Busan to File Trademark for "Bukang-i" Shark Amid Private Filings

The Busan Metropolitan Government announced that it plans to file a trademark application for "Bukang-i," a shark that entered the artificial waterway at the North Port and gained significant attention and affection from citizens, while also taking active measures against applications filed by individuals.

Bukang-i is a nickname given by people to a shark staying at the Busan North Port Waterfront Park.

After Bukang-i did not leave the North Port and gained popularity following September 18, a citizen filed a trademark application combining the text "BUKANGI" with the shape of a shark.

Since then, three additional people have applied for trademarks using the name Bukang-i.

Viewing the name "Bukang-i" as a public promotional resource, the city plans to soon file a trademark application with the Korean Intellectual Property Office.

Separately, because the Korean Intellectual Property Office has not yet reviewed the prior applications filed by the four individuals, the city plans to do its utmost to block the trademark registration through "information submission" emphasizing Bukang-i's character as a public good.

If the Bukang-i trademarks filed by citizens are registered, it is expected that the Busan Metropolitan Government would face difficulties utilizing Bukang-i, who serves as an honorary public relations ambassador, for souvenir development, tourism, or digital content.

Once the city secures the trademark rights for Bukang-i, it plans to allow citizens, small business owners, and local creators to widely use the name and related content, provided they do not damage its public value and image.

Jeon Jae-su said, "Bukang-i is a name born amid the interest and participation of citizens," adding, "We will lay the foundation for the local community to enjoy and nurture it together without allowing anyone to monopolize it."

Reported by Kim Minjeong | Video by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.