‘Jeonggwanjang’, Officially Recognized as a Well-Known Trademark in China

Recognition, Brand Reputation, and Credibility Required for 'Well-Known Trademark' Registration
Among Korean Companies Entering China, Only About 10 Brands Are 'Well-Known Trademarks'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] KGC Ginseng Corporation announced on the 11th that its Jeonggwanjang (正官庄) brand has been officially recognized as a "Well-Known Trademark" in China.

The Chinese "Well-Known Trademark System" is a legal mechanism that provides stronger protection for trademarks that are more prominent than ordinary trademarks. It refers to trademarks that are widely known to the public and carry high reputation and credibility, thus receiving special protection from the Chinese government.

China is both the largest country for trademark applications by Korean companies and the country with the highest number of intellectual property infringement cases. Accordingly, not only KGC Ginseng Corporation but also global companies strive to obtain recognition as a "Well-Known Trademark" to conduct business in China.

Currently, there are over 25 million trademarks in China, but well-known trademarks are extremely rare. In Korea, only about ten brands, including Samsung and LG, have received well-known trademark recognition.

When a trademark is registered as a well-known trademark in China, it can prohibit registration and use even in unrelated product categories, preventing damage to the brand's value. The exclusive rights of ordinary trademarks are protected only when the trademarks and goods are identical or similar, so even a very famous trademark cannot prohibit other brands from using the trademark if the products differ. However, once registered as a well-known trademark, use can be strongly prohibited for all products imitating the well-known trademark.

For example, if only the Jeonggwanjang trademark registration were completed, other companies in China could release fashion products or other consumer goods under the "Jeonggwanjang" trademark and potentially win trademark lawsuits. But with well-known trademark registration, the "Jeonggwanjang" trademark can be protected across all industries.

Strategy Director Lee Soon-won said, "The Jeonggwanjang brand represents Korean Goryeo ginseng and holds about 5,000 trademark rights in over 60 countries worldwide with the mission of a pioneer ginseng company," adding, "Through well-known trademark registration, we will continuously manage the brand and maintain Jeonggwanjang as a premium brand."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.