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A Legacy of Intellectual Property Law in Korea IP history

KIM&CHO'S DIFFERENCE

A Legacy of Intellectual Property Law in Korea IP History

“Kim & Cho's legacy in Korean intellectual property law began in 1953 when its founding partners, Kim Ui-chang and Cho Sun-hwang, commenced their practice. That same year, they achieved a landmark milestone by processing Korea's first foreign patent and trademark applications. All of the initial six foreign patent applications and eight foreign trademark filings were handled exclusively by the firm. In 1954, the practice was formally institutionalized as the Kim & Cho Patent Law Office.”

1953
Kim Ui-chang and Cho Sun-hwang jointly initiated intellectual property legal services and handled the first foreign patent and trademark applications in Korea, filed in November 1953.
The very first set of foreign applications processed in 1953 consisted of 6 patent applications and 8 trademark applications. All 14 of these pioneering applications were handled by Kim & Cho.
1954
The firm was formally renamed Kim & Cho Patent Law Office.
1961
Comprehensive new IP laws were enacted: the Patent Act, Utility Model Act, Design Act, and Trademark Act.
1979
Establishment of the Korean Patent Office (KPO).

Vintage Pfizer Combandrin protein anabolic steroid hormone advertisement

Handling the First Foreign Trademark Application (1953)

In 1953, only six foreign patent applications were filed in Korea. The first applications among them were two chemical-related patent applications submitted on April 14, 1953 by a U.S. company, both handled by KIM&CHO. These cases marked the beginning of foreign patent activity in Korea, with KIM&CHO at the forefront.

First Foreign Patent Application (April 14, 1953)

Method for producing pesticides using polycyclic halogenated carbohydrates and their derivatives. Method for producing polycyclic insecticides by diene synthesis.

First Foreign Trademark Application Filing (November 23, 1953)

Combandrin (40-1953-0000202) & Syngesterone (40-1953-0000203) (November 23, 1953)

Obron (40-1953-0000218) (December 14, 1953) By Pfizer

Coca-Cola Bottle Design & letter Trademark (1954)

Notably, the Coca-Cola bottle design trademark was also registered as a trademark through KIM&CHO, symbolizing one of the most iconic moments in Korea's trademark history.

KIM&CHO - IP NEWS SEP 19 2025

Key Points - Deferring Examination Requests without payment up to almost 5 years (58 months)

[Korean Patent Article 40-3(Deferment of Examination)]

The Examination Fee Deferral for Up to 58 Months. When filing the examination request, a deferral of the examination fee payment can be simultaneously requested. This payment can be deferred for an additional 22 months from the date the examination was requested. The fee amount is locked in based on the fee schedule effective on the date the examination was initially requested (even though payment is made much later).

Practical Effect

The start of examination can be effectively deferred for up to 5 years (60 months) from the filing date, achieved by requesting examination at the 36-month deadline and electing the full 24-month deferral (The examination fee payment deadline can be extended for a maximum of 22 months. This allows the fee to be paid up to 58 months from the filing date). This strategy allows applicants to delay costs and make more informed decisions on pursuing examination for applications not immediately critical to their business.