Cho & Partners

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Editorial coverage

When it comes to size, Cho & Partners prefers to stay small, keeping a modest team of eight attorneys, five of whom can litigate. With a smaller team, the firm is able to provide a more personable service to its clients, who have nothing but praise for the boutique.

"Their responsiveness is fantastic," says a long-time client in the film services industry. "Tae Yeon Cho's understanding of the local law is just fantastic. They're cost effective. We get a lot of personal attention from them." Further plaudits for the firm are: "They're good lawyers and great guys. They're the kind of people you like working with."

"From a trade mark perspective, Ik Hyun Seo and his team have provided some valuable second opinions on difficult infringement matters," says a client who seeks the firm's expertise on anti-counterfeit enforcement and brand integrity work, among other matters. "So much so, that my business is looking to move its portfolio to his firm this year."

The client continues, "In addition to the technical expertise exhibited in getting me the right answer, the team takes ownership of matters and proactively looks for ways to provide better service and, most importantly for me in a busy year, ways to save me time."

Peers also acknowledge the firm's impressive clientele, which includes Microsoft, Intel, Gucci and Burberry. The latter company sought Cho and Seo's expertise in its battle against Dae-Sung Chung, who operates an entertainment business by the name of Burberry Singing Room. The duo represents Louis Vuitton in criminal proceedings against long time infringer Yoon-Heum Park, who has appealed a criminal conviction to the Supreme Court.

"They communicate with us very well," says an in-house counsel who enlists the firm on multiple IP litigation cases. "Some of the lawyers grew up and were trained in the US, so understand our desire for regular reporting and consultation."

Firm contact

South Korea

6th and 13th Floors, Ann Jay Tower
718-2 Yeoksam-dong, Kangnam-ku
Seoul 135-080 South Korea
Tel: +82 2 6207 6800
Fax: +82 2 6207 6801
Email: ihseo@cholaw.com
Website: www.cholaw.com

Areas of practice

Trade mark and patent prosecution, Trade mark and patent disputes - legal and administrative, Domain name mediation and litigation, internet issues, Anti-counterfeiting and enforcement, intellectual property litigation, Technology counselling and management, Copyrights, Design rights, Unfair competition, Licensing and distribution.

Firm overview

The firm was established in 2002 by two senior members who decided to leave a large firm environment to create a more focused, efficient and responsive practice. Based on the reputation and capabilities of the founding members, as well as the established trust and loyalty with their clients, the firm was immediately active representing multi-national clients. The firm's clients are among the most recognized names and leaders in various business sectors, such as software and technology, retailing, luxury goods and fashion, energy, etc.

Since its establishment, the firm has continued to grow, a result of the firm's uncompromising emphasis on maintaining its reputation for the highest level of service, professionalism and integrity. This philosophy and commitment has been essential in developing and servicing the firm's prestigious list of clients, whose needs are sophisticated and whose matters have global impact.

The firm is proud of its approach and reputation for nurturing very close and personal relationships with its clients, the foundation of the firm's ability to know its clients and thereby serve their needs more effectively and efficiently.

Intellectual property practice

The firm has a strong and diverse practice in all aspects of intellectual property. It is very active with both domestic and international prosecution practice in both trademarks and patents, as well as related disputes and administrative proceedings. Aside from prosecution matters, the firm and its members have become particularly well-known for its capabilities in the areas of litigation, anti-counterfeiting and internet related matters.

In the area of anti-counterfeiting and enforcement, the firm has developed a very strong reputation for its effective and creative programs in combating many difficult problems in Korea. The firm represents many brand owners and manages among the most active and effective anti-counterfeiting and enforcement programs in the country.

The firm is also very active with domain name disputes, successfully reclaiming domain name registrations from cyber-squatters for trademark owners. Tae-Yeon Cho serves as outside counsel for the Internet Address Domain Name Dispute Resolution Committee, the government body that administers Korean domain name disputes. Another member of the firm, Ik Hyun Seo, serves as a panelist for WIPO.

The firm's litigation practice is particularly active. The firm has successfully obtained several landmark decisions for its clients and is at the forefront of new developments in Korea.

Languages spoken: Korean, English and Japanese
Number of lawyers: 12
Contacts: Tae-Yeon Cho, Ik-Hyun Seo