# Trademark registration in Korea (DPRK)

> 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.

Source page: https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/korea-dprk
Facts checked against official sources: 2026-10-11

## Key facts
- **Trademark office:** Intellectual Property Administration (Pyongyang); the Trademark Law names the Trademark Registration Office as the filing body (IPA)
- **Madrid Protocol:** Member since 1996
- **Opposition period:** Within 1 year of the application's filing date, against a filed or registered mark
- **Protection:** 10 years from the filing date, renewable
- **Foreign applicants:** Foreign applicants must file through attorneys who present a power of attorney, and must file in Korean

## Official links
- Law: Law on Trademarks of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (adopted 14 January 1998, amended up to Decree No. 2052 of 21 December 2011) — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/15732
- Law: Trademark Law of the DPRK (English text, as amended up to Decree No. 2614 of 11 March 2008) — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text/227018

## Steps
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:** 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:** Within 1 year of the application's filing date, against a filed or registered mark (Art. 24, 2008 text)
- **Late renewal:** 6 months after expiry (Art. 36; renewal is normally requested within 6 months before expiry)
- **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
- **Use requirement:** a registration can be challenged after 5 years of non-use.

## Good to know
- 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.

## FAQ
### 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.

## Sources
- WIPO Directory of IP offices - DPRK: https://www.wipo.int/directory/en/details.jsp?country_code=KP
- WIPO Lex – Law on Trademarks of the DPRK (amended 2011): https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/15732
- WIPO Lex – Trademark Law of the DPRK (English text, 2008): https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text/227018
- WIPO Lex – DPRK member profile: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/members/profile/KP
- WIPO Lex – Madrid Protocol contracting parties: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/treaties/parties/8

Need a firm that files in Korea (DPRK)? Find one at https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/korea-dprk (TrademarksHub lists IP firms by country; featured placements are paid and labelled).
General information, not legal advice.