Peninsula 2017: Is the system living in the past?

"The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a website where you can search for and register trademarks," Jiang Xingchen explained.

As he spoke, he continued moving his hand holding the mouse.

He then brought up several more interfaces.

The interfaces display trademark-related information for countries such as China, Vietnam, and Thailand.

"In the two days you were away, I collected and organized some information, and I've already accomplished some major tasks."

"What?"

Look here.

Jiang Xingchen zoomed in on one of the interfaces, making it take up the entire screen.

【applicant:/】

[Trademark applied for: Tara/Crown/6-ara]

[Application Regions: China (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia...]

Core Categories:

Category 41: Performing arts and entertainment services, performance planning, television program production, etc. (core performing arts activities).

Category 09: Audio sources, physical records, video downloads, digital electronic products, etc.

Category 03: Cosmetics, perfumes, and other related derivative products.

Category 25: Clothing, footwear, hats, and other related goods.

Despite her cultural limitations, Park Jiyeon couldn't understand all the information on the interface.

However, based on the logo and some words, it's already possible to determine what it is.

Trademark application form.

"You want to register our trademark?"

Realizing this, Park Jiyeon immediately became alert, shifting her body slightly to the side and staring intently at Jiang Xingchen's profile.

"That's true, but I didn't apply for it."

"What do you mean?"

"According to the [Famous Combination Clause] in the Trademark Law, trademarks that include the names, titles, stage names, or abbreviations of famous persons shall not be registered unless the consent of the person concerned is obtained."

"Is that so?"

"T-ara is a well-known group, and the ownership of its name is closely related to the individual members. Of course, we need your consent."

"us?"

"Hmm... We can't afford to lose even one person, and that's what you'll be doing next, Jiyeon."

Jiang Xingchen released the mouse, walked around to the table, and briefly explained what he needed to do—seize the initiative.

Now that we know Kim Kwang-soo has this idea, there's no reason to just sit and wait for our doom.

However, as mentioned earlier, there is only one outcome if he applies for a trademark—it will be rejected.

Even if Park Jiyeon intervenes, it won't work.

Therefore, she needs to find a way to obtain authorization from everyone, including Jeon Boram and Park Soyeon, who have been missing for almost half a year.

"If MBK Entertainment, or rather Kim Kwang-soo, registers this trademark, and you dare to use the T-ara name to perform, release songs, or even do anything else, then..."

"What will happen?"

"What else can we do?" Jiang Xingchen, who hadn't caught her breath, paused for a moment and was suddenly struck by this blank question, almost choking on her own.

He looked at Park Jiyeon with annoyance and replied, "You'll be defendants right now."

"Cough cough cough..."

Upon hearing the words "you will immediately become a defendant," Park Jiyeon couldn't help but cough lightly twice, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

Just now, following Jiang Xingchen's train of thought, I subconsciously added a comment.

Unexpectedly, it turned into a joke.

Without trademark rights, anyone who uses it illegally will only end up in the dock and have to pay compensation.

Her question just now...

Emmm, that really shows a lack of common sense.

"Alright, let's continue!"

Jiang Xingchen, who also didn't expect her to say that, made a comment but didn't dwell on it. Instead, she decided to continue her conversation.

"Inside..."

Hearing his serious tone, Park Jiyeon stopped daydreaming and focused her attention, preparing to listen attentively to what he had to say next.

Since MBK Entertainment had not previously registered the relevant trademark, the process was relatively simple.

All you need is complete authorization from six people.

"It's not as easy as you say."

Park Jiyeon muttered something under her breath.

She hasn't had many announcements lately, partly because her contract is nearing its end and she's still undecided, and she hasn't met with Lee Juri and the others very often.

I rashly took this thing to them for authorization.

What are they supposed to think?

It will only cause misunderstandings later.

Another one.

Not to mention how many people agreed to the authorization.

What about Jeon Boram and Park Soyeon, who have already gone into hiding and are probably 'retiring' somewhere?

Missing persons.

"I thought you guys were still the same as before."

Jiang Xingchen was somewhat surprised after hearing this.

"There's nothing wrong with our relationship, we just need some space," Park Jiyeon said, shaking her head as she saw his misunderstanding. "We're both having headaches about next year's plans."

"There's no need to rush, there's still time," Jiang Xingchen reassured her.

"Even if the trademark isn't registered by then, it's not a big problem; it'll just be a little inconvenient."

When the trademark issue was exposed, it truly shocked everyone.

Although there had never been a completely identical "trademark rights" operation before, Kim Kwang-soo has always been notorious in the entertainment industry for "legally but maliciously targeting and retaliating against artists who terminate their contracts and leave the company."

The underlying logic behind T-ara's trademark squatting is exactly the same as his past methods of punishing artists who left the group.

In 2009, Nam Gyu-ri, a core member of the three-member girl group Seeya, decided to leave Kim Kwang-soo's control due to contract disputes and personal development plans.

In order to force Nam Gyu-ri to comply and shift the blame to the celebrities, Kim Kwang-soo not only used his connections in the industry to blacklist her, but also did something extremely cruel.

He personally held a press conference and had the other two members of SeeYa (Kim Yeonji and Lee Boram) publicly denounce and criticize Nam Gyu-ri in front of the media.

Ultimately, this farce resulted in a lose-lose situation. The members who remained in the company were stigmatized, Seeya's image plummeted, and the company subsequently disbanded.

A similar incident occurred in 2015.

The top female vocal duo Davichi also experienced something similar.

In short, Kim Kwang-soo's shamelessness should not be underestimated.

As for the trademark rights he came up with this time, they were partly influenced by the contract dispute that occurred between CUBE Entertainment and its boy group BEAST at the end of last year.

CUBE Entertainment successfully blocked BEAST's trademark rights, forcing them to abandon the name they had accumulated over many years after leaving BEAST and re-debut as Highlight.

"But don't worry, he's not CUBE, and you're not BEAST. Even if we really can't contact Jeon Boram and the others, I can protect you."

"In short, since you've chosen to believe me, then believe me to the end!"

Because of Park Ji-yeon's explanation of the current situation of the group, Jiang Xingchen also recalled more details related to this matter.

So I'm not too worried.

These actions are simply to save trouble later.

He found dealing with maggots in the stinking ditch disgusting.

This description made Park Jiyeon's tense lips slowly relax.

A lively smile appeared on her face, which was always described as having a cold and beautiful look.

This was the first time she had smiled since arriving here tonight, aside from when she was talking to Lee Ji-eun.

"President Kang...Advisor Kang."

"Although I don't quite understand some of the things you just said, I think you might be someone I can trust."

As she spoke, she lowered her head, glanced at the letter of intent that had just been signed—the only one of its kind—and then suddenly looked up, "Then the rest is up to you!"

Jiang Xingchen looked directly into her eyes, then extended his hand.

"Smack..."

A crisp clapping sound rang out.

It seems that only now have the two truly established trust?

The next second, Jiang Xingchen pulled out another piece of paper from somewhere and placed it in front of Park Jiyeon.

"Now that we've sealed our alliance with a high five, could you please sign this authorization form, Jiyeon?"

"What authorization?"

Upon hearing the authorization, Park Jiyeon immediately became alert.

"I need to register a new company, and you have to be one of the shareholders so that I can legitimately submit the applications I just submitted."

"Why do I have a feeling that we'll have to pay some more money?"

"Of course, you'll be a director of EPOCH in the future, what's wrong with contributing a little money?" Jiang Xingchen nodded matter-of-factly.

......