Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin USDT, has submitted seven trademark applications in South Korea, covering its company name, official logo, and the gold-backed token Tether Gold (XAUT). The filings, recorded with the Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS) on May 19, mark a significant expansion of Tether’s intellectual property strategy in one of the world’s biggest crypto markets.
Analysts view the move as a proactive step to prepare for upcoming regulations under the second phase of South Korea’s Digital Asset Basic Act. The proposed rules may require foreign stablecoin issuers to establish a local branch or business before offering tokens to Korean users. By securing its brand assets early, Tether could smooth the path for a direct operational presence in the country.
The applications go beyond product names—which were the focus of earlier filings—to include core corporate branding. This broader approach, along with the inclusion of XAUT, signals Tether’s intent to serve both the mainstream stablecoin market and investor interest in alternative assets like gold-backed tokens. The timing coincides with growing competition: Circle, the company behind USDC, previously filed 11 local trademarks and has since increased its market share by 10% in South Korea.
Tether is also looking beyond crypto trading. The company sees an opportunity in South Korea’s massive export sector, where blockchain-based payments could offer faster and cheaper cross-border transfers compared to traditional systems like SWIFT. This ambition aligns with a wider push by stablecoin firms to become part of the country’s financial infrastructure, as highlighted by Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire’s recent visit to meet with banks and exchanges in Seoul.
By securing these trademarks, Tether appears to be laying the legal and operational groundwork for potential partnerships with domestic exchanges and financial institutions. The move not only protects its brand but also positions the company ahead of regulatory changes, signaling a long-term commitment to the Korean market.
