The list of goods and services decides what your Korean trademark protects. It is also where most problems start: in Korea, unclear or overly broad descriptions of goods and services are the most common reason for an office action — more common than conflicts with earlier marks. A few minutes spent on the description before filing can save months later.
1. Korea uses the NICE Classification
Like most countries, Korea classifies goods and services into the 45 NICE classes (classes 1–34 for goods, 35–45 for services). Each class you designate is charged separately.
2. Be specific
The Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) expects each item to be clear and specific. Broad or vague expressions are a frequent cause of office actions, for example:
| Too broad | Acceptable examples |
|---|---|
| "all goods in class 25" | "T-shirts; trousers; jackets; sneakers" |
| "software" | "downloadable computer software for project management" |
| "consulting services" | "business management consulting services" |
| "cosmetics and related products" | "skin lotions; sunscreen creams; lipsticks" |
That said, MOIP does accept some broader inclusive terms that appear in its list of recognized goods and services — "clothing" in class 25 is one example. Whether a given broad term is accepted depends on the term and the class, so it is safest to check it against MOIP's practice and to list the actual products and services you sell or plan to sell.
3. Similar-group codes decide who your mark conflicts with
Korean examiners assign a similar-group code to each designated item. Goods sharing a code are treated as similar — even across different NICE classes — so earlier marks with the same code can block your application. Choosing your wording carefully affects which earlier marks are cited against you.
4. Up to 10 items per class
MOIP's official fee covers up to 10 items per class; each additional item incurs a small extra fee. With us, each item beyond 10 in a class costs USD 3 (attorneys fee USD 1 / official fee USD 2). In practice, 10 well-chosen items usually cover a brand's core products.
5. Cover what you will sell in Korea
- Your current products and services in Korea.
- What you plan to sell in the next few years.
- Closely related goods where a copycat could cause confusion.
A registered mark that is not used for 3 consecutive years can be cancelled for non-use, so there is little benefit in designating goods you will never sell.
How we help
We review and draft the goods and services list with you before filing — it is included in our fixed fee. Just tell us what you sell (a website link is fine), and we will propose a Korean-ready description.
Email help@dusonlaw.com or use our application request form.
This guide is general information, not legal advice.