Someone Can File Your Trademark in Korea Before You Do.
Korea operates on a first-to-file system — not first-to-use. Your global brand has zero protection here until it’s registered with KIPO.
Why it matters
Trademark squatters actively monitor foreign brands entering Korea and file first, then demand a buyout.
Patent priority claims from a foreign filing expire within a strict window (Paris Convention priority) — miss it, and you start from zero in Korea.
A registered local agent is legally required for KIPO filings — you cannot self-file from abroad.
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