Hall Of Fame

Next Generation Partners

Next Generation Partners: PATMA

Rising Stars

Intellectual property: local firms in South Korea

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC has excellent IP capabilities, spanning the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters. The IP practice group is led by Kijoong Kang, who has extensive experience advising on cross-border IP disputes. Tae Uk Kang is particularly skilled in IP matters concerning online business, personal information protection, and e-commerce. Jihyun Kim focusses on trade secret protection, trademarks, and copyrights, while Taeck Soo Kwon, who previously served as Presiding Judge at the Seoul High Court, brings over two decades of expertise in IP transactions and litigation. Tae Guen Kim, Hankil D. Kang, and Susan Park are also noted for their work on some of the firm’s most prominent cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kijoong Kang


Autres avocats clés:

Tae Uk Kang; Taeck Soo Kwon; Jihyun Kim; Tae Guen Kim; Mun Ki Nam; Susan Park; Hankil D. Kang


Les références

‘The communication is great. The team is detail oriented, they work fast, and they have abundant networks with regulatory institutions.’

‘The experts at BKL are very collaborative. They try their best to meet their clients’ needs. They have profound expertise and consulting experience in various fields.’

 

Principaux clients

Actoz Soft


Apple Inc.


Hyosung TNC


HUGEL


Iljin Diamond


KOLON Life Science


KT&G


NEXON Korea Corporation


SCK Company (Previously known as Starbucks Coffee Korea)


Teva Pharmaceuticals


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Iljin Diamond on all aspects of the pending U.S. actions regarding the patent infringement claim filed by U.S. Synthetic Corp.
  • Advising Hugel on its response to the ITC investigation in regard to the complaint filed by Medytox over botulinum toxin strain issue.
  • Advised Kolon Life Science on a USD 600m licensing-out transaction over TG-C (formerly known as INVOSSA) with Juniper Biologics.

DR & AJU LLC

The IP practice group at DR & AJU LLC, which is led by Jong Sun Choi, has experience representing large companies in trademark transfer and licence negotiations cases. The team advises on personal data, trade secrets, and unfair competition matters, with strength in the IT, entertainment, and sports sectors. Jeong Eun Kim and Shin Jeong Lee are key members of the IP division, and regularly lead on the firm’s most prominent cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jong Sun Choi


Autres avocats clés:

Jeong Eun Kim; Shin Jeong Lee


Les références

‘DR & AJU LLC is one of the top 10 major law firms in South Korea. With professionals of various disciplines working together, DR & AJU LLC provides accurate and quick legal services.’

‘DR & AJU LLC exhibits efficient communication skills and fast comprehension of legal cases, which proves valuable in responding quickly to lawsuits.’

‘We have been working with Jong Sun Choi and Jeong Eun Kim, both of whom are partners at DR & AJU. Above all, we appreciate their flexibility and consideration in communication, as we can easily contact them at any time and quickly receive feedback by either email or phone, whichever is more convenient for us.’

Principaux clients

Orange Engineering Co., Ltd.


Songho Golf Design Co., Ltd.


Nikka Ltd.


Fugenbio Co., Ltd.


Extreme


Sunhae F&S Co., Ltd.


JW Household & Health Care


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Orange Engineering and Songho Golf Design Co., Ltd. in a lawsuit seeking copyright infringement and compensation for damages against a screen golf program seller.
  • Represented Nikka Ltd. in applying for an injunction and filed a civil lawsuit on the merits against a domestic company which manufactures and sells products that infringe on Client’s patent right.
  • Advised Fugenbio Co., Ltd. in a patent infringement claim.

Jipyong LLC

Led by Jeong Kyu Choe, the IP team at Jipyong LLC has experience handling a variety of matters, including litigation, due diligence, IP strategy, and patent disputes. In addition to having an expertise in entertainment law, Mun Hui Kim also frequently handles cases on trademark, copyright, and unfair competition. Other notable members of the team include So Young Lee and Chang Ik Sung, who are both experienced partners in the firm’s IP and technology group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jeong Kyu Choe


Autres avocats clés:

Mun Hui KimSo Young Lee; Chang Ik Sung


Principaux clients

HITEJINRO Co., Ltd.


Sejong Pratech Co., Ltd.


Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation


Daepoong Industrial Co., Ltd.


Kakao Entertainment Corp.


OHSCENT Co., Ltd.


TSE Co., Ltd.


National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea


Hanall Co., Ltd.


Artificial Intelligence Cluster Agency (AICA)


National IT Industry Promotion Agency


Principaux dossiers


  • Successfully represented HITEJINRO Co., Ltd. in a trial for confirmation of the scope of registered design rights and obtained a trial ruling of dismissal.
  • Represented Sejong Pratech Co., Ltd. in an appeal to the Supreme Court involving the legal interpretation of the start date for the subsequent completion appeal to a decision of service by public notice.
  • Represented and advised the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation on the return of ‘Borok,’ a Korean cultural property, to Korea from the UK.

Kim & Chang

Kim & Chang continues to prove itself as an excellent adviser in all matters relating to IP, including copyrights, patents, trade secrets, domain names, and unfair competition. The team is led by managing partner Jay (Young-June) Yang, a ‘top tier lawyer’ with over 40 years of experience across all areas of IP law. Young Kim specialises in patent law and has extensive experience handling infringement cases, with key expertise in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. Chul Hwan Jung stands out for his work on various IP matters within the firm’s mechanical practice, alongside Won Kim, who regularly handles IP matters relating to IT, trade secrets, and entertainment industries. Having previously served as a judge in the IP High Court, Minjung Park brings her expertise to patent litigation and is especially recommended for trademark cases. Other key exceptional members of the team include In Hwan Kim, Monica Hyon Kyong Leeu, Kang Kwan, and associate Jongmin Lee.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jay (Young-June) Yang


Autres avocats clés:

Young Kim; Won Kim; Chul Hwan Jung; Minjung Park; In Hwan Kim; Seok Hee Lee; Sean (Seunghun) Lee; Jongmin Lee; Kang Kwan; Monica Hyon Kyong Leeu


Les références

‘They are professional and efficient.’

‘In-Hwan Kim is an exceptional attorney who provides stellar advice in an efficient and timely manner. He is proactive in addressing legal and, as appropriate, business issues as they arise in representing me. It is always a pleasure to be working with him.’

‘K&C has an excellent IP team, which always provides consistent quality of practice. Many IP attorneys and lawyers have extensive experience as a patent court judge, KIPO examiner, etc. and provide clients with good insights and great strategies in important prosecution and litigation cases.’

Principaux clients

Apple Inc.


Intel Corporation


Canon Inc.


Robert Bosch GmbH


L’Oreal S.A.


Huawei


Bristol-Myers Squibb


Richemont


Snap Inc.


Evonik Industries


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Medytox in a trade secret misappropriation litigation against Daewoong Pharmaceuticals in Korea, for misappropriating Medytox’s bacterial strain and trade secret manufacturing process for botulinum toxin products.
  • Advised Medit, a Korean 3D dental scanners and solutions provider, in defending against a patent infringement action filed by a Danish competitor.
  • Advised a famous fashion company in obtaining injunction and damage compensation against bags imitations of the client’s bucket bag.

Lee & Ko

Headed by Un Ho Kim, the ‘highly efficient and knowledgeable’ team at Lee & Ko consists of experienced patent attorneys and IP litigators that have represented the interests of high-profile trademark owners across the world. The firm regularly advises on IP matters across a variety of industries, including computer software, mechanical, electrical, and artificial intelligence. Choong Jin Oh is recommended for trademark, patent, and design litigations, while Keum Nang Park is particularly skilled in IP matters related to the pharmaceutical industry. Kyungjin Kim is a patent attorney, who is also qualified at the Korean bar, and who focuses on patent litigation and IPTAB trials. Other key members of the team include Julie Shin, Jaewoo Kwak, Hwan Sung Park as well as Soo Yeon Park and Ahhyun Nam. Hui Jin Yang  and Young Mo Kwon have left the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Un Ho Kim


Les références

‘Highly efficient and knowledgeable litigation team.’

‘They are well-refined and logical. The standard of LK in drafting is far beyond any other firms in Korea.’

‘LEE&KO is one of the most prestigious law firms in Korea and the quality of their works and services is second to none considering reasonable fees.’

Principaux clients

Novartis


GlaxoSmithKlein


Celgene


Bristol Myers Squibb


Marriott International


Ericsson-LG


Armani


Williams-Sonoma


Samsung Biologics


LG Electronics


Naver


Kakao


Coupang


HYBE


Toss Bank


YG Entertainment


LG Household & Health Care


AGC


Nitto Denko


JNC


Samsung SDI


Korean Air (Hanjin KAL)


Homeplus


SK On


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Samsung Bioepis in a patent invalidation action involving biosimilars against the patent owner.
  • Representing Coway before the Supreme Court in a patent infringement lawsuit involving water purifier patents against the market competitor, after prevailing on all claims in the appellate court where it overturned the court of first instance decision that ruled in favour of the counterparty.
  • Representing Boryung Pharmaceutical in an invalidation action initiated by generic companies.

Lee International IP & Law Group

Lee International IP & Law Group is a go-to firm for foreign clients seeking a seasoned IP team for matters related to infringement and prosecution. The firm has extensive experience in dealing with IP issues across a range of industries, including manufacturing, machinery, automotive, and fashion. Managing partner Terry Taehong Kim leads the patent department and is particularly skilled in handling IP matters concerned with mechanics and electronics. The team is also headed by partners Jin-Hoe Kim and Yoon Suk Shin, both of whom are proficient in IP matters within the fields of chemistry and pharmaceuticals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Terry Taehong Kim; Jin-Hoe Kim; Yoon Suk Shin


Les références

‘The firm is very responsive and provides cogent, thorough, and thoughtful legal advice. We trust the recommendations provided by Lee International IP & Law Group’s attorneys.’

‘Correspondence from the firm’s attorneys is well-written and understandable. Any questions we have on their communications are addressed quickly and accurately.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Artificial Inventor Project Team on AI Inventorship in Korea.
  • Represented the patentee, Wacker Chemie AG, and effectively protected patent rights for which a request for cancellation was filed based on lack of an inventive step by Evonik Operations GmbH.
  • Successfully represented Chapter 4 Corp in publishing their trademark applications, which had been pending before KIPO for nearly 4 years.

PI IP LAW (LEE, PARK & ASSOCIATES)

PI IP LAW (LEE, PARK & ASSOCIATES) is a boutique IP law firm that ‘has excellent knowledge and experience in the field of patent and trademark prosecution and litigation’. With particular expertise in software and AI matters, the firm excels at preparing IP strategies for IPOs of start-up companies. The team is led by Daeho Lee, who is experienced in the fields of electrical engineering and telecommunication. Gunhong Park has an intricate understanding of software technology, while Jaeyoon Kim is skilled in IP portfolio construction. Other prominent members of the team include Sunghun Woo and Farzona Abdullaeva.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daeho Lee


Les références

‘PI IP has excellent knowledge and experience in the field of patent and trademark prosecution and litigation. The team is very responsive in communications and their diligence is second to none.’

‘Daeho Lee and Gunhong Park have great command of their patent and trademark practices. Their wealth of experience and sound strategies in prosecuting patent and trademark applications have resulted in positive results for our clients.’

‘The individuals are each very knowledgeable about the AI technology and is aware of the key issues including 101 law development in the US. Gunhong Park and Jaeyoon Kim have a great skill set in managing the complex needs of their clients in an effective manner.’

Principaux clients

SI Analytics


Principaux dossiers


  • SI Analytics collaborated with PI IP LAW and successfully applied for 38 patents and registered 8 patents.

Shin & Kim

Ghyo-Sun Park spearheads the IP group at Shin & Kim, a firm that ‘stands out for its unique combination of expertise and capabilities’. The team offers the full range of IP services, including design and copyright prosecution, trade secrets, and licensing disputes, with experience in complex cross-border matters. Sang-Hyeok Im leads the copyright and media content team at the firm and is recommended for matters relating to entertainment, broadcasting, and sports. Bo Kyung Lim, who is highly regarded for his ‘exceptional abilities and expertise’, heads the patent team with his extensive experience in patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Other recommended members of the team include Jootag Yoon and Chang-won Jeong.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ghyo-Sun Park


Autres avocats clés:

Bo Kyung Lim, Jootag Yoon, Sang-Hyeok Im, Chang-won Jeong


Les références

‘Shin & Kim’s intellectual property team stands out for its unique combination of expertise and capabilities. The team members possess extensive knowledge and experience in intellectual property laws and regulations, making them well-equipped to handle various IP matters effectively.’

‘They are well-versed in representing us in our industries like medical devices and pharmaceuticals. This adaptability is a significant advantage, as it enables the team to tailor solutions to our specific needs and industry requirements.’

‘Their comprehensive capabilities, industry adaptability, and commitment to client satisfaction make them an appealing choice for businesses seeking reliable and effective IP services.’

Principaux clients

Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co., Ltd.


SD Biosensor, Inc.


Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation


Neo ICP Korea, Inc.


Medytox


DSME Construction


SMT Co., Ltd.


Breville Pty Ltd


KT Corporation


Golfzon Co., Ltd.


Keumyoung Entertainment Co., Ltd.


Kakao Entertainment


NHN Bugs Corporation


Genie Music Corporation


MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation)


TV Chosun


Keumyoung Entertainment Co. Ltd.


TJ Media


Gwangjin-gu Office


CJ CGV Co., Ltd. (CGV)


Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism


SD Biosensor, Inc.


Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. / SEMES Co., Ltd.


Samsung Display


Helixmith Co., Ltd.


Principaux dossiers


Yoon & Lee

With a team that is ‘very knowledgeable both in domestic and overseas jurisdictions’, Yoon & Lee is a well-regarded patent prosecution firm, regularly active for both domestic and international clients. The firm is home to experts in the fields of chemistry, pharmaceuticals, mechanics, and cosmetics, among others. The ‘extremely responsive and reliable’ team is especially skilled at handling trademark and design infringement cases. Dong-yol Yoon, managing partner and founder of the firm, has almost four decades of experience navigating the IP landscape, and has a focus on the chemistry and biotech sectors. Sang-yong Lee is in charge of the trademark and design team, while Byeong-ok Song focusses on matters within the mechanical sector. Ji-man Park heads the telecommunications division within the firm and is recommended for IP matters relating to major electronic companies. Other prominent members of the team include Yong-won Lee, who is at the forefront of the standard patent team, and Seong-ki Kim, a US attorney and Korean patent attorney, who joined from Lee & Ko in 2022.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ji-man Park; Yong-won Lee; Byeong-ok Song; Sang-yong Lee; Dong-yol Yoon


Autres avocats clés:

Seong-ki Kim


Les références

‘Yoon & Lee professionals provide regularly updated information, and are extremely responsive and reliable.’

‘They have ample experience in working with international clients from large entities to small entities. Their members are technically sharp and legally up to date.’

‘Their staff are very punctual, and their billing rate is very reasonable. Highly competent attorneys oversee every aspect of handling their IP matters.’

Principaux clients

Samsung Electronics


Amore Pacific


ASML Holding


Narae Nanotech


Murata Manufacturing


Adeka Corporation


Nippon Steel Chemical


Daio Paper


Stripe Inc.


Great Wall Motor


Technofoam


Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics


NewSouth Innovations


Sony Interactive Entertainment


Reliance Industries (India)


Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology


Gachon University


Korea Electronics Technology Institute


Principaux dossiers


  • Obtained a patent for a medical device for Blink Device LLC.
  • Successfully appealed against the rejection of an industrial design application by KeepCut Pty Ltd before the Appellate Board.

Yoon & Yang LLC

Led by Dongju Kwon, the IP practice group at Yoon & Yang LLC frequently handles matters concerning patents, copyright, trademark disputes, trade secrets, and infringement cases. The practice has been strengthened by the arrival of Geonyoung Koh and Kyu Woong Cho, both of whom joined in early 2023 from the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office. Other notable members of the team include Changkwon Kim, Chang Woo Lee, and Sejung Lee.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dongju Kwon


Les références

‘Yoon & Yang is one of the major law firms in Korea. The size of the team is somewhat smaller than that of other large law firms, but it has the advantage of having excellent individual skills and charging reasonable costs.’

 

Principaux clients

SK Innovation (SK ON)


Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.


W-Scope


SK hynix


SK bioscience


SK Chemicals


Hanmi Pharm


Kolon Life Science


MedyTox


Kumho Petrochemical


SK Shipping


Hyundai Mobis


Otis Elevator Company


Sumitomo Chemical


Toyota Motor Corporation


Dyson Technology


REG Life Sciences


HITE Jinro


E-mart


Yuhan Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing SK On in a high-profile trade secret & patent infringement dispute between LG Energy Solution and SK On.
  • Successfully defended W-Scope against Asahi Kasei Korea in a patent infringement lawsuit in Korea regarding rechargeable battery separator.
  • Representing SK Chemicals in a patent infringement lawsuit in Korea against Novartis regarding Exleon Patch.

Yulchon

With a multidisciplinary practice that represents leading companies across various industries, Yulchon is a reliable firm for all matters concerning IP litigation and transactions. Heading the IP and technology group is Jeong Yeol Choe, who served as a judge for 21 years before joining the firm. Kyung Ae Yoon, a seasoned patent attorney, regularly handles patent strategic counselling, patent portfolio development, and licensing. Hyeong Joo Lim has ‘a very good understanding of new technologies’ and is recommended for cases involving trade secrets, technology leakage, and internal investigations. Ji Haeng Hwang is especially experienced with IP matters in the fields of electrical and computer engineering, while associate Min Ju Park has an in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry. Samuel Sungmok Lee, Da Woo Lee, and Min Seung Ku are also noted for the expertise they bring to the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Doil Son


Autres avocats clés:

Samuel Sungmok Lee; Yong Min Lee; Hyeong Joo Lim; Min Ju Park; Jeong Yeol Choe; Kyung Ae Yoon; Jin Son; Ji Haeng Hwang; Da Woo Lee; Min Seung Ku


Les références

‘The lawyers at Yulchon have a high level of expertise and a lot of work experience that clients need. Their work is high quality, and they always produce good results. Compared to other law firms, they perform business at a higher level

‘Hyeong Joo Lim is one of the lawyers who have been working in intellectual property for a long time in Korea. He is of the top tier in terms of work experience and expertise. He has a very good understanding of new technologies and is passionate about explaining them well to clients.’ 

‘Yulchon has excellent capabilities in intellectual property litigation.’

Principaux clients

Samsung Group


Corning Inc.


Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd.


SK Group


Hanwha Group


Hyundai Group


LG Group


Daesang Corporation


Coupang Inc.


Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO)


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Corning in multi-jurisdictional patent cases involving patents relating to strengthened cover glass used on more than 7 billion devices worldwide, including nearly every premium smartphone.
  • Representing the Korean Intellectual Property Office in an administrative suit filed against the Commissioner of KIPO seeking the validity of a patent application which named an AI as the inventor.
  • Represented GS Construction Co., Ltd., the fifth-largest construction company in Korea, in a trademark infringement case involving a pet name for luxury apartment complexes.