On 31 July 2026, the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) announced that it had deployed an AI model within its internal trademark examination system to identify suspected bad-faith filings and abnormal application patterns. The system cross-checks new applications against databases of globally recognised brands and high-demand product terms used in cross-border e-commerce, flagging lookalike marks, bulk stockpiling and filings that may lack a genuine intention to use.
Where an application is assessed as high risk, examiners may require the applicant at an early stage to submit evidence of genuine use intent. The practical significance lies in shifting part of the dispute from post-registration opposition or invalidation proceedings to front-end examination. Overseas brand owners may benefit from lower enforcement costs, but the new screening tool is no substitute for timely Korean filings, market monitoring and well-kept records of sales, promotion, licensing and e-commerce activity.
