Step-by-Step Guide to Trademark Registration in South Korea in 2025: From Search to Registration

Introduction: A Clear Path to Trademark Registration in South Korea

Trademark Registration Process in South Korea: Overview

Budget: What Trademark Registration Costs in South Korea

Timeline: How Long Trademark Registration Takes in South Korea

Conclusion and Next Steps

Introduction: A Clear Path to Trademark Registration in South Korea

Registering a trademark in South Korea can feel complicated for businesses entering the Korean market for the first time. The rules are local, the deadlines are strict, and a lot of risk sits in details that are easy to underestimate at the beginning:

• you need to choose the right Nice classes and keep the goods/services list precise,
• transliteration and “look-alike / sound-alike” risks can appear even when the spelling looks different,
• KIPO may issue requests and Office Actions with firm response deadlines,
• publication opens a formal opposition window,
• non-residents must work through a local representative, which affects both coordination and budget.

This guide provides a structured, step-by-step route — from search to certificate — and explains how to keep the process predictable, avoid missed deadlines, and control costs. You’ll also see how a platform workflow (such as iPNOTE) helps you work with verified local representatives with clear pricing and visible stages, so you don’t feel “lost” between steps.

What Can Be Registered as a Trademark in South Korea?

South Korea allows protection for a broad range of signs that function as trademarks. In practice, applicants commonly register:

• word marks (brand names),
• logos and graphic elements,
• combination marks (word + logo),
• and other distinctive identifiers, as long as they can be filed in an acceptable format and clearly distinguish the applicant’s goods or services.

The key requirement is distinctiveness. Marks that are too descriptive, too common, or too close to existing rights typically face objections during substantive examination.

Grounds for Refusal in South Korea: What Can Cause Problems?

KIPO can refuse a trademark when it does not meet registration requirements or conflicts with earlier rights. In practice, the risk areas you should plan for include:

• lack of distinctiveness (the mark is too weak to identify a single commercial source),
• similarity to earlier marks (visual, phonetic, or conceptual overlap),
• non-compliance with legal requirements (for example, elements that KIPO considers unacceptable under local rules),
• issues linked to the goods/services list (overly broad or unclear descriptions often trigger requests to clarify).

A pre-filing search and careful drafting reduce the risk of Office Actions, delays, and extra service costs later.

Language, Transliteration, and Local Requirements

Language of filing: In South Korea, trademark applications must be filed in Korean.

Even when the trademark is in English, South Korea is a market where local practice matters:

• Goods and services wording must be drafted carefully. Broad lists increase cost (because fees can rise when the list exceeds 10 items per class) and increase the likelihood of examination issues.
• Transliteration / variant checks matter during search. A brand may be safe in one spelling, but risky through similar pronunciations or alternative renderings. A broader search that includes similar spellings and transliteration variants reduces surprises.
• Document readiness matters. If the filing requires supporting documents, translation, legalization, or representative formalities, these can appear as additional tasks and costs — especially for non-residents.

Territoriality and the First-to-File Principle

Trademark rights are territorial. Protection in other countries does not automatically protect you in South Korea, so you need a dedicated Korean filing strategy.

South Korea also follows a first-to-file logic in practice: earlier filings and earlier registered marks are powerful rights that can block later applicants. For businesses entering Korea, filing early helps reduce the risk of conflicts and oppositions appearing after you have already invested in branding and market launch.

Trademark Registration Process in South Korea: Overview

Step 1 — Preparation: What You Need Before Filing

Good preparation prevents delays and keeps costs predictable. Before you file:

Define your goods and services

• Choose the correct Nice classes.
• Keep the list realistic: unnecessary classes and overly broad descriptions increase government fees and can increase examination risk.

Check whether localization is needed

• Decide if you need additional versions of the brand (for example, transliteration strategy for search and risk control).
• Make sure the filing format matches what you intend to protect.

Gather documents and files
Prepare:

• trademark files (vector/raster, depending on whether you file a logo or a word mark),
• owner details (legal name and address),
• priority documents (if applicable).

Plan the budget
At minimum, plan for:

• government fees (filing + examination + registration),
• local representative fees (mandatory for non-residents),
• translations/legalization (only if required by the case).

When you work through a platform model, the process becomes more structured: you define scope first, receive offers with clear timelines, and reduce the risk of missing something that later becomes a paid “emergency fix”.

Step 2 — Clearance Search (Trademark Availability Check)

Before you pay filing fees, run a search that matches Korean risk reality.

Option 1 — Instant AI Search on iPNOTE 

Using the AI assistant, you can get an immediate preliminary analysis of your trademark.
The AI evaluates obvious risks: identical matches, clear conflicts, basic phonetic issues, and overall distinctiveness.
This helps you quickly understand:

• how high the initial risk level is,
• whether it makes sense to file “as is” or adjust the spelling/classes before paying any fees.

Key benefit: You get a fast, objective, automated assessment without spending money on a lawyer at the early stage.

Start your free check with iPNOTE.

Option 2 — Manual Search by a South Korean Trademark Attorney 

South Korea is a complex jurisdiction because of:

• multiple possible arabic transliterations for the same English word,
• strict focus on pronunciation similarity,
• KIPO’s conservative interpretation of distinctiveness,

A professional search by a South Korean local attorney identifies deeper risks such as:

• phonetic equivalents,
• South Korean transliteration conflicts,
• conceptual similarity,
• conflicts across related classes,
• KIPO-specific terminology issues.

Main benefit: a comprehensive risk evaluation tailored to South Korean examination practice.

You can request this manual attorney-led search directly through iPNOTE, choosing from verified South Korean trademark attorneys. 

Best Practice

Most applicants combine both steps:
AI analysis for a quick first impression, followed by a professional South Korean attorney review for a complete, risk-free picture.

Together, these two layers significantly reduce the chance of Office Actions, added expenses, and delays during SAIP examination.

Step 3 — Filing the Trademark Application

Who can file directly with KIPO
Applicants with a Korean address and residency (Alien Registration Card — ARC) can register a trademark through the official government channel — The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO).

Non-residents
For non-residents, the rule is strict:

• For applicants who do not have a domicile (individuals) or a registered business address (legal entities) in South Korea, appointment of a locally licensed trademark or patent agent is a formal requirement under KIPO practice.
• Self-filing without a Korean representative is not permitted in these cases.

A local representative can be selected through a marketplace model (for example, iPNOTE), where you compare providers and receive structured offers.

Filing Through iPNOTE: Easy Way to Register in South Korea

For applicants unfamiliar with local practice, platform filing reduces uncertainty and helps keep the process controlled and transparent.

Create a Task for Trademark Registration in South Korea

You begin by creating a task inside the iPNOTE platform.
The integrated AI assistant helps you structure the request correctly:

• estimates the approximate registration cost, taking into account official fees and service charges,
• suggests appropriate Nice classes,

This eliminates confusion and prevents mistakes at the earliest stage.

Receive a List of Suitable Providers

Once the task is created, the platform automatically shows a list of verified local-based trademark attorneys who can handle your filing.

You can:

• select providers manually, based on their profiles,
  ask the AI assistant to choose the most suitable ones,
• or send a request to all providers at once to compare offers.

Every provider has a complete profile with experience, ratings, response times, and pricing transparency.

Compare Fixed Offers and Choose the Best Option

Soon after your request, providers will send their offers.
Each offer contains:

• total cost (including official fees, attorney fees, and the platform commission),
• estimated timelines,
• scope of work covered.

You can also open a chat with any provider in the Messages section to clarify details or ask additional questions. This helps you make an informed decision based on clear, measurable factors.

Pay for the Service — All Filing Fees Included

When you choose the best offer, you proceed to payment.
The price displayed includes:

• KIPO official fees for filing,
• local representative fees for filing,
• iPNOTE commission.

The Provider Starts Working Within 24 Hours

After payment, the provider will begin working on your case within one business day if you purchase the Fast-Track option.

iPNOTE uses escrow payments, meaning:

• the provider only receives the funds after you approve the final result,
• the platform acts as a neutral guarantor,
• your investment is protected throughout the process.

Final Review Before Filing

Before submitting the trademark to KIPO, your provider sends you the complete filing package for final confirmation:

• the trademark representation,
• transliteration (if applicable),
• selected classes,
• goods/services description,
• owner information,
• priority claim (if any).

You can review everything in one place and request corrections if needed.

Filing and Tracking Your Application Online

Once approved, the provider files the application through KIPO.
After submission, on the platform, in your personal account under the IP Rights section appears:

• application stage,
• filing date,
• application number,
• jurisdiction,
• all uploaded documents,
• communication history.

Statuses update automatically, so you always know exactly where your application stands without waiting for emails or manual updates.

Step 4 — Formal Examination and Substantive Examination

KIPO processing includes a formal check and a substantive review.

1) Formal check
KIPO verifies:

• correctness of applicant details,
• presence of required documents,
• payment of fees.

Response deadline: 60 days from the notice date.
Extension is possible (typically once).
If there is no response, the application is treated as abandoned.

2) Substantive examination
KIPO experts review:

• distinctiveness,
• similarity with earlier registered marks,
• compliance with applicable requirements.

Response deadline: 2 months from the notice date.

Extension may be requested for 1 month.
If there is no response, the application is refused.

Office Actions are a formal part of the process. When you file through a local provider, the Office Action goes to the representative, who:

• notifies you,
• explains what is required,
• proposes a response plan,
• aligns it with you,
• files the response within deadline.

If KIPO accepts the response, the case proceeds to publication.

Step 5 — Publication and Oppositions

If the application passes examination, it is published in KIPO’s Official Gazette.

• Publication is a mandatory public stage.
• The opposition period lasts 2 months from the publication date
• During this window, third parties can review the mark and file an opposition if they believe it conflicts with their rights.

If no opposition is filed, the application proceeds automatically to registration.
If an opposition is filed, the procedure is suspended while the dispute is examined.

Step 6 — Registration Fee Payment and Certificate Issuance

After the 2-month publication period ends, KIPO closes the opposition window and the application moves to registration.

• KIPO issues a Decision to Register and sends a request to pay the registration fee and certificate-related fees.
• After payment, KIPO prepares the final registration confirmation document within 1–2 months.

After registration, your case record shows:

• registration number,
• issue date,
• renewal date.

In South Korea, trademark protection is granted for 10 years, and renewals are required to maintain protection.

Budget: What Trademark Registration Costs in South Korea

South Korea’s trademark budget is more structured than many jurisdictions, but it can still expand when:

• the goods/services list exceeds 10 items per class,
• you add extra classes,
• you receive Office Actions,
• opposition occurs,
• translations/legalization become necessary.

1) Government fees (KIPO official fees)

Government fees depend on classes and on the number of goods/services items within each class.

Example government fee calculation

Scenario A — up to 10 items per class (no extra item fees)

Application Fee: 52,000 KRW × number of classes

• 5 classes: 260,000 KRW
• 15 classes: 780,000 KRW

Examination Fee: 18,000 KRW × number of classes

• 5 classes: 90,000 KRW
• 15 classes: 270,000 KRW

Registration Fee: 201,000 KRW × number of classes

• 5 classes: 1,005,000 KRW
• 15 classes: 3,015,000 KRW

Total (up to 10 items per class):

• 5 classes: 260,000 + 90,000 + 1,005,000 = 1,355,000 KRW (≈ 1,000 USD)
• 15 classes: 780,000 + 270,000 + 3,015,000 = 4,065,000 KRW (≈ 3,000 USD)

Scenario B — 15 items per class (5 extra items)
Extra items cost: 5 × 2,000 KRW = +10,000 KRW per class (applies to Application Fee and Registration Fee)

Application Fee: (52,000 + 10,000) × number of classes

• 5 classes: 310,000 KRW
• 15 classes: 930,000 KRW

Examination Fee: 18,000 KRW × number of classes

• 5 classes: 90,000 KRW
• 15 classes: 270,000 KRW

Registration Fee: (201,000 + 10,000) × number of classes

• 5 classes: 1,055,000 KRW
• 15 classes: 3,165,000 KRW

2) Local representative fees

For non-residents, a local representative is mandatory. The baseline estimate provided here is:

• approximately 500 USD per class (local representative services)

Additional service costs may arise for:

• replies to Office Actions,
• opposition handling,
• urgent timelines,
• translation/legalization coordination (if required).

3) Additional costs that make the budget grow

Common budget drivers include:

• broad class scopes and long goods/services lists,
• urgency / fast turnaround requests,
• Office Actions,
• oppositions,
• double translation cycles or unnecessary localization work.

How to save money in South Korea

1) Keep goods/services ≤ 10 items per class
KIPO charges +2,000 KRW per item above 10 for:

• Application Fee,
• Registration Fee.
  Reducing duplicates and tightening wording can avoid these extras.

2) Avoid unnecessary classes
Staying within 1–2 core classes can save significant government fees and reduce service scope.

3) Use multi-class filing to simplify
Multi-class filing does not remove “per class” government fees, but it:

• simplifies administration,
• can reduce representative coordination cost,
• reduces the chance of parallel-application errors.

4) Run a pre-filing search
A strong search reduces the chance of Office Actions, refusal, or a second filing.

5) Pay registration as a single lump sum when possible
KIPO offers:

• Single lump sum: 201,000 KRW
• Two installments: 122,000 + 122,000 KRW
  Installments are more expensive. Savings: ~43,000 KRW (~30 USD) per class.

6) Do not claim priority unless it is truly needed
Priority claim fee: 160,000 KRW (≈ 110 USD).

7) Use verified local providers through a marketplace model
Working with vetted representatives reduces uncertainty, helps avoid drafting mistakes, and lowers the risk of extra costs caused by avoidable Office Actions.

8) Optional acceleration: Accelerated (Preferential) Examination

South Korea can offer accelerated examination when you can demonstrate urgency linked to real use or real infringement risk. Typical grounds include:

• the trademark is already used in Korea (supported by evidence such as a site, marketing materials, invoices, packaging, product photos, campaigns, contracts),
• an imminent launch with serious preparation (distribution agreements, supply contracts, marketing contracts, packaging/labels already in production),
• a proven infringement risk (copying by a competitor, market confusion signals, urgent need to secure rights).

Request for preferential (accelerated) examination fee: 160,000 KRW.

Timeline: How Long Trademark Registration Takes in South Korea

If the process runs without Office Actions or opposition, registration is commonly completed within 10–12 months. An accelerated track can reduce this to 6–7 months in qualifying situations.

1) Document preparation

Time: 1–7 business days
(Exact timing depends on how fast you finalise classes, files, and owner data. On a platform, the expected time is typically visible in offers.)

2) Filing + formal check by KIPO

Time: 1–2 weeks
KIPO checks:

• applicant data and residency/address details (ARC or legal entity info),
• mark type and technical compliance of the mark file,
• Nice classes selection,
• goods/services wording quality,
• required documents (power of attorney, priority documents if claimed),
• fee payment correctness.

Possible delay: often 1 month (sometimes 2) if KIPO issues a formality request and you need to correct the filing.

3) Substantive examination

Time: 6–9 months (usually the longest stage)
Possible Office Action:

• response deadline: 2 months from notice date,
• extension: +1 month (request required),
• missed deadline can lead to refusal.

After a response, KIPO’s follow-up review commonly takes another 1–3 months.

4) Publication in the Official Gazette

Time: exactly 2 months
If a Notice of Opposition is filed:

• you have 30 days to respond from receipt,
• extension request may add 30 more days.

5) Registration fee payment window

Time allowed to pay: 2 months from the payment notice date
If unpaid, the application may be rejected (KIPO may allow restoration if late limits are not exceeded).

6) Certificate issuance after payment

Time: 1–2 months

After payment, KIPO finalises registration, assigns the registration number, publishes the registered trademark, and issues an electronic Certificate of Registration.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Trademark registration in South Korea becomes much easier to control when the structure is clear: defined steps, predictable government fee logic (per class and per goods/services count), firm response deadlines, and a transparent publication window for opposition.

For non-residents, the biggest practical challenge is coordination: local representation is mandatory, and missing a deadline can quickly escalate into refusal or extra cost. A structured workflow with a verified local representative helps prevent those failures.

With a platform model such as iPNOTE, you can create a filing task, use AI support to structure goods/services and class scope, compare offers from local Korean representatives, and track every stage in one place — with visible deadlines and fewer surprises.

If you want to keep the Korean filing predictable, start by creating a trademark registration task, upload your mark details, and request offers from verified local providers so you can choose the best balance of speed, cost, and risk control.