What is registrable?
Distinctive word marks, devices, signs, and combinations thereof with or without color limitations are registrable. Three-dimensional shapes can, per se, also be registered as of March 1, 1998; however, sound and smell are not registrable. Service marks can also be registered. The following marks are deemed unregistrable according to the Korean Trademark Act: a) generic term; b) customarily used mark; c) term which merely describes origin, quality, material, benefit, use, quantity, form, price, production method, process method, or usage of the designated goods or services; d) famous geographical name, its abbreviated form or a map; e) ordinary surname; and f) ordinary sign. Even though a mark is prima facie unregistrable, a mark which has acquired distinctiveness through substantial use in the marketplace may be registrable for the above c), d), e) and f).
