Min Son of Hanol IP & Law explains how the decision clarifies that multiple-word trademarks can infringe if an element serves as an essential distinctive partIn a recent decision (Case No. 2024Do8174), the Supreme Court of South Korea held that the mark ‘Catalic Narcisse Nudism Holic Matte Lipstick’ used by the defendants on lipstick products was similar to the injured party’s registered trademark ‘Nudism’ for lipstick, among others, thereby infringing

We are pleased to inform that, as of January 11, 2026, Hanol Intellectual Property & Law has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ClassHankyul Law Firm, to provide more comprehensive and integrated advisory services for technology-driven companies engaging in business activities in Korea and globally.This strategic collaboration has been established to address, in a thorough and efficient manner, the intellectual property and leg

The Ministry of Intellectual Property (“MOIP”) has announced that the Amended Design Protection Act entered into force on November 28, 2025, to improve the Partial-Substantive Examination System (“PSES”) and to further safeguard the rights of legitimate right holders.Maintenance of Fair Market Practices by Eliminating Unfair Design RightsWhile the Design Protection Act generally adopts the Substantive Examination System (“SES”), which reviews all registrat

We at Hanol IP & Law are seeking a talented candidate who is ready to contribute to the growth of our firm. Hanol accepts applications for candidates year-round. If you are interested in joining us, please send your resume to insa@hanollawip.com.