Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has declined HYBE’s application to secure the trademark rights on BTS V’s phrase “BORAHAE” (I Purple You). Why? Keep on reading and find the reasons below.
The Reasons Korean Intellectual Property Office Turns Down HYBE’s Application to Trademark BTS V’s “BORAHAE” (I Purple You)
Borahae (보라해) – “I Purple You”
Purple has a special meaning for the global Kpop group BTS and ARMY, their loyal fandom. BTS member V introduced the term “BORAHAE” (I Purple You) to his fans at BTS’ 3rd Muster in 2016.
“Do you know what the color purple means? Purple is the last hue of the rainbow colors. Purple means, I will trust & love you for a long time. I just made it up.”
BTS V
Since then, the term “BORAHAE” has been a symbolic expression of love and unity among BTS and their fans worldwide. In addition, the phrase is also represented digitally with the purple heart emoji.
In September 2020, a cosmetics company called LALALEES attempted to trademark the phrase “BORAHAE,” which sparked outrage. On June 4, 2021, HYBE filed a trademark for “BORAHAE” to protect the interests of the company and its artist.
KIPO’s Notes of Refusal for HYBE’s Request to Trademark “Borahae”
After more than a year, the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) finally released their decision on the trademark “BORAHAE.” They released a notice of refusal regarding HYBE’s application to trademark the term “BORAHAE” on October 4, 2022.
According to KIPO, the term “BORAHAE” is a new word created by BTS member V (Kim Taehyung) at the BTS fan meeting on November 13, 2016. They also underlined that the application could not be granted because it violated “the principles of good faith.”
KIPO emphasizes that V is the rightful owner of the trademark as he created the word first, not BigHit. They also noted that BigHit is not V, as BigHit is a company that “has a partnership and employer-employee relationship with Kim Taehyung.”
KIPO further explained, “the applicant (HYBE) is recognized to have applied for trademark rights despite the fact that they are aware that the trademark is used by V.”
So, referring to KIPO’s explanations, as the creator of the term, it is BTS’ V who has to secure the trademark of the phrase “BORAHAE” (I Purple You). What do you think? Please share your opinion in the comments below.
In the meantime, watch BTS V saying “I Purple You” for the first time at BTS 3rd Muster in 2016 (credit to BANGTAN WORLD) below.
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Source: 1
I love BTS V <3
Hybe tried to do dirty to Taehyung. They should have applied for it on his behalf because they benefit from it as it stands anyways. Credit is due where it should. Taehyung should get the royalties, etc. I am so happy the KIPO denied Hybe and the basis of why.
I’m Happy that someone is looking out for the interest of person and sees Kim Taehyung aka V as more than an artist…