KIPO(Director General, Kim Jong-Kap) has made a plan to offer diverse and custom made Internet “Before Service” for the Madrid Protocol in cooperation with Naver, a Korean portal, as a support program to protect Korean brands internationally. The Madrid Protocol is known as a protocol that allows a one time brand application to be submitted multi-nationally


According to KIPO, there is sharp increase in brand applications submitted by foreign companies in Korea through the Madrid Protocol. As a result, foreign brands are finally being protected in Korea. However, the tide has turned and now its Korean brands that are being infringed on in countries including China, and Korean companies are not responding properly to this situation. The main reason is that Korean companies are not using this system is due to ignorance regarding the Madrid Protocol.


Last May, in a sponsorship with Naver, Korean No. 1 Knowledge portal site, KIPO announced it would provide FAQ service about the Madrid Protocol through Naver’s
KnowledgeiN page. The “immediate answer” service by KIPO will be given through the same page.


Furthermore, KIPO are providing information on international brand application supporters, a service program for offering custom made information and help for international brand applications. It is using Keyword advertisements (keyword : international brand) about Madrid Protocol in the internet café(http://cafe.naver.com/kipomadrid).

It is expected that the internet “Before Service” will be very helpful for Korean companies to improve their understanding of the Madrid Protocol and this service will strengthen their brand power overseas. This should be possible as they are getting tailor-made knowledge about the unique brands systems and inspection practices of each country.



Source : KIPO Press Release, Date June 17, 2005