argue distinctiveness and non-similarity where refusals arise.
Renewal management
We track the ten-year renewal cycle for you.
Steps and timing
| Stage | Typical duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conflict search | 3–5 days | after materials are received |
| Filing | immediate | application number issued |
| Examination result | 8–12 months | 2–3 months if accelerated |
| Publication | 2 months | opposition period |
| Registration | 1–2 months | after the fee is paid |
Frequently asked
Can we register a name we already use?+−
Yes, if no conflicting mark is already registered. Long use on its own does not guarantee registration, so we run the search first.
Should the word and the logo be filed separately?+−
A word mark protects the name across typefaces but not the design. If you use both, filing separately is safer.
Is a broader list of goods better?+−
It raises official fees, and unused classes can become vulnerable to cancellation. We set the list against your actual plans.
What happens to fees if the mark is refused?+−
Official fees already paid are not refunded, which is why time spent on the search up front is usually the cheaper path.
Trademark consultation
Tell us your situation and we will lay out the steps and expected timeline. We reply within one business day.