Manchester United has strengthened its intellectual property position in one of Asia’s most commercially important sports merchandising markets after securing registration of its iconic club logo in South Korea, following a trademark effort led by NAM IP Group. The registration highlights the increasing value of sports trademarks in Asia and the growing complexity of protecting globally recognized brands across multiple jurisdictions.

The South Korean registration was secured by NAM IP Group, with partner Sang-eun Shin working alongside the firm’s Australian trademark attorney Jonathan Masters. According to the firm, the registration process involved overcoming multiple provisional refusals issued by the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) against international trademark registrations that Manchester United had subsequently designated for South Korea.

The successful registration includes Manchester United’s famous Red Devils logo, one of the most recognizable symbols in world football. The trademark was officially registered on August 3, 2026, according to information provided by the firm.

The matter was not a straightforward administrative filing. Shin explained that MOIP had raised several ex officio refusals against Manchester United’s international trademark registrations.

“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,” Shin told Asia Business Law Journal.

According to Shin, all grounds for refusal were ultimately overcome, allowing the registrations to proceed. “All grounds for refusal were successfully overcome, allowing the trademarks to proceed to registration in South Korea.”

Recognizing this commercial value, the club’s strategy appears to extend beyond trademark registration alone. NAM IP Group also confirmed that it had assisted with customs-recordal measures designed to combat counterfeiting and prevent counterfeit goods from entering the country.

“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,” Shin said.

The anti-counterfeiting dimension may prove just as significant as the trademark registration itself. Customs registrations provide rights holders with additional enforcement tools by enabling border authorities to withhold clearance of goods suspected of infringing IP rights.

Shin emphasized the broader risks faced by globally recognized sports organizations. “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.”

The timing of the registration is noteworthy. Manchester United continues to rank among the world’s most valuable football clubs. According to figures cited in the report, Forbes valued the club at US$7.2 billion in its 2026 ranking of the world’s most valuable soccer teams. Protecting trademark assets in key commercial markets therefore remains a strategic business priority rather than merely a legal exercise.

For IP practitioners, the Manchester United matter demonstrates the continued importance of local expertise even in an era of international trademark systems. While multinational rights holders often rely on international filings to expand protection, registration outcomes frequently depend on navigating national examination practices and responding effectively to office actions.

The successful registration therefore represents more than a procedural win. It strengthens Manchester United’s trademark protection in South Korea, provides additional protection against counterfeit merchandise and strengthens the legal foundations supporting one of the world’s most valuable sports brands in a major Asian market.

- Darren Barton