Meet the Founder

Minjung Jo

(IP Attorney & Managing Partner)

With over 18 years of experience as a Korean patent attorney specializing in trademarks, MJ Jo advises corporations, startups, and small businesses on trademark protection and brand strategy.

She works closely with clients to develop practical trademark strategies, helping them secure and protect their brands in Korea and international markets.

A graduate of Yonsei University with a degree in Business Administration, MJ Jo actively contributes to intellectual property education programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Experience

My Career

2019 — Present

Founder & Principal Patent Attorney: IPNCITY (Sangpyo & The City)

As the founder and principal patent attorney of IPNCITY, I lead a boutique intellectual property firm specializing in trademark protection and brand strategy. I advise corporations, startups, and small businesses on trademark clearance, registration, dispute resolution, and global brand protection.

My work focuses on developing practical IP strategies that help businesses secure and expand their brands both in Korea and internationally. I also provide strategic consulting on brand naming, trademark portfolio management, and intellectual property risk prevention.

2019 — Present

Professional Activities

In addition to legal practice, I actively contribute to intellectual property policy and education.

• Member, Korean Patent Attorneys Association (KPAA)
• Member, International Trademark Association (INTA)
• Member, Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA)
• Advisor, Korea Trade Commission (IP Advisory Committee)
• Evaluation Committee Member, Public Procurement Service
• Court-Appointed Technical Advisor

2017

Selected Achievement

One of my notable achievements includes securing Korea's first registered sound trademark based on a popular catchphrase, establishing a new strategy for protecting verbal expressions through trademark law.

2016 — 2019

Patent Attorney: Pi Patent & Law Firm

Handled a wide range of trademark and intellectual property matters, including trademark prosecution, opposition proceedings, and IP dispute resolution. Advised domestic and international clients on trademark registration strategies and brand protection in multiple jurisdictions.

2010 — 2016

Patent Attorney: DAE-A Patent Law Firms

Represented clients in trademark filings, IP litigation, and dispute resolution. Developed extensive experience in trademark portfolio management and cross-border trademark protection.

2008 — 2010

Patent Attorney: KBK Patent Law Firm

Worked on trademark and intellectual property prosecution, advising clients on trademark clearance, filing strategies, and enforcement matters.

Affiliations

Professional Memberships

KPAA

Korean Patent Attorneys Association — Active member contributing to IP policy and education in Korea.

INTA

International Trademark Association — Global network of trademark professionals and legal experts.

APAA

Asian Patent Attorneys Association — Regional IP community focused on Asia-Pacific trademark matters.