In many cases, K-pop groups who decided to leave their respective agencies all at once weren't able to continue to promote under the same group name. One of the most popular examples is HIGHLIGHT, which was formerly known as BEAST.
Moreover, the trademark rights remain the usual cause of conflict between the agency and the artist. Often, idols who left hope to work together with their co-members again. However, it is impossible to reunite under the existing group name without the agreement of the agency and these rights.
Although promoting under the same name is hard, it is not entirely impossible. In fact, there are few K-pop groups who were able to keep their name after a serious legal battle for trademark rights.
Here Are 5 K-pop Groups Who Won Trademark Rights + Able To Keep Team Name After Leaving Agencies
1. Shinhwa
One of the most prominent cases on this topic is Shinhwa, the longest-existing K-pop group in history with all six members still intact after 24 years.
The story started when SM Entertainment transferred the group's trademark rights to their new agency Good Entertainment in 2004, and trademarked "Shinhwa" in 2005.
In 2011, all members decided to leave Good, establishing their own company, Shinhwa Company. Unfortunately, they met conflicts about using the name as it was still owned by SM, which led to a legal battle.
Long story short, Shinhwa won their trademark rights to their name against SM Entertainment after 12 years in 2015.
2. Sechs Kies
Another case is Sechs Kies, which debuted in 1997 with six members under Daesung Entertainment. Unfortunately, they disbanded in 2020.
After 16 years, Sechs Kies reunited in 2016 and decided to reorganize as a four-member group, excluding Jiyong and Sunghoon. In the same year, the team signed a contract with YG Entertainment.
Under their new label, the members officially applied for their trademark rights and it was successfully accepted in 2018.
3. H.O.T (High Five of Teenagers)
H.O.T. was launched by SM Entertainment under the management of former SM Director Kim Kyung Wook in 1996. The five members parted ways in 2001.
In 2018, the group held their much-anticipated reunion concerts under Salt Innovation. Unfortunately, all of their materials including their logo and name were forced to be removed after Kim Kyung Wook claimed he is the rightful owner of their trademark rights.
After two years of legal battle, H.O.T won the case after the court ruled in favor of Salt Innovation in July 2020. Prior to this, Kim Kyung Wook withdrew the lawsuit in January of the same year.
4. T-ARA
In 2009, T-ARA debuted under MBK Entertainment. After nine years, the female group left the company.
While the group desires to continue their group activities under their new agency, MBK applied the trademark rights for T-ARA in 2017 including their intellectual property for entertainment, photography, cosmetics and clothing. The fight continued until 2019 when the court rejected all of MBK's applications.
Due to this, T-ARA can finally use its name without interference.
5. GOT7
Last but not least is GOT7. However, their case is really different from the aforementioned groups. While the preceding ones had a long legal fight against their companies, GOT7 and JYP met a mutual agreement.
After leader Jay B rolled up his sleeves to get GOT7's trademark from JYP Entertainment, the company decided to "willingly hand over the trademark."
With the transfer of trademark rights by JYP, it became possible for them to release albums and music in the name of GOT7 and hold performances.
READ MORE: GOT7 to Own Their Group Name, Intellectual Property after Leaving JYP Entertainment
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Written by Eunice Dawson
