learn more about the conditions and amount of the reward and the process for reporting counterfeit goods. you can receive up to 10 million won through the KIPO reward program.
table of contents
- what is the Counterfeit Product Reporting Reward Program?
- conditions for receiving a reward
- reward amounts per detection
- how to report counterfeit products
- when you are not eligible for a reward
- frequently asked questions
what is the Counterfeit Product Reporting Reward Program?
the JPO operates a reward program to reward citizens who report manufacturers or sellers of counterfeit goods in order to stop the distribution of counterfeit goods. this program is designed to reward those who report counterfeit products that actually help the JPO crack down on them, not just those who spot them.
many people have seen counterfeit goods such as luxury bags, clothing, and shoes on the streets and online shopping malls. These products not only infringe on the rights of genuine brands, but also harm consumers. The JPO's reward program encourages citizens to participate in the fight against these illegal activities.
who is eligible for a reward?
not everyone who reports counterfeit goods is eligible for a reward. There are several criteria set by the JPO.
first, you must have formally reported the manufacturer or seller of the counterfeit product to the KIPO, and it must be recognized that your report actually contributed to the crackdown on counterfeit products. The most important thing is that the amount of the case must be more than 300 million won.
the amount is calculated by multiplying the quantity of goods by the genuine price. for example, if 100 counterfeit luxury bags are seized and the genuine price is 2 million won, the seizure amount is 200 million won.
also, the case must have been sent to prosecutors to be eligible for the reward. if the case is simply under investigation or in the early stages of investigation, the reward is not available.
each person can receive up to two rewards per year, and the total amount cannot exceed 10 million won. It's relatively easy to apply for a reward: just fill out the Counterfeit Product Reporting Reward Application Form and a copy of your bank account, and submit it to a JPO representative via registered mail.
reward amounts per detection
the amount of the reward is based on the amount of the counterfeit product found. the larger the amount, the higher the reward.
if the amount is more than 300 million won but less than 10 million won, you will receive 1 million won. if it's more than 1 billion won but less than 2 billion won, you'll get 2 million won, and if it's more than 2 billion won but less than 10 billion won, you'll get 3 million won.
if you uncover a larger counterfeit goods manufacturing or distribution network, the reward is also larger. if the amount caught is more than 10 billion won but less than 20 billion won, you can get 5 million won, and if more than 20 billion won but less than 5 billion won, you can get 7 million won.
the largest reward is 10 million won if the amount caught is 50 billion won or more. the highest reward is for helping to uncover a large-scale counterfeit manufacturing organization or distribution network.
in this way, the greater the contribution to the crackdown on counterfeit goods, the higher the reward limit. In particular, the sale of counterfeit goods through online shopping malls or large distribution networks is likely to receive a relatively high reward due to the large amount of money involved.
how to report counterfeit products
it is not difficult to report counterfeit products when you find them. You can report online through the Korean Intellectual Property Office website, and you can also report by phone or in person.
when filing an online report, it is recommended that you provide as much detail as possible, such as photos of the counterfeit product, purchase history, and seller information. If the product was purchased from an online store, it is also recommended that you include your order statement and proof of payment to increase the credibility of your report.
if you find counterfeit goods in a brick-and-mortar store, it's helpful to note the store location, business name, and items sold. if possible, you can also purchase the counterfeit product and submit it as evidence.
once you file a report, the patent office or other relevant authorities will investigate. if your report is verified and a crackdown is made, the case will be sent to prosecutors and you can apply for a reward.
when a reward is ineligible
if you abuse the reward program or make a fraudulent report, you will not be eligible for a reward. There are a few things to keep in mind.
first, you won't be eligible for a reward if you make a verbal report - you must make a formal report in writing or through the online system. You also won't be eligible for a reward if you make a report anonymously, under a pseudonym, or in someone else's name - you must make a report under your real name to be eligible for a reward in the future.
employees of related organizations such as patent offices, prosecutors' offices, police departments, and customs offices are also not eligible for rewards if the report is made in connection with their duties. we also don't recognize late reports of cases that are already under investigation or investigation, or where action has been taken.
of particular concern is fraudulent reports that are made in collusion with the intent to receive a reward. for example, coordinating with a counterfeit seller to submit a report is strictly prohibited.
when you report online counterfeit goods, you must provide evidence or proof of your purchase. If you report a product simply because you suspect it and don't provide proof, you will not be eligible for a reward.
frequently asked questions
can I report counterfeit goods anonymously?
the report itself can be anonymous, but you must use your real name to be eligible for a reward. if you submit an anonymous or pseudonymous report, you will not be eligible for a reward, even if you helped crack down on counterfeit goods.
can I report counterfeit goods purchased from online stores?
yes, of course you can report them. in fact, we have a well-designed process for reporting online counterfeit goods. However, you must provide proof of purchase or documentary evidence in order to be eligible for a reward.
when will I receive my reward?
after you report a case, it will be investigated and sent to the prosecutor's office. depending on the complexity of the case, this can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.
can I receive multiple rewards for a single report?
each person can receive a maximum of two rewards per year, and the total amount cannot exceed 10 million won, so even if you report multiple cases in a year, you can only receive a maximum of two rewards.
do I need to know the seller of the counterfeit product to report it?
you don't need to know all of the seller's information, but providing as much information as possible will help us enforce the law. gather as much verifiable information as you can, such as the store location, online shop address, and seller contact information.
counterfeit reward programs are a great way to engage citizens while protecting consumers and stopping the flow of illegal counterfeit goods. if you see a counterfeit product, don't hesitate to report it. a little attention goes a long way in creating a healthy marketplace. if you have any questions about counterfeit goods enforcement, let us know in the comments.