Musinsa Establishes 'Intellectual Property Protection Committee' with Expert Participation

Dispute Resolution and Damage Prevention for Design Copy of Partner Brands

MUSINSA announced on the 6th that it has established a specialized independent organization responsible for preventing design infringement damages and resolving disputes related to fashion products from brands listed on its platform. Amid the growing issue of domestic designer brand copy products circulating among some open markets and fashion platforms, the purpose is to protect listed brands and consumers from intellectual property rights infringements through an independent body composed of industry experts.

On the 5th, MUSINSA held a kickoff meeting to commemorate the launch of the "MUSINSA Intellectual Property Rights Protection Committee (hereinafter referred to as the IP Protection Committee)" at its headquarters, MUSINSA Campus N1, in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. The IP Protection Committee is an independent organization under MUSINSA that reviews and decides on the ownership or infringement of intellectual property rights related to fashion brand products listed on the MUSINSA online store.

Since joining the "Korea Brand Fashion Association," which was established in February by domestic small and emerging designer brands, as a full member, MUSINSA has paid close attention to issues of design copying and intellectual property rights infringement in the fashion industry. The newly established IP Protection Committee focuses on fairly resolving intellectual property-related issues involving brands listed within the MUSINSA store, rather than addressing problems occurring on other platforms or companies.

The IP Protection Committee reviews and deliberates when a listed brand is involved in intellectual property rights infringements or damages related to trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights, and can express its opinions. The committee also communicates its views on whether intellectual property rights infringement has occurred. In the event of disputes between companies related to intellectual property rights, the committee is responsible for preparing mediation proposals.

The IP Protection Committee consists of four expert members, all external to MUSINSA to ensure neutrality and expertise. The inaugural members appointed are Lawyer Jaekyung Lee (Professor at Konkuk University Sanghuh Liberal Arts College), Lawyer Minhee Cho (Law Firm Gru), Patent Attorney Jiyoung Lee (Cheil Patent Law Firm), and Reporter Sunhee Park (Editor-in-Chief of Apparel News). The term of office for expert members, who may be reappointed or serve consecutive terms, is two years.

A MUSINSA representative stated, “As counterfeit and copy products of domestic fashion brand items have rapidly increased recently, we established an independent organization with expertise to strengthen self-regulatory efforts through co-growth and fair competition among listed brands. As a leading fashion distribution company, we will fulfill our social responsibility to protect brands and establish a healthy intellectual property culture in the fashion market.”