Trademark Registration in North Korea

North Korea is a member of the Madrid Protocol. Applications can be filed either through the Madrid Protocol or directly through a local attorney in the country. The applicant must provide complete details. In addition, documents relating to the business license or trade registry record must be submitted in notarized form. A simply signed power of attorney is required. If the power of attorney bears a company stamp, it must be notarized. Five specimens of the trademark to be registered, measuring 8 x 8 cm, must be submitted. If the trademark is in color, 10 specimens must be submitted. If the trademark does not contain Latin characters, its pronunciation must be given in English. If priority is claimed, the priority document must be submitted within 3 months of the filing date. A multi-class system is used, and the international Nice Classification applies. The term of protection for a trademark is 10 years. The trademark can be maintained indefinitely by renewal every 10 years. After examination, the trademark is published in the Official Gazette for 5 months. Third parties may file an opposition during this period. There is a 5-year use requirement. If the trademark is not used for 5 years from the registration date or from the date of last use, third parties may file a cancellation action against it. Renewal is required every 10 years.