中文
North Korea

The current trademark regulations in North Korea are primarily based on the Trademark Law revised on December 21, 2011.North Korea is a member of international intellectual property treaties, including the Paris Convention, Lisbon Agreement, WIPO Convention, and Nice Agreement, as well as the Madrid Protocol and Madrid Agreement. Applications can be filed via:National registration (direct filing in North Korea)， Madrid international registration.

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Trademark Law

The current trademark regulations in North Korea are primarily based on the Trademark Law revised on December 21, 2011.

Official Language

Korean.

Application Principle

The "first-to-file" principle is adopted, protecting the exclusive rights of the first applicant.

Trademark Classification

North Korea uses the 11th edition of the Nice Classification for goods and services and accepts multi-class applications. Registrable trademark elements include: words, names, designs, color combinations, and slogans. Non-traditional trademarks, such as sounds or scents, are currently not registrable.

Protection Period

Validity of trademark registration: 10 years from the registration date.
Renewal: Can be filed within 6 months before expiration, with a 6-month grace period. Renewal extends protection for another 10 years.
Non-use cancellation period: 5 years of consecutive non-use.

Application Methods

North Korea is a member of international intellectual property treaties, including the Paris Convention, Lisbon Agreement, WIPO Convention, and Nice Agreement, as well as the Madrid Protocol and Madrid Agreement. Applications can be filed via:

  • National registration (direct filing in North Korea).
  • Madrid international registration.

Application Process

Steps: Application → Acceptance → Examination → Approval → Certificate issuance → Publication

  • Application submission: File documents with the North Korean Invention Committee. Foreign applicants without a local domicile must appoint a local representative.
  • Formality examination: Checks compliance with application requirements and classification rules.
  • Substantive examination: Assesses registrability, potential conflicts with prior trademarks, and compliance with prohibited clauses under the Trademark Law.
  • Certificate issuance: Approved trademarks are registered, and a certificate is granted.
  • Publication: The trademark is published, followed by a 12-month opposition period (starting from the publication date or filing date). Any interested party or prior rights holder may file an opposition.
  • Total processing time: Approximately 18–24 months (if no objections, rejections, or oppositions arise).

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