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Country guide · Updated October 2026

Trademark registration in Korea (DPRK)

Who registers trademarks in Korea (DPRK), what it costs, how long it takes and what foreign owners need — with links to the official sources and IP firms that can file for you.

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Quick answer

Trademarks in Korea (DPRK) are registered with the Intellectual Property Administration; the Trademark Law names the Trademark Registration Office as the filing body (IPA); third parties can oppose within 1 year of the application's filing date, against a filed or registered mark. A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed. Korea (DPRK) can be designated through the Madrid System.

Checked against official sources on 11 October 2026 · see sources

Office
IPA
Madrid Protocol
Member since 1996
Opposition
Within 1 year of the application's filing date,…
Protection
10 years from filing date

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Official fees in Korea (DPRK)

The office does not publish an up-to-date fee schedule we could verify. Ask firms that cover Korea (DPRK) for a quote that shows official and professional fees separately — post a request or compare packages.

How to register a trademark in Korea (DPRK)

  1. Prepare the application in Korean with a representation of the mark and a classified list of goods or services.
  2. Foreign applicants file through an authorised DPRK attorney agency with a power of attorney, or designate the DPRK in a Madrid international registration.
  3. The Trademark Registration Office examines the application within 6 months of receipt.
  4. If the mark is accepted, it is registered and published in the trademark gazette.
  5. Any party may oppose a filed or registered mark within one year of the filing date.
  6. Renew every 10 years, within the 6 months before expiry or, if necessary, within 6 months after.

Examination, publication and opposition

  • Examination: The Trademark Registration Office must examine an application within 6 months of receiving it (Art. 19).
  • Publication: Registered trademarks are published in the trademark gazette (Art. 23).
  • Opposition period: Within 1 year of the application's filing date, against a filed or registered mark (Art. 24, 2008 text)

Protection, renewal and use

  • Term: 10 years from the filing date, renewable.
  • Late renewal: 6 months after expiry (Art. 36; renewal is normally requested within 6 months before expiry)
  • Use requirement: a registration can be challenged after 5 years of non-use.
  • Rights system: first to file.

Filing from abroad

  • Local agent: Foreign applicants must file through attorneys (a DPRK agency) who present a power of attorney, and must file in Korean (Art. 11, 2008 text); alternatively the DPRK can be designated through the Madrid System.
  • Power of attorney: A power of attorney is required when a foreign applicant files through an attorney (Art. 11); formalities were not verified.
  • Language: Korean

Firms on TrademarksHub that cover Korea (DPRK) can act as your local agent — see firms.

Madrid Protocol

Korea (DPRK) is a member of the Madrid System (in force since 1996). You can designate it in an international application filed through your home office, or file a national application directly. A local firm can advise which route is cheaper for your classes and timeline.

Trademark classes

Goods and services are grouped into the 45 Nice classes. Not sure which classes you need? See all 45 classes or classes by business type.

How Korea (DPRK) compares

  • Opposition: Within 1 year of the application's filing date, against a filed or registered mark (Art. 24, 2008 text) — compare all countries
  • Renewal: every 10 years; grace period 6 months after expiry (Art. 36; renewal is normally requested within 6 months before expiry) — compare all countries
  • Foreign owners: required — rules in every country

Guides: registering in any country · costs by country · Madrid

Good to know in Korea (DPRK)

  • The DPRK has been party to the Madrid Protocol since 3 October 1996, so it can be designated in an international registration filed through WIPO.
  • Oppositions can be filed within one year of the application's filing date, even against a mark that is already registered (Art. 24, 2008 text).
  • A registration becomes invalid if the mark is not used for 5 years from the registration date (Art. 39, 2008 text).
  • Fees are set by the state's central price-assessing body and are not stated in the law.
  • International sanctions regimes may restrict payments to, or dealings with, DPRK entities; brand owners should check the sanctions rules that apply to them before filing or paying fees.

Questions

Is North Korea (DPRK) part of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. The Madrid Protocol entered into force for the DPRK on 3 October 1996, so the DPRK can be designated in an international registration.
How long is a North Korean trademark valid?
Ten years from the application date, renewable in 10-year periods; renewal is requested within 6 months before expiry or, if necessary, within 6 months after.
How long does trademark examination take in North Korea?
The Trademark Law requires the office to examine an application within 6 months of receiving it.
How long is the trademark opposition period in North Korea?
Under the 2008 text of the Trademark Law, an opposition may be filed within one year of the application's filing date.
Can a foreign company register a trademark in North Korea?
Yes. Foreign owners file in Korean through an authorised DPRK attorney agency or designate the DPRK in a Madrid international registration, but sanctions rules may restrict payments and should be checked first.
Can a North Korean trademark be lost for non-use?
Yes. Under the 2008 text, the right becomes invalid if the mark is not used for 5 years from registration.