In South Korea, trademarks are a critical intangible asset for businesses, embodying brand value, reputation, and market competitiveness. With the ever-evolving market environment and increasing competition, ensuring the ongoing validity of trademarks has become essential for safeguarding brand rights. This guide provides a detailed overview of the trademark renewal process in South Korea, key considerations, and strategies to address challenges, particularly in managing renewal deadlines. We also recommend the Brand Management Module on the Kangxin IP Platform to help businesses efficiently handle their South Korean trademark renewal tasks.

1. How to Calculate the Validity Period of a Trademark

According to the South Korean Trademark Act (상표법), the validity period of a registered trademark in South Korea is 10 years, starting from the registration date. This means that once a trademark is registered, its protection lasts for 10 years. Upon successful renewal, the trademark's validity is extended for another 10 years, and in theory, it can be renewed indefinitely. This system provides businesses with long-term legal protection to maintain their brand position in the South Korean market.

2. When Can You Submit a Renewal Application?

A trademark renewal application in South Korea should be submitted within the last 12 months before the trademark expires. Specifically, trademark owners need to file their renewal application with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) during this 12-month window prior to the 10-year anniversary of the trademark registration. To ensure a smooth renewal process, it is advisable for trademark owners to plan ahead and avoid missing this critical deadline.

Additionally, South Korean trademark law provides a grace period: within 6 months after the trademark expires, owners can still submit a renewal application, but they will need to pay an additional late fee. While the grace period offers some flexibility, due to the extra costs and potential risks involved, it is recommended that businesses complete the renewal within the initial 12-month window before expiration.

3. What Happens If You Miss the Final Deadline? Can Rights Be Restored?

If a trademark owner fails to submit a renewal application within the designated period, the trademark will become invalid and lose legal protection. This can lead to risks such as damage to brand rights and market encroachment by competitors. However, South Korean trademark law offers a remedy: during the 6-month grace period after the trademark expires, owners can still submit a renewal application by paying an additional late fee. If the grace period is also missed, the trademark will be canceled, requiring the business to reapply for registration. This process can be time-consuming, more costly, and carries the risk of the trademark being preemptively registered by others.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended that trademark owners closely monitor their trademark expiration dates and plan renewals in advance. If a renewal deadline is missed due to oversight, owners should promptly submit a renewal application within the grace period to restore the trademark’s legal validity.

4. How Much Does Renewal Cost?

The cost of trademark renewal in South Korea depends on the number of classes covered by the trademark. Based on the latest fee structure, the renewal fee for each class is 311,000 KRW (approximately 1,800 CNY, subject to exchange rate fluctuations). For trademarks covering multiple classes, an additional fee is charged for each extra class. Furthermore, if the renewal application is submitted during the grace period, an additional late fee is required, the exact amount of which may vary depending on policy adjustments.

Trademark owners are advised to check the latest and most accurate renewal fee information on the KIPO website or consult a professional agency, and to prepare the necessary fees in advance.

5. How to Handle Renewal during a Trademark Transfer or Change? Should You Wait Until the Transfer or Change Is Complete? In Whose Name Should the Renewal Be Filed?

If a trademark is undergoing a transfer or change of ownership, the renewal process may be affected. Generally, if the transfer or change procedures are not yet completed, the renewal application should be submitted in the name of the original trademark owner. This is because renewal extends the rights of the original trademark, and ownership changes only take effect once the transfer or change is finalized.

However, to ensure a smooth renewal process, it is recommended that trademark owners communicate with KIPO or a professional agency to confirm specific submission requirements during a transfer or change. In some cases, additional documentation or specific procedures may be required.

If the trademark transfer or change has already been completed, the renewal application should be submitted in the name of the new trademark owner, along with the corresponding fees. The new trademark owner must ensure the application is submitted within the renewal deadline to avoid trademark expiration.

6. How Can Businesses Avoid Missing Deadlines When Managing Multiple Trademarks?

For businesses with a large portfolio of trademarks, managing expiration dates and renewal tasks can be complex and time-consuming. To avoid missing renewal deadlines, businesses can take the following measures:

• Establish an Internal Management System: Use spreadsheets or specialized software to      track trademark expiration dates and set up reminders. This helps      businesses stay on top of renewal deadlines and avoid oversight.

• Engage a Professional Agency: Delegate the monitoring of renewal deadlines      and submission of applications to a professional agency. This      significantly reduces the management burden, ensures timely renewals, and      provides access to professional legal advice to address potential risks.

The Kangxin IP Platform (https://eservice.kangxin.com) offers a Deadline Management Feature that automatically tracks the expiration dates and renewal statuses of all trademarks under a business’s name. Through this module, businesses can access real-time updates on each trademark’s renewal deadlines and associated fees, ensuring applications are submitted within the required timeframe. Additionally, the module supports online processing of trademark transfers, changes, and other tasks, streamlining trademark management.

By using the Kangxin IP Platform’s Deadline Management Feature for South Korean trademark renewals, businesses can enjoy the following benefits:

1. Automated Monitoring: The system automatically tracks trademark      expiration dates and renewal statuses, ensuring no deadlines are missed.

2. Online Processing: Businesses can submit renewal applications and related documents      online via the platform, eliminating the need to visit KIPO or rely on an      agency for filing.

3. Transparent Fees: The platform provides real-time visibility into renewal fees and      other related costs, helping businesses manage expenses effectively.

4. Professional Support: The Kangxin IP Platform is backed by a      professional trademark management team with extensive experience, offering      comprehensive support for all trademark-related needs.

Trademark renewal in South Korea is a critical step in maintaining brand rights. In the face of a complex and ever-changing trademark management environment, businesses should recognize the importance of timely renewals and take proactive measures to ensure a smooth process. By establishing internal management systems, engaging professional agencies, or using the Brand Management Module on the Kangxin IP Platform, businesses can effectively manage renewal deadlines and avoid missing critical milestones. Additionally, businesses are advised to stay updated on the latest developments and policy changes in South Korean trademark law, adjusting their renewal strategies accordingly to ensure the long-term continuity of their brand rights. In a highly competitive market, only by maintaining the validity of trademarks can businesses secure their brand position and achieve sustainable growth.