What are the reasons for opposing a trademark application in South Korea?

A trademark application can be opposed for the following reasons:

• The mark is misleading, offensive, deceptive, functional, not unique, merely descriptive, or generic.


• There are existing proprietary rights.


• It conflicts with well-known marks.


• It conflicts with existing trade names.


• It conflicts with a personal name.


• It conflicts with a company name (only if the company is well-known).


• It is registered under a different name (such as an agent or representative) instead of the actual owner.


• It goes against moral principles.


• It is against public order.


• It involves unauthorized use of national symbols and protected emblems.


• It involves unauthorized use of protected coats of arms, state emblems, or flags.