Stay informed!


Our Country Index Newsletter brings you the latest amendments to international trademarks laws every two weeks!

More than 6,000 IP professionals worldwide have already subscribed. It's FREE!


Benefits of opting in:

  • Free newsletter on “Amendments to International Trademark Laws” every 2 weeks
  • Free Access to our Country Index Website
  • Exclusive discounts on valuable publications
    (e.g. Use Requirements Guide, Licensing Guide, Grace Periods for Renewal Guide etc.)

Subscribe here

Select Country

Select a country to view information on local trademark law


Countries
A-E  F-J  K-O  P-T  U-Z

Multinational Agreements
EUIPO  WIPO
AIPO/OAPI  ARIPO
Enter Client Voucher:  info

Get Listed

Promote your expertise to IP professionals worldwide.
read more

Subscribe to Free Newsletter

To keep updated on the latest amendments to international trademark laws click here

Amendments to Trademark Laws

Print this page
Mai 06, 2021 (Newsletter Issue 9/21)
South Korea
Show Country Survey

Examination Guidelines on Similarity of Goods Changed


Recently, the Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) amended its Examination Guidelines on Similarity of Goods (Guidelines). A notable change under this amendment relates to an adjustment to the scope of similarity between goods and services relating to software. The amendments to the Guidelines are effective for all trademark applications filed on or after January 1, 2021.

KIPO utilizes "Similarity Codes" to define categories of broadly similar goods and services. Goods designated under the same Similarity Code are similar for trademark registration purposes.

Formerly, all software-related goods shared the same Similarity Code. Now, the Examiners must consider several factors such as the "type" and "usage" of the software on a case-by-case basis when determining the similarity between software-related goods and services.
The amended Guidelines intend to reflect the increasing complexity and diversity of software-related products more adequately.

Source: www.ip.kimchang.com