A trademark is the name, logo, or symbol used to distinguish one business's goods or services from another's. Registering it gives the owner the exclusive right to use that mark, and the ability to take legal action against infringers. This article summarizes the steps, timeline, and costs you need to know before filing.
Types of Trademarks You Can Register
A Trademark is used with goods. A Service Mark is used with services. A Certification Mark certifies quality or standards. A Collective Mark is used by members of the same group or association.
Registration Steps
- Search before filing (Trademark Search) to see whether any identical or similar mark is already registered
- Prepare the mark image and list the goods/services you want to protect, matching the correct class
- File the application with the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP)
- The registrar checks the application's accuracy (Formality Examination)
- Check whether the mark is distinctive and not identical/similar to another party's mark (Substantive Examination)
- The application is published, opening a 60-day window for third parties to oppose
- If no opposition is filed, the registrar registers the mark and issues the certificate
How Long Does It Take?
Assuming no opposition or amendment issues, the whole process averages about 8 months to 1 year from the filing date. But if the mark is refused during examination, you'll need to file an appeal or amend the application, extending the timeline by several more months to a year. The timeframe given is the Department of Intellectual Property's average — each application may be faster or slower, depending on the complexity of the mark and the volume of applications the Department is handling at the time.
Documents to Prepare
ID card or company registration (for a corporate entity), a clear image of the trademark, a list of the goods/services you want to register with the class specified, and a power of attorney (if an agent files on your behalf).
Approximate Fees
The government fee is calculated by the number of goods/services classes filed — the more classes, the higher the fee — plus our service fee, which depends on the complexity of the search and application drafting. Consult an agent for an accurate price estimate based on your actual mark.
Why Search First and Use an Agent
Filing without a prior check carries a high risk of refusal because the mark is identical or similar to one already registered — wasting both time and the fees you've already paid. An experienced agent will run a preliminary similarity check, recommend goods/services classes with full coverage, and track progress with the Department throughout the process.
Patent To You offers full-service patent and trademark registration, and copyright notification, with patent agents and lawyers who have more than 10 years of experience handling everything from checking your mark before filing, drafting the application, through to receiving the certificate. Free consultation before you decide.
Call 082-995-4454, 085-351-7977, or add us on LINE — we're happy to answer questions every day, 09:00–18:00.