If you are having trouble viewing this message, please view it in your web browser.

2026 Issue 2

PATENT

MOIP Strengthens Patent Examination Standards for Divisional Applications The Ministry of Intellectual Property of Korea amended its standards for determining double patenting between genus and species invention filed on the same date. Read more The Landmark Introduction of a “Korean-style Discovery System” to Eradicate Technology Theft: Enactment of the Revised Act on the Promotion of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation The Act centers on the introduction of the “K-Discovery System,” designed to significantly improve methods for securing evidence in cases of technology theft. Read more Korea’s New “K-Battery” Roadmap: Opportunities & Implications for Global Players The South Korean government recently unveiled its “K-Battery Competitiveness Enhancement Scheme.” As Korea remains a global hub for battery manufacturing and innovation, this policy shift carries significant implications for international players in the EV and ESS supply chain. Read more From EV Cells to ESS Systems: Signals of a Shift in Patents and Liability from Korea For companies participating in the global battery value chain, this is more than a market adjustment. It also signals a shift in IP exposure, from vehicle-centered cell claims to system-centered claims involving safety, diagnostics, and long-duration operation. Read more

TRADEMARK, DESIGN, COPYRIGHT & UNFAIR COMPETITION

First Corrective Order for Publicity‑Rights Infringement under the Amended UCPA The Ministry of Intellectual Property recently issued its first corrective order for an infringement of publicity rights—specifically, the unauthorized use of distinctive signs such as the portraits and names of celebrities. Read more High Bar Remains: Korea’s Supreme Court Tightens “Justifiable Reasons” for Trademark Non-Use The rulings clarify that subjective or internal circumstances—such as anxiety over potential infringement while an invalidation action is pending, or the mere state of bankruptcy—do not excuse a failure to use a mark. Read more Supreme Court Decision Finds Creative Golf Course Designs Eligible for Copyright Protection The Supreme Court vacated and remanded two related cases concerning whether a golf course, or its design drawings, qualify for protection under the Copyright Act. Read more Maximizing IP Protection by Obtaining Both a Design Registration and a 3D Trademark Registration The Supreme Court’s ruling confirms that the shape of a product can function as a source identifier, and that a party is not precluded from securing a 3D trademark registration simply because they already hold a design registration for that same shape. Read more

EDITORS Raymis H. KIM, Angela KIM, Inchan Andrew KWON & Cyril K. CHAN

NEWS

Ranked “Band 1” in All Nine Areas, 44 “Leading Individuals” Recognized – Chambers Global 2026 “Tier 1” in All 17 Practice Areas – The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 Kim & Chang Ranked Among Top Trademark Firms in WTR 1000 2026

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Jeongdong Building, 17F, 21-15 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04518, Korea T +82 2 2122 3900  |  F +82 2 2122 3800/741 0328  |  www.ip.kimchang.com  |  ip-group@kimchang.com   This legal update is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a legal opinion of KIM & CHANG nor relied upon in lieu of specific advice. Recipients of this publication, whether clients or otherwise, should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in this publication without seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice. For more newsletters and legal updates of KIM & CHANG, please visit our website - www.kimchang.com or www.ip.kimchang.com [UNSUBSCRIBE] If you do not wish to receive our e-mail service, please click here. © 2026 Kim & Chang