Korea launches state K-brand certification to fight counterfeit goods abroad

The Korea Intellectual Property Office said Wednesday it will begin operating a government certification program for K-brand products, stepping in as the holder of the certification mark itself to curb a counterfeit trade it estimates at about 11 trillion won ($8.19 billion) a year.

Under the program, companies may voluntarily attach the state certification mark — a trademark owned by the South Korean government — to their products, and the government will enforce those trademark rights abroad, within the limits of each country's law, when the mark is counterfeited. The office said the certification mark was filed domestically in September and will be filed in 73 major export markets by the end of the year.

Thirty-one companies have applied to take part, including Samyang Foods, Amorepacific and Korea Ginseng Corp.

The office cited OECD figures published in 2024 that put the global distribution of counterfeit goods bearing Korean trademarks at about 11 trillion won.

The certification mark combines the K-lifestyle, K-Spirit, K-Culture and K-Tech labels and will carry authentication technology developed by the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corp. to make copying harder.

Overseas shoppers will be able to check whether a product is genuine by scanning the mark with a phone camera, without installing a separate app. The office will analyze the scan data to identify where counterfeits circulate and pass the information to local investigators and enforcement agencies.

Companies that join will be given access to a system that gathers information on genuine and fake products. Small and mid-sized firms can receive up to 200 million won ($148,876) each toward the cost of adopting the authentication technology, and participants will also receive export-related benefits, including discounts on export insurance from the Korea Trade Insurance Corp., extra points for participating in KOTRA export fairs, and space in a dedicated sales pavilion at the Korea International Trade Association's Trade Korea event.

"The K-brand is not just an asset of our companies — it is a precious asset of South Korea, made together with the passion and challenges of our people," said Kim Yong-sun, head of the Korea Intellectual Property Office. "The government will stand firmly behind our companies so they do not suffer unfair damage from fake products overseas, and so the K-brand is trusted and chosen anywhere in the world."

The office will also send staff to Interpol to respond to large-scale and repeat manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit K-brand goods, and will use its network of foreign governments to press for stronger investigation, enforcement and customs detention measures.

Companies that want to join can apply through the program's application system at koipa.re.kr/k-brand by Nov. 10. The Korea Intellectual Property Protection Agency is handling inquiries.