Packaging and Delivery Food Service Trademark Applications Surge 31%... Impact of COVID-19

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Last year, trademark applications related to packaging and delivery food service industries significantly increased due to the impact of COVID-19.

According to the Korean Intellectual Property Office on the 18th, the number of trademark applications designating packaging and delivery-related food service industries last year rose by 31.1% compared to the previous year, reaching 13,077 cases.

With the increase in remote work and non-face-to-face remote classes, as well as the restraint on dining out and private gatherings, home delivery food service businesses increased by 66.0%, and takeout food service businesses grew by 58.9%.

On the other hand, kids cafe businesses and restaurant and cooking reservation businesses decreased by 28.7% and 18.2%, respectively, showing that they faced difficulties in operations due to COVID-19.

Looking at the overall food service industry, the number of applications increased by about 4% annually from 16,493 cases in 2017 to 17,545 in 2018 and 18,933 in 2019, but surged by 18.2% to 22,383 cases last year.

Regarding last year’s application status, individuals accounted for 71.9% with 16,093 cases, while corporations remained at 28.1% with 6,290 cases. By region, the metropolitan area accounted for the largest share at 66.6%.

Kim Kwang-seop, an examiner at the Chemical Food Trademark Examination Division of the Korean Intellectual Property Office, said, "The increase in trademark applications related to packaging and delivery appears to be the result of food industry workers actively responding to the changed environment caused by COVID-19."