Tether files seven trademarks in South Korea, includes KRWT

Tether filed seven trademark applications with the Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS). The filings list KRWT and WONTETHER among other marks and appeared in the KIPRIS database without a public statement from the company.

The seven marks are recorded mainly under Classification 09, which covers software and digital crypto products. The filings include KRWT and WONTETHER, Tether Gold (XAUT), QVAC, USDT0, USAT, and Tether’s shield logo.

KRW is the international currency code for the South Korean won, and WONTETHER combines the local currency name with Tether’s brand. The Class 09 listings indicate the marks are linked to software and digital assets rather than physical goods.

One of the seven applications, PROOF OF STEAK, is filed under Classification 43, which covers food service and hospitality. The application appears to play on the phrase “proof of stake.” The listed commercial use is not detailed in the filing.

South Korea is developing a Digital Asset Basic Act that would require foreign stablecoin issuers to establish a local branch before offering tokens to domestic users. That proposed requirement has led some global stablecoin firms to file trademarks and seek local legal positions.

A won-pegged Tether product would enter a market where a consortium of major South Korean banks is developing a won stablecoin. Circle and several South Korean fintech firms are also testing won-linked designs. Tether currently accounts for a large share of stablecoin activity among South Korean users.

Trademark registrations do not equal product launches. Tether has not confirmed any plans, partners, or regulatory discussions related to the KIPRIS entries. Upcoming regulatory sessions and the passage of the Digital Asset Basic Act will affect how foreign issuers can offer stablecoins in South Korea and may clarify whether these filings are preparatory or protective.