Discovering that your idea or content is being used without permission is infuriating — but which agency to consult depends on whether it's an invention or a creative work.
1For an invention, trademark, or design — start with the Patent Office
The Patent Customer Consultation Center (1544-8080) can advise you on how to file a patent application for an invention, the process for registering a trademark or design, how to use electronic filing through Patentnet, and even international filings (PCT, Madrid, Hague). Phone counseling is available 24/7, year-round, and KakaoTalk chat and chatbot counseling are also supported. It's a good place to get your bearings if you're starting a business for the first time or want to protect an invention but aren't sure where to begin.
2For content like writing, photos, or video — go to the Copyright Counseling Center
If you want to know how to respond when a blog post, photo, video, or piece of music you created has been used without permission — or, the other way around, how much of someone else's copyrighted work you're allowed to quote or use — call the Korea Copyright Commission's Copyright Counseling Center (1800-5455). Choose a category — legal counseling on copyright, registration counseling, or contract counseling — to be connected with the right counselor, and you can also book a video consultation or an in-person visit at the Jinju headquarters or Seoul office.
3If you're not sure which one applies
If you're not sure whether what you have is closer to a technical invention or a creative expression, it's fine to call either one first. Even if it's not their area, the counselor will point you to the right agency.
Services mentioned in this guide
Patent Customer Consultation Center (1544-8080)
The Korean Intellectual Property Office's main counseling line, available 24 hours a day, covering everything from patent, trademark, and design applications to IP disputes
24 hours
Operated by · 특허청
Cost · Free
Korea Copyright Commission Copyright Counseling Center (1800-5455)
A copyright specialist organization for counseling when your creative work has been used without permission, or when you're unsure whether you can use someone else's work
Weekdays 09:00–18:00
Operated by · 한국저작권위원회
Cost · Free