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ASSIGNMENTS, LICENSES & RECORDALS
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
Recordal of a transfer by assignment is the standard route to update the owner on KIPO registers. 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
Where ownership changes by operation of law, recordal aligns the KIPO register with the new legal owner and supports clean chain of title for enforcement.
3) Trademark Ownership Change for Madrid
For Madrid Protocol designations, a request to record a change in ownership may be made through KIPO or directly to WIPO.
4) License Recordal
Licenses may be recorded to strengthen enforceability and clarify authorized use—especially in distributor models or brand licensing.
5) Security Interests / Pledges
Where IP is used as collateral, recordal supports enforceability and priority clarity in financing contexts.
6) Administrative Updates
Recordal of name or address updates helps prevent procedural issues like missed notices or chain-of-title gaps.
▲ TOP3. Procedure
Typical KIPO Recordal Flow
1) Confirm recordal type → 2) Prepare supporting documents (Deed, POA) → 3) File request with KIPO → 4) KIPO formality review → 5) Payment of official fees → 6) Recordal entered in register → 7) Confirmation reporting
4. FAQ
- 1) Is recordal required for an assignment in Korea?
For trademarks, Korea requires recordal for the change in ownership to take legal effect. Prompt recordal is highly recommended. - 2) Can a foreign right holder complete recordals without a Korean address?
Non-residents must handle assignment procedures through a representative with a Korean address. - 3) How does ownership change work for Madrid?
Korean law provides a mechanism to request recordal through KIPO or the standard WIPO route.
