iM Bank files 12 trademarks related to Korean won-based stablecoins

iM Bank has filed a large number of trademarks in anticipation of issuing a Korean won-based stablecoin.

On the 4th, iM Bank announced that it had filed a total of 12 trademarks with the Patent Office, including 'iMKRW', 'iMST', and 'KRWiM'. The trademarks combine 'KRW', representing the Korean won, with the new company name 'iM', which was adopted in place of the former DS Savings Bank.

Previously, iM Bank joined the Open Blockchain & DID Association (OBDIA) and became a member of the stablecoin division. Through the trademark filings, iM Bank aims to prepare for future legislation related to won-based stablecoins and to secure digital asset technologies as part of its digital financial services strategy.

An iM Bank official stated, "We filed the trademarks to proactively respond to the trends in the won-based stablecoin market," adding, "We will closely review relevant bills and market conditions to establish responsive strategies going forward."

Meanwhile, major financial institutions and fintech companies are also actively filing trademarks in this area. Currently, KB Kookmin Card, Danal, Industrial Bank of Korea, Shinhan Financial Group, Shinhan Card, Toss Bank, Naver Pay, Kakao Pay, Kakao Bank, KB Kookmin Bank, and Hana Bank have registered or applied for trademarks that appear to be related to Korean won-based stablecoins.