Korean Ramyeon Maker Embroiled in Trademark Disputes Across 27 Countries
Samyang Foods, the renowned Korean ramyeon manufacturer, is actively seeking trademark rights for the English brand name “Buldak” within Korea. This move comes as the company intensifies its efforts to combat a global surge in counterfeit products mimicking its signature spicy noodles, a phenomenon fueled by the immense popularity of Buldak ramyeon worldwide.
According to a statement released by Samyang Foods on Thursday, plans are underway to formally file an application with the Korean Intellectual Property Office to register the English name of Buldak before the end of February. This proactive step is designed to protect the brand’s integrity and prevent further proliferation of imitation products.
The emergence of copycat versions of Samyang Foods’ Buldak has been a growing concern since the early 2020s. The brand’s immense global popularity has unfortunately led to the appearance of numerous imitations across various regions, including China, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the United States.
During a recent national economic growth strategy meeting with President Lee Jae Myung in January, Samyang Foods Vice Chair Kim Jung-soo highlighted the extent of the issue. She stated that while the company has successfully registered trademarks in 88 countries, it is currently engaged in trademark disputes in 27 of them, underscoring the challenges of protecting its intellectual property on a global scale.
“It’s an important task to protect K-brand overseas,” Kim emphasized, appealing for government support in safeguarding trademarks for Korean companies both domestically and internationally. The company views securing these trademarks as crucial for maintaining the brand’s value and preventing consumer confusion.
Interestingly, the Korean name “Buldak,” which translates to “fire chicken,” currently lacks trademark protection in Korea. A 2008 court ruling determined that the name had become a common noun due to its widespread use in various food sectors since the early 2000s.
“We are actively pursuing registration of the Buldak trademark as the number of counterfeits and copycat products is increasing due to the global popularity of the Buldak brand,” stated a Samyang Foods official. The company recognizes the urgency of protecting its brand identity in the face of growing competition from unauthorized imitations.
“We will protect Buldak’s values through active brand IP protection policies and strategic responses,” the official added, reiterating Samyang Foods’ commitment to safeguarding its intellectual property and brand reputation.
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