As we already entering the second half of 2025, there have been significant changes in the field of intellectual property over the past year and this year, and there are key updates that you must not miss, even amidst your busy business operations, so we are here to share this news.

At this point, as you are preparing your business plans for the second half of the year, understanding and preparing for the new system changes in advance will allow you to operate your business more stably and strategically.

Today, I will briefly summarize three key issues for you. With just 5 minutes of your time, we have prepared this so you can grasp everything at a glance!

Text & illustrations by:
Jiheon Bae, Managing Partner / Patent Attorney
Seungjun Han, Deputy Managing Partner / Patent Attorney

1. Amendment of the Patent Act - Significant Expansion of the Scope of Patent Infringement

With the amendment of the Patent Act effective from July 22, 2025, 'export' activities have been newly defined as patent infringement. Previously, only domestic production, sale, and import were considered infringement, but now actions that export from Korea to abroad are also included as infringement.

This means for patent holders that claims for damages can now be made even if competitors export from our country to abroad. This is a measure to strengthen the protection of patent rights in the global business environment, significantly expanding the scope of rights that patent holders can exercise.

Export-oriented companies need to reassess their risks of patent infringement. This is because actions producing domestically and exporting abroad could constitute patent infringement. Conversely, from the patent holder's perspective, it has become possible to actively exercise rights against competitors' export activities.

2. Amendment of the Trademark Act - Increase in Punitive Damages from 3 Times to 5 Times

Punitive damages refer to a system that requires compensation beyond the actual damages in cases of intentional infringement of others' rights. It aims to deter infringement and protect victims more robustly.

Under the amended Trademark Act effective from July 22, 2025, Punitive damages have increased from a maximum of 3 times to 5 times. This measure aims to achieve a strong deterrent effect against intentional trademark infringement, allowing for effective sanctions against online counterfeit distributors. At the same time, the period for trademark opposition has been reduced from 2 months to 30 days, shortening the total trademark registration period by more than 1 month as of the same date.

For companies that already hold trademark rights, there is now an opportunity to receive more in damages. Additionally, with the shortened period for trademark opposition, it has become possible to establish quicker brand strategies around the trademark registration process.

3. Support for Small Business Funding in the Second Half of 2025 - Secure Growth Momentum through Credit Guarantee Fund and Technology Guarantee Fund Loans!

If you need funding for business expansion or operational costs in the second half of the year, you can significantly reduce your funding burden by utilizing the various guarantee programs of the Credit Guarantee Fund and the Technology Guarantee Fund. It’s important to accurately check the key programs and limits of each institution and find the optimal strategy for our company.

Among the main programs of the Credit Guarantee Fund, the special guarantee for startups within 7 years is a program that typically provides guarantees of up to 1 billion won. Additionally, the Technology Guarantee Fund has various guarantee programs, including pre-guarantee for prospective founders (up to 1 billion won) and support programs for youth startups (up to 300 million won).

It is crucial for companies needing funding to choose the most suitable guarantee program according to their industries and situations. If you are curious about intellectual property strategies for funding strategy, please contact Willa Patent Law Firm!

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