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Assignments, Licenses & Recordals (KIPO)
We handle Korean assignments, licenses, and recordals across patents, trademarks, and designs—document checks, KIPO filing, amendment responses, registry confirmation, and chain-of-title reporting in clear English.
1. Overview
For effective portfolio management and enforcement in Korea, ownership changes and key legal interests should be properly recorded with KIPO. Recordals commonly include assignments/transfers, mergers/successions, licenses, security interests, and administrative changes (e.g., name/address). For non-resident right holders, recordal procedures are typically handled through a Korean representative.
▲ TOP2. Representative Recordal Types
1) Assignment / Transfer of Rights (Change of Ownership)
Recordal of a transfer by assignment (or similar instrument) is the standard route to update the owner on KIPO registers for patents, trademarks, and designs. In Korea, recordation is a key step for the legal effect of a change in ownership (particularly for trademarks).
2) Merger, Succession, or Corporate Reorganization Transfers
Where ownership changes by operation of law (e.g., merger or succession), recordal aligns the KIPO register with the new legal owner and supports clean chain of title for enforcement and transactions.
3) Trademark Ownership Change for Madrid (International Registration)
For Madrid Protocol designations involving Korea, a request to record a change in ownership of an international registration may be made through KIPO under the Korean Trademark Act framework (or directly to WIPO, depending on the route).
4) License Recordal (Where Strategically Advisable)
Licenses may be recorded to strengthen enforceability and clarify authorized use—especially in multi-party commercialization structures (e.g., distributor models, brand licensing, OEM/ODM arrangements).
5) Security Interests / Pledges (Where Applicable)
Where IP is used as collateral, recordal of the security interest supports enforceability and priority clarity in financing and restructuring contexts.
6) Administrative Updates (Name/Address and Related Register Corrections)
Recordal of changes such as name or address updates helps prevent procedural issues (missed notices, chain-of-title gaps) and supports due diligence readiness.
▲ TOP3. Procedure
Typical KIPO Recordal Flow
1) Confirm recordal type (assignment / merger / license / security / name change) → 2) Prepare supporting documents (e.g., deed/instrument, corporate evidence, POA as needed) → 3) File recordal request with KIPO (generally via Korean representative if non-resident) → 4) KIPO formality review (and amendment if requested) → 5) Payment of official fees → 6) Recordal entered in the register → 7) Confirmation / registry update for portfolio and enforcement
4. FAQ
- 1) Is recordal required for an assignment in Korea?
For trademarks in particular, Korea generally requires recordal for the change in ownership to take legal effect on the register. As a best practice, record assignments promptly to protect chain of title and enforcement posture. - 2) Can a foreign right holder complete recordals without a Korean address?
KIPO indicates that where the party does not have a residential or business address in Korea, assignment/transfer procedures should be handled by a representative with a Korean address. - 3) How does ownership change work for Madrid (international) trademark registrations designating Korea?
Korean law provides a mechanism to request recordal of a change in ownership of an international registration through KIPO (in addition to WIPO routes, depending on the case).