- Applications open for companies to participate in the K-Brand Government Certification System' (August 24 – September 11, 2026)

- The Korean Government verifies and promotes authentic K-brands overseas.

The Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), led by Minister Kim Yong Sun, announced that it will accept applications from companies for the first round of the "K-Brand Government Certification System." Applications will be open for three weeks from August 24 to September 11, 2026. Selected companies will be authorized to use the government certification mark and may receive up to KRW 200 million in support for the adoption of anti-counterfeiting technology.*

* SMEs and mid-sized enterprises are required to cover 50% of the cost themselves (in-kind contribution: 20% for SMEs and 10% for mid-sized enterprises). Large enterprises are not eligible for financial support for the adoption of authenticity verification technology but may apply to use the K-Brand Government Certification Mark.

The system was introduced to address the rapidly increasing circulation of counterfeit K-brand products overseas. Under this initiative, the government will file for and pursue registration of the government certification mark in 73 countries worldwide, and Korean companies will be permitted to use the mark on their products. By using authenticity verification technology integrated into the government certification mark, overseas consumers will be able to verify whether a product is genuine using a smartphone camera. MOIP will monitor authenticity verification data in real time. If suspected infringement is detected, including counterfeiting of the government certification mark, overseas IP centers and other relevant bodies will conduct fact-finding investigations and secure evidence of counterfeit distribution. Relevant ministries, including MOIP, the Korea Customs Service (KCS), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will then directly request the relevant authorities in the countries concerned to conduct investigations and enforcement actions, including the suspension of customs clearance.

As part of MOIP's proactive administration efforts, companies wishing to participate must ① have filed or registered a trademark in the overseas country where they wish to use the government certification mark; and ② have products that meet domestic quality certification standards*, such as KC or HACCP. Applications may be submitted through the website of the Korea Intellectual Property Protection Agency (KOIPA).

** Companies that do not meet domestic quality certification standards may still apply upon recommendation by the relevant ministry responsible for their industry.

Minister Kim stated, "The introduction of the K-Brand Government Certification System will mark a shift from a system in which individual companies respond to the overseas distribution of counterfeit products on their own to one in which the Korean government works together with companies as 'one team.' Protecting the value of K-brands means safeguarding the competitiveness of the Republic of Korea. We will track down and stop the distribution of counterfeit K-brand goods to the very end."

More information regarding the K-Brand Government Certification System is available in the project announcement posted on IP-NAVI, Korea's comprehensive IP protection portal (ip-navi.or.kr) and on KOIPA's website (koipa.re.kr).

Source: Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), Korea　Date: 14 September 2026　Original link: https://www.moip.go.kr/en/engBultnMgmt.do?board_id=kiponews&catmenu=ek06_01_01#1867