Shark 'Bukang-i' to Become Public Asset... Busan Metropolitan City Government Moves to Secure Trademark Rights

[Financial News] After it was confirmed that an individual had filed a trademark application for the name of the North Port Waterfront Park shark 'Bukang-i,' Busan Metropolitan City Government is taking steps to respond, including filing an application itself.
Busan Metropolitan City Government said on the 2nd that it plans to file a trademark application for 'Bukang-i' this month and actively respond to the individual's application.
The aim is to ensure that anyone can make broad use of the name 'Bukang-i,' which was created through citizens' interest and participation.
Bukang-i is the nickname of the shark residing at North Port Waterfront Park. After attracting widespread attention through social media (SNS) and public institution promotions, Bukang-i was appointed an honorary ambassador for Busan Metropolitan City Government on the 29th of last month.
As Bukang-i gained popularity, a citizen recently filed an individual trademark application for the name. According to a search of the patent information search service, five trademark applications were filed under an individual applicant's name starting on the 21st. The applications include Korean and English spellings of Bukang-i and a shark design. The designated goods include more than 40 items, such as key rings, clothing and toys. If the related trademark is registered, it could restrict the production of public content using Bukang-i and its use in local products.
In response, Busan Metropolitan City Government believes that the name Bukang-i itself should serve as a public promotional resource and plans to file a trademark application with the Ministry of Intellectual Property soon.
The city plans to file the application directly under its name this month and secure the rights as soon as possible. It will also proceed with the information-submission process with the Ministry of Intellectual Property. The city plans to convey that Bukang-i is a name that naturally emerged through communication with citizens and that granting exclusive rights to a particular individual would be inappropriate.
Once it secures the trademark rights, the city plans to allow citizens, small business owners and local creators to make broad use of Bukang-i in related content, provided that they do not undermine its public value and image.
Mayor Chun Jae-soo said, "Bukang-i has grown into a new symbol of Busan through the interest and participation of its citizens." He added, "We will ensure that the name created together with citizens is not used as an exclusive asset by any individual and establish a foundation for the local community to enjoy and develop it together."
[email protected] Kwon Byung-seok Reporter