Law firm NAM IP Group has secured trademark registration for the official logo of English football club Manchester United in South Korea.
“This registration is significant as it strengthens the legal framework for Manchester United to protect its brand more systematically and effectively in South Korea,” Sang-Eun Shin, lead partner for NAM IP Group, told Asia Business Law Journal.
Shin handled the case with the firm’s Australian trademark attorney Jonathan Masters. Shin said the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) recently issued provisional refusals ex officio against several international trademark registrations in which Manchester United had subsequently designated South Korea.
“NAM IP Group conducted a detailed analysis of each ground for provisional refusal, developed response strategies in line with the Korean Trademark Act and MOIP examination practice, and represented the client throughout the domestic registration process, including the preparation and submission of responses to the provisional refusals,” said Shin.
Shin said that all grounds for refusal were successfully overcome, allowing the trademarks to proceed to registration in South Korea. The trademarks include Manchester United’s iconic Red Devils logo, which was officially registered on 3 August 2026.
Beyond handling trademark filing and registration, NAM IP Group also registered Manchester United’s primary trademarks with the Korea Customs Service to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the jurisdiction.
“Manchester United holds significant brand presence in South Korea, buoyed by the legacy of former player Ji-Sung Park. High-profile global brands are frequently exposed to various intellectual property risks, including unauthorised trademark use, counterfeit distribution and unlicensed merchandise,” said Shin.
Manchester United ranks as the third-most valuable football club globally in Forbes’ 2026 Most Valuable Soccer Teams list, with an estimated valuation of USD7.2 billion.
