K-brands gain new shield against overseas counterfeits

As global demand for K-beauty, K-food and K-fashion continues to rise, Korea is taking decisive action to shield small businesses from overseas counterfeits and trademark theft. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups, in collaboration with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, has announced the formation of a joint council to combat these issues.

The council held its first meeting on Friday, bringing together representatives from the ministry, the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and the Korean Intellectual Property Protection Agency.

The agencies responsible for the initiative will leverage resources from various centers operated by the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency and the Korean Intellectual Property Protection Agency. These centers will serve as hubs for sharing information and responding to cases involving unauthorized trademark registrations, counterfeits, and other forms of infringement.

The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency operates 22 Global Business Centers in 14 countries, while the Korean Intellectual Property Protection Agency operates overseas intellectual property centers.

By establishing this joint council and leveraging their existing networks of overseas centers, Korea aims to provide a stronger shield against overseas knockoffs and protect the interests of small businesses expanding internationally. This proactive approach demonstrates Korea's commitment to safeguarding its cultural assets and supporting the growth of its vibrant K-beauty, K-food, and K-fashion industries.