Lee International

Effective May 27, 2025, a significant amendment to the Korean Trademark Act has been promulgated and enforced, broadening the legal interpretation of “use of a trademark.” The revised provision now explicitly includes:​

​“Supplying goods or packaging bearing a trademark into Korea through a third party such as a shipping agent.”

​ This legislative update establishes a clearer legal foundation for regulating the distribution of counterfeit goods via overseas direct purchases and proxy shipping services—areas that were previously difficult to address under the former legal framework.​

​Key Implications:

•     Strengthened enforcement capabilities against counterfeit distribution.

•     Enhanced legal protection for trademark holders.

•     Improved consumer safety and brand integrity in the Korean market.

This amendment is expected to significantly bolster Korea’s efforts to combat the influx of counterfeit goods and aligns with global trends in intellectual property enforcement.​