Samyang Files English “Buldak” Trademark to Combat Global Counterfeit Surge
Updated (2 articles)
Trademark Application Planned for Late February Samyang Foods will submit an English‑language “Buldak” trademark application to Korea’s Ministry of Intellectual Property before the end of February 2026, aiming to protect the brand against overseas counterfeit products that threaten its export market and brand equity [1]. The move follows a strategic briefing on national economic growth where the company outlined its intellectual‑property plan [1].
Domestic Court Ruling Leaves Korean Term Unprotected A 2008 decision by the Intellectual Property High Court declared the Korean word “Buldak” no longer distinctive, permitting unrestricted commercial use and leaving the English version without domestic protection [1]. This legal gap has allowed counterfeiters to exploit the name domestically and abroad [1].
Counterfeit Products Detected Across Six Continents Imitations of Buldak ramyeon have been identified in China, Southeast Asia, the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and even North Korean‑produced copies sold in China [1]. The widespread infringement underscores the urgency of securing an English trademark [1].
Samyang Holds Registrations in 88 Nations, Disputes Ongoing Vice Chairman Kim Jung‑soo reported that Samyang currently holds trademark registrations for “Buldak” in 88 countries while actively contesting infringements in 27 jurisdictions [1]. The company’s global IP portfolio reflects its aggressive defense strategy [1].
Buldak Ramyeon Generates Over $3.4 Billion Revenue Since 2012 Since its 2012 launch, cumulative sales have topped 9 billion units, producing more than 5 trillion won (approximately US$3.44 billion) in revenue, boosted by a viral spicy‑challenge craze that began in 2014 [1]. These figures illustrate the product’s massive market impact [1].
2025 Revenue Exceeds 2 Trillion Won for First Time Driven by strong demand for the Buldak line, Samyang’s total sales surpassed 2 trillion won in 2025, marking the first year the company achieved this revenue milestone since its founding [1]. The financial breakthrough highlights the brand’s growing economic importance [1].
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Timeline
2008 – The Intellectual Property High Court of Korea rules that the Korean term “Buldak” is no longer distinctive, leaving the word unprotected for commercial use and opening the door for unrestricted imitation abroad[1].
2012 – Samyang Foods launches its Buldak ramyeon, creating a new ultra‑spicy product line that later becomes a global bestseller[1].
2014 – A viral “spicy‑challenge” craze spreads online, dramatically boosting Buldak ramyeon’s popularity and establishing it as a cultural phenomenon[1].
2025 – Samyang reports annual revenue surpassing 2 trillion won for the first time, driven by strong demand for its Buldak portfolio[1].
2025 – Cumulative Buldak sales exceed 9 billion units, generating over 5 trillion won (≈US$3.44 billion) in revenue since launch[1].
2025 – South Korean customs seizes 117,000 counterfeit Korean‑brand items—including cosmetics, BTS merch, and fake Samsung/LG electronics—in a nationwide crackdown, highlighting the scale of illicit trade[2].
2025 – Analysis of the seized goods shows 97.7 % originate from China and 2.2 % from Vietnam, underscoring regional supply‑chain vulnerabilities[2].
Jan 2026 – Korea Customs Service signs a memorandum of understanding with Chinese customs to strengthen border‑level IP enforcement, aiming to curb the influx of counterfeit goods[2].
Feb 2026 – Samyang announces it will file an English “Buldak” trademark application with the Ministry of Intellectual Property later this month to protect the brand internationally against the surge of counterfeit products[1].
Feb 2026 – Vice Chairman Kim Jung‑soo states that Samyang holds trademarks in 88 countries and is currently contesting infringements in 27, reflecting an aggressive global IP defense strategy[1].
2026 (planned) – South Korean customs plans to expand international cooperation and launch a public‑private consultative body with domestic brands to devise preventive measures against counterfeiting, signaling a multi‑pronged future enforcement approach[2].