What’s going on with IVE’s name and a leather goods brand?
On July 2, STARSHIP Entertainment addressed a trademark dispute involving their chart-topping girl group IVE. The clash? A leather goods workshop named IVE Leather Goods claimed STARSHIP attempted to revoke its legally registered trademark due to the name overlap with the group IVE.
STARSHIP says it wasn’t their call
In an official statement shared across SNS, STARSHIP emphasized, “This action was taken independently by our legal representative without prior consultation with us.” After learning about the filing, the company quickly reviewed its legality and withdrew the claim.
“We sincerely regret the confusion caused during this process,” STARSHIP added, acknowledging public concern.
The small brand speaks out
The owner of IVE Leather Goods didn’t hold back. They explained that the trademark had been registered in 2019—two years before IVE the group debuted. The company was reportedly handed down from the owner’s parents, and though currently inactive, the founder stressed how important it is to protect the brand’s legacy.
“We were stunned,” the owner shared. “We’ve even worked on joint exhibitions with public institutions. Why go after us now?”
Setting the record straight
In a follow-up, STARSHIP reiterated their respect for small businesses and longstanding entrepreneurs. They apologized again and promised to manage such matters more carefully to prevent misunderstandings.
“We’ll be doing our due diligence from now on. Both our artists and the wider community deserve clarity,” said the agency.
So, what’s next?
With the legal action dropped and the apology issued, it looks like this trademark tangle has been resolved. Still, fans and business watchers alike are wondering—how often will K-pop names clash with pre-existing brands as the Hallyu wave spreads globally?
For now, peace is restored. But it’s a reminder that sometimes, even a name can spark a headline.
