Brazil and South Korea are expanding cooperation across strategic areas, including trade, investment, technological development and intellectual property. The relationship gained further momentum following South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to Brazil and renewed efforts to advance discussions on a potential trade agreement between Mercosur and South Korea.
In the field of intellectual property, the bilateral relationship already includes institutional cooperation mechanisms between the countries’ industrial property authorities. At the same time, South Korean companies are increasing their presence in Brazil’s patent and trademark system.
Trade negotiations and strategic cooperation
Discussions surrounding a potential trade agreement between Mercosur and South Korea cover several areas relevant to economic integration, including:
- Trade in goods and services;
- Investment;
- E-commerce;
- Intellectual property.
The growing relationship comes at a time of increasing global demand for advanced technologies and stronger supply chains connected to the digital economy and the energy transition.
South Korea has a strong industrial presence in sectors such as:
- Semiconductors;
- Rechargeable batteries;
- Electric vehicles;
- Electronics.
Brazil, meanwhile, holds significant reserves of rare earth elements used in a wide range of technologies, including information and communication technologies, 5G networks, the Internet of Things, semiconductors, biotechnology, nanotechnology and metrology.
Institutional cooperation in intellectual property
Brazil and South Korea already maintain specific cooperation mechanisms in the field of industrial property.
In 2024, Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) and South Korea established a Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial Property, providing for training initiatives and exchanges of knowledge and experience between the institutions.
BPTO also maintains a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) agreement with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO).
The mechanism is intended to accelerate the examination of certain patent applications in both jurisdictions, strengthening cooperation between the two industrial property systems.
Intellectual property and international business
The relationship also involves initiatives designed to support companies operating in international markets.
BPTO has developed an Intellectual Property Guide for Exporters, designed to help Brazilian companies identify and protect their intellectual property assets abroad.
The guide includes information on South Korea’s intellectual property system, helping Brazilian exporters understand local requirements and develop appropriate protection strategies for their intangible assets.
South Korean companies increase their presence in Brazil
Data for 2025 point to growing interest from South Korean companies in the Brazilian market.
According to INPI rankings, South Korea surpassed Japan to become the third-largest country of origin for patent applications filed by non-residents in Brazil, accounting for approximately 9% of the applications included in the ranking.
South Korea also holds a prominent position in trademark activity. Among the countries of origin of non-resident applicants mentioned in the ranking, it ranks only behind the United States.
These figures highlight the growing use of Brazil’s intellectual property system by South Korean companies and reinforce the country’s relevance as a market for international investment and expansion.
Technology, intangible assets and future opportunities
Closer ties between Brazil and South Korea create opportunities for cooperation between two economies with distinct industrial and technological capabilities.
South Korea brings a well-established industrial base in technology-intensive sectors, while Brazil combines natural resources, a large consumer market and innovation capabilities across different industries.
Within this context, intellectual property can support:
- Joint technological development;
- Investment initiatives;
- Technology transfer;
- The development of new value chains;
- The protection and commercialization of intangible assets.
Further bilateral cooperation and progress in Mercosur–South Korea negotiations could therefore expand not only trade flows, but also the exchange of knowledge, technology and intellectual assets.
