Expertise

Investigating and Withholding Customs Clearance

In accordance with the Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement (“FTA”) that became effective in July 2013, withholding of customs clearance expanded from goods that infringe trademarks and copyrights to include goods that infringe patents and design rights.

Lee & Ko’s IP Practice Group represents Intellectual Property Rights (“IPR”) owners to promptly uncover infringing goods through the Trade-related IPR Protection Association (“TIPA”) by collaborating with the client and the Korea Customs Service. The IP Practice Group also works closely with the Customs Team to conduct investigations on behalf of the client through the Korea Customs Service officials to prevent and enforce criminal IPR infringement.

Unfair Trade Practice Investigation 

The Korea Trade Commission reserves the right to investigate and sanction unfair trade practices (e.g., IPR infringement and the import and export of goods violating regulatory requirements).  Lee & Ko’s IP Practice Group advises clients on practical measures to manage the KTC’s investigations and measures.