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Republic of Korea joins International Trademark Registration System

Geneva, February 7, 2003
Press Updates UPD/2003/186

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has welcomed the accession by the Republic of Korea to the Protocol relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks. The Madrid Protocol, which enters into force for the Republic of Korea on April 10, 2003, is an international trademark registration system that facilitates the protection of a trademark in multiple countries. The accession of the Republic of Korea to the Protocol brings the number of participating countries to 57.

The Madrid Protocol provides a more cost-effective and efficient way for trademark holders to ensure protection for their marks in the other member countries of the Protocol as the desired registrations are obtained through the filing of a single application with WIPO. The accession of the Republic of Korea is positive both for trademark holders in that nation as well as nationals of other countries that are party to the Madrid Protocol. From April 10, 2003, (the date on which the Madrid Protocol will come into force for the Republic of Korea) trademark owners from other states party to the Protocol will be able to include the Republic of Korea in their international registrations. Likewise, Republic of Korea users will be able to designate other member states in their registrations and thus obtain protection for their trademarks in those states.

An international registration using the Madrid system produces the same effects as an application for registration of the mark made in each of the countries designated by the applicant. If protection is not refused by the trademark office of a designated country within a specified period (12 or 18 months), the protection of the mark is the same as if it had been registered by that office. The Madrid system also greatly simplifies the management of the mark, since it is possible to record subsequent changes (such as a change in ownership or a change in the name or address of the holder) or to renew the registration through a single user-friendly procedure with WIPO. Further countries may be designated subsequently.

Trademarks, which are distinctive signs that identify certain goods or services as those produced or provided by a specific person or enterprise, are of significant economic importance. A trademark provides protection to the owner of the mark by ensuring the exclusive right to use it to identify the owner's goods or services, or to authorize another party, usually through a license or franchise, to use it in return for payment.

For further information, please contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section at WIPO: + 41 22 338 8161 or 338 95 47; e-mail: publicinf@wipo.int

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