Case Studies
[Law firm Veat TIP] The right to protect a creator's name, the right to name indication
Law firm Veat’s TIP(Technology Intellectual Property) team has contributed an article to Platum, a specialized startup media platform, regarding legal issues related to the right to attribute authorship. The importance of complying with the right to attribute authorship is increasingly emphasized in various creative industries such as music, film, and publishing. In this column, we have explained in detail what the right to attribute authorship is, why it is important for creators to protect their names, and what points to consider to receive legal protection. [This link] allows you to view this article. The article published by Law firm Veat’s TIP team provides useful information for artists, content creators, and performers interested in copyright protection of creative works.
Safe startup growth, the first step, startup lawyer’s lease agreement legal review.
Law firm Veat received a request from a cloud-based AI/SW startup (hereinafter referred to as "client") and provided legal advice and reviewed lease agreements for office operations. In this case, Law firm Veat confirmed the specific property the client was leasing. Also, it analyzed the extent of legal protection the client could receive based on the reviewed lease property. The startup lawyer at Law firm Veat reviewed and advised on options to ensure the client, as a tenant, received the maximum guarantee of their rights. Legal Protection and Contract Clauses to Watch Out for Tenants Office space is an essential element in a startup's growth process. However, simply securing space is not enough. It is necessary to review the content of the lease agreement to ensure it is legally appropriate and has no potential for future disputes. Especially, the laws applicable vary depending on the type of building (commercial, residential, office, etc.), so thorough legal analysis must be performed before signing the lease agreement. The most important consideration when signing a lease agreement is that the laws applicable may vary depending on the purpose and nature of the building, so a review of which laws govern the leased property should be performed first. If the leased property is a residential building (apartment, villa, etc.), the 「Act on Protection of Tenants' Rights」 may apply. In this case, strong legal protection is provided, including the tenant's right to request contract renewal and protection of the deposit refund. Conversely, if the leased property is a commercial space (store, office, etc.), the 「Act on Protection of Commercial Tenants’ Rights」 may apply. If certain conditions are met, you may receive benefits such as the right to request contract renewal (up to 10 years) and protection of goodwill. However, not all commercial properties are automatically protected, so a prior legal review is necessary. In other cases, the contract may be concluded under the Civil Law. In this case, tenant protection may be relatively weaker than special laws, so it is necessary to carefully review the contract. Also, it is necessary to closely examine clauses that may be focused on in the lease agreement or may be a source of dispute. First, if the method of calculating rent and management fees is unclear, rent may be unilaterally increased or unnecessary costs may be incurred. If the Housing Tenant Protection Act or the Commercial Tenant Protection Act applies, you may be protected by the right to request contract renewal, but unfavorable provisions may apply if the contract contains contradictory clauses. If the scope of restoration that the tenant must perform after the lease expires is set too high, unexpected cost burdens may arise, and it is necessary to review whether the rights are significantly restricted or whether unfair obligations are imposed. Therefore, it is important to receive detailed reviews from a legal expert to minimize these burdens and receive adequate legal protection before proceeding with the contract. A lease agreement serves as an important legal basis that determines the tenant’s rights and obligations during the lease period, and failing to carefully review the content of the contract may result in a lack of legal protection or a disadvantageous situation during the contract period. For a startup to grow steadily, it is important to establish various legal protection measures, including a legal review of the lease agreement. Law firm Veat, Your Tailor-Made Legal Support Partner for Growing Startups Law firm Veat provides tailor-made legal subscription services that match the characteristics and growth stage of startups. This service supports startups in establishing a stable legal foundation from the beginning and achieving sustainable growth. You can design essential legal foundations in the initial stage through consultations with specialized startup lawyers. Also, considering the characteristics of startups, we provide legal advice in two categories: stages where regular work is expected monthly and stages where occasional issues are expected. This helps startups receive legal services efficiently. We also provide various legal documents necessary for startup operations. We provide various contracts, including employment contracts, confidentiality agreements, shareholder agreements, subscription agreements for new shares, stock transfer agreements, and stock option agreements, further assisting startup growth. Law firm Veat’s legal subscription service is designed to match the startup's growth stage and needsand provides high-quality legal advice at a reasonable cost. If you need legal advice for startup growth, please feel free to contact Law firm Veat. You can also check the case of this work on the Law firm Veat blog below. - First Step Towards Safe Startup Growth, Legal Review of Lease Agreement by Startup Lawyer Thank you. Law firm Veat
Amendment of the Personal Information Protection Act, selection areas according to the personal information processing policy evaluation system, evaluation criteria and procedures, and legal support.
What is a Personal Information Processing Policy Evaluation System? On June 12, 2024, the Personal Information Protection Committee (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Personal Information Protection Committee’) confirmed the 2024 Personal Information Processing Policy Evaluation Plan at the 10th General Meeting. This evaluation system is being implemented for the first time to strengthen the accountability and transparency of personal information processors and guarantee the right to know of information subjects.
"Points domestic companies must not miss when contracting with foreign companies!"
Law firm Veat reviewed the legal aspects of a service use contract that a listed healthcare company (hereinafter "Client") plans to enter into with an overseas legal entity (hereinafter "Subject Overseas Legal Entity") providing specific services. In this case, since the Client uses the Subject Overseas Legal Entity's device and interfaces connected to it, and transmits data including personal information of final consumers to the Subject Overseas Legal Entity's server, it was necessary to conduct a multifaceted review, including compliance with the "Personal Information Protection Act." Necessity of Reviewing a Service Use Contract with an Overseas Legal Entity Even if a domestic company enters into a contract with an overseas company, the laws of the Republic of Korea may still apply, and it may ultimately become the subject of various obligations under laws such as the Personal Information Protection Act. Therefore, it is important to clearly understand the provisions of the relevant laws of the Republic of Korea before entering into a contract and to clearly define the rights and obligations between the domestic legal entity and the overseas legal entity to minimize legal risks. To achieve this purpose, Law firm Veat provided legal advice focusing on the following points. 1. Overseas Transfer of Personal Information Personal Information Protection Act Article 28-8 (Overseas Transfer of Personal Information) ① A personal information processor shall not provide (including cases of inquiry), process through outsourcing, or store (hereinafter “transfer” in this Section) personal information overseas. However, personal information may be transferred overseas in cases falling under any of the following subparagraphs. 1. In cases where separate consent for overseas transfer has been received from the information subject. 2. ~ 5. (Omitted) ② A personal information processor shall inform the information subject of the following matters before receiving consent under subparagraph 1 of paragraph 1 of Article 28-8. 1. Items of personal information to be transferred 2. Country, timing, and method of transfer of personal information 3. Name (in the case of a legal entity, the name and contact information) of the recipient of the personal information 4. Purpose of use of personal information by the recipient, and retention and utilization period 5. Method, procedure, and effect of refusing the transfer of personal information The "Personal Information Protection Act" stipulates that, except for special circumstances such as receiving separate consent from the information subject for overseas transfer, personal information should not be transferred overseas. Furthermore, when obtaining such consent, it imposes an obligation to inform the information subject of legally stipulated matters such as the items of personal information to be transferred and the transfer country. In this case, we informed the Client, which is subject to the Personal Information Protection Act, that it may become the subject of these obligations because it is transferring personal information to a server owned by the Subject Overseas Legal Entity. 2. Provision and Processing Outsourcing of Personal Information The "Personal Information Protection Act" distinguishes between "third-party provision" and "processing outsourcing" of personal information and prescribes different requirements for each. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly determine whether transmitting personal information collected by the Client to the Subject Overseas Legal Entity constitutes "third-party provision" or "processing outsourcing" under the Personal Information Protection Act. However, it is difficult for general individuals lacking expertise in personal information-related laws to judge this themselves, so we recommend seeking the assistance of a legal expert. Law firm Veat judged whether the information transfer in this case constituted "third-party provision" or "processing outsourcing" under the "Personal Information Protection Act" based on the "Personal Information Protection Act," similar cases, and Supreme Court precedents, and provided detailed legal advice to the Client regarding the legal obligations it must comply with accordingly. 3. Clarifying Rights and Obligations If the roles of the domestic and overseas legal entities are ambiguous in the contract, there is a risk that the location of legal responsibility will be unclear. Therefore, Law firm Veat, based on a thorough understanding of the services provided by the Subject Overseas Legal Entity and the business the Client intends to pursue, modified the service use contract to clearly define the rights and obligations between the two parties, minimizing the legal obligations the Client must bear. Partner with Law firm Veat for Contract Negotiation and Performance with an Overseas Legal Entity When a domestic company collaborates with an overseas entity, simply entering into a contract from a purely business perspective can exclude the possibility of unforeseen legal risks. Law firm Veat has provided customized legal advice based on a thorough understanding of IT and global business. If a legal issue arises in the process of entering into or performing a contract with an overseas entity, please contact Law firm Veat. We at Law firm Veat can provide legal advice optimized for your specific circumstances. This case study can also be found on the Law firm Veat blog. - Points to Keep in Mind When a Domestic Company Contracts with an Overseas Company! Thank you. Law firm Veat
Global big tech companies, platform companies’ violation of personal information protection law.
Recently, both domestically and internationally, the importance of personal information protection is increasingly highlighted. In particular, legal and ethical issues have arisen from massive global platform companies processing personal information or transferring it abroad, and court decisions regarding these issues are receiving much attention. Focusing on the Seoul Administrative Court’s rejection of the fine cancellation lawsuit against Google & Meta and the Personal Information Protection Committee (hereinafter “the Personal Information Protection Committee”)’s sanction against KakaoPay & Apple’s unauthorized overseas transfer of personal information, we will examine the legal importance of personal information protection. 1. Rejection of Google & Meta Fine Cancellation Lawsuit
[Law firm Veat TIP] Do exam questions have copyright? Find out about the right of publication.
The Law firm Veat TIP(Technology Intellectual Property) team, specializing in digital content copyright, has contributed detailed information on copyright of examination questions to Platum, a media platform specializing in startups.
AI learning data utilization, Personal Information Protection Committee's new regulatory easing policy
Recently, the Personal Information Protection Committee (hereinafter referred to as "Personal Information Protection Committee") announced its 2025 major policy promotion plan, revealing regulatory innovation plans for AI development and data utilization. The announcement included various contents aimed at balancing the need to ease data regulations due to the rapid growth of emerging technologies such as generative AI and strengthening privacy protection. In particular, it established special regulations conditionally allowing the use of original data for research and development, expanded the basis for personal information processing based on legitimate interests and public interest, and concretized safe data processing standards, among other policies, demonstrating its commitment to actively supporting the AI industry, which is highly dependent on data.
[LAW.ASIA] Korea Law Firm Awards 2024 TMT section Law firm Veat selected
Law firm Veat was selected as a law firm in the Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) category at the ‘Korea Law Firm Awards 2024’ announced by Asia Business Law Journal. This award recognizes the firm’s expertise and contribution to the TMT field amidst a rapidly growing legal market. Asia Business Law Journal annually presents the ‘Korea Law Firm Awards’ to select four noteworthy law firms in various legal fields, recognizing excellence across different categories. Veat’s award is considered a testament to the firm’s accumulated know-how and differentiated expertise in the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) fields. Law firm Veat (representing attorneys Song Do-young and Choi Sung-ho), specializing in the TMT field, provides professional legal services related to technology, media, and telecommunications, including personal information and information security, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain & NFT, metaverse (Metaverse), games, and others, in keeping with the firm’s motto of "Venture and Technology." In particular, Veat’s ‘Regulatory Sandbox Team’ boasts the highest level of expertise and track record in the ‘regulatory sandbox’ area, dedicated to improving regulations that hinder the development of new industries and services. A major highlight of Veat’s work in 2024 was playing a pivotal role in enacting the “Promotion of Metaverse Industry Act,” which legally defines and promotes the first-ever "metaverse" in the world. In addition, the firm provided legal advice on the display obligations of metaverse game companies, reviewed copyright agency and brokerage of metaverse creations, analyzed trademark infringement and unfair competition prevention law for broadcasting platforms, and legally reviewed the electronic financial business registration requirements of subsidiaries. Song Do-young, representing attorney at Law firm Veat in charge of the TMT department, has been providing the largest volume of regulatory sandbox consulting and advisory work in Korea since beginning ICT regulatory sandbox consulting in 2019, and currently serves as a member of the Financial Committee’s ‘Innovative Financial Review Committee,’ leading regulatory innovation in the technology, media & telecommunications field. Attorney Song also serves as a member of the Broadcasting and Communications Committee’s ‘Policy Research Deliberation Committee,’ Secretary of the Korean Association of Information Privacy Experts (KAPP), member of the Korean Internet Promotion Agency’s ‘Online Advertising Dispute Mediation Committee,’ and member of the Korea Metaverse Industry Association’s self-regulation committee, and has received recognition for these expertise and efforts, receiving the Prime Minister’s Commendation in 2020 and the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Commendation in 2024.
[Safety Management Lawyer] The first step towards safe imports, legal review of supply contracts.
Law firm Veat received a request from accessory franchise company A (hereinafter referred to as the "client") to review the supply contract for goods to be imported from overseas and sold domestically. As the global market expands, more and more companies are increasing in number who want to import goods from overseas and sell them domestically. Especially, daily commodities like metal jewelry have relatively high demand, but several legal criteria and procedures must be complied with when importing. For example, you must comply with the requirements specified in relevant laws such as the ‘Electrical Appliances and Living Goods Safety Management Act’ and the ‘Chemical Substances Management Act’. Failure to do so may result in the imported product receiving a determination of non-sale in the domestic market or the risk of legal issues. ‘Electrical Appliances and Living Goods Safety Management Act’, ‘Chemical Substances Management Act’ According to the ‘Electrical Appliances and Living Goods Safety Management Act’, importers of daily commodities subject to safety standards must be able to import only products that meet all safety standards, including KS and KC certifications. If the imported products do not meet the KS and KC certifications, they may not be sold domestically or may receive a recall order. KS certification means Korean Industrial Standards, which is a standard for guaranteeing the quality, performance, and safety of products. For daily commodities, items related to consumer safety are included as a must. KC certification is a national integrated certification mark, proving that a specific product meets domestic safety standards. This certification is essential for imported products in the domestic distribution process. Also, importers must not only confirm that the imported goods meet safety standards but must also verify that the products they intend to import do not violate the ‘Chemical Substances Management Act’. Products such as metal jewelry often use various chemicals, and some of these may be restricted by the ‘Chemical Substances Management Act’. Products using restricted substances must have a clear purpose for the substance and must obtain permission to import the restricted substance. For example, if chemicals used in metal jewelry are designated for restricted use in Korea, separate permission is required. Law firm Veat thoroughly reviewed the criteria for whether the goods were suitable for safety standards according to the ‘Electrical Appliances and Living Goods Safety Management Act’ and the ‘Chemical Substances Management Act’, and whether they were being treated for restricted substances, and supported the client to prepare the imported goods according to domestic law. Supply contract Another key element in the import process is the supply contract. If the contract between the importer and the exporter is not properly prepared, there is a high possibility of disputes arising from quality issues or delays in delivery. To prevent this, Law firm Veat thoroughly reviewed the supply contract between the client and the exporter and added necessary content. First, the contract stipulated that the exporter should export only products that meet the safety standards specified in Korean law. Even if products that do not meet the standards are imported, a legal device can be established to claim compensation based on the contract. Second, the inspection by the client was included in the delivery conditions. By stipulating that delivery is completed only after the client has inspected the imported goods, the importer can confirm and respond to quality issues in advance. This provision prevents the client from suffering unnecessary losses due to defective products or products that do not meet legal standards. By establishing clear obligations for the exporter to comply with regulations and stipulating inspection procedures that are beneficial to the client based on related laws such as the ‘Electrical Appliances and Living Goods Safety Management Act’ and the ‘Chemical Substances Management Act’, legal stability was increased and support was provided to effectively manage import and export related legal risks. Law firm Veat proactively resolves potential legal issues that may arise during the import process and supports clients to operate their businesses stably. For companies to meet domestic laws and reduce unnecessary legal risks when importing products from overseas, expert legal advice is essential. If you need advice on imports, exports, supply contracts, the Electrical Appliances and Living Goods Safety Management Act, or the Chemical Substances Management Act, please feel free to contact Law firm Veat. The case study of this matter can also be checked on the Law firm Veat blog below. - [Safety Management Lawyer] The First Step to Safe Import, Legal Review of Supply Contract Thank you. Law firm Veat
How should you prepare for legal risks in the national project negotiation process?
Law firm Veat addressed the issues of the effect of negotiation failure and whether to restrict participation in bidding based on the possibility of duplicated manpower proposals after selecting the preferred negotiator, in response to a request from Company A, which engages in computer system integration consulting and building services. This post introduces a case where Law firm Veat reviewed and provided consulting on the major legal risks arising in the contract conclusion process by negotiation based on the "Law on Contracts with the State as a Party" and provides consulting. Legal Effect of Negotiation Failure and the Law on Contracts Law on Contracts Article 27 (Restriction on Participation in Bidding of Improper Contractors, etc.) ① The head of each central agency shall restrict the participation in bidding of a person (hereinafter referred to as “improper contractor”) falling under any of the following subparagraphs, within a period of 2 years, in accordance with the provisions of the Enforcement Decree, and shall promptly notify the head of other central agencies of the fact of restriction. In this case, the head of other central agencies who receives the notification shall restrict the participation in bidding of the improper contractor in accordance with the provisions of the Enforcement Decree. 9. A person falling under any of the following items as determined by Enforcement Decree a. A person who forges or alters documents related to bidding or contract, or obstructs bidding or contract, thereby causing a risk of impairing the fair execution of competition. Enforcement Decree of the Law on Contracts Article 76 (Restriction on Participation in Bidding of Improper Contractors) ② In subparagraphs (1) of Article 27(1) paragraph 9 of the Law, the phrase “a person as determined by Enforcement Decree” means a person falling under the following categories. 1. A person who causes a risk of impairing the fair execution of competition, who falls under any of the following items a. A person who forges, alters or improperly exercises documents [including certificates according to Article 2, paragraph 2, subparagraph 6 of the "Electronic Signature Law" when submitting bids through the electronic procurement system according to Article 19, paragraph 1], or submits false documents The Law on Contracts stipulates that negotiation shall be conducted with the preferred negotiator and the contents of the proposal, and if the negotiation fails, negotiation shall be conducted with the next eligible negotiator, but does not restrict participation in bidding simply on the ground of negotiation failure. However, it provides that if the reason for negotiation failure is the submission of false documents, etc., which is a violation of the Law on Contracts, participation in bidding may be restricted within a period of 2 years (see Article 27, paragraph 1, item 9(a) of the Law on Contracts, and Article 19, paragraph 1 of the Enforcement Decree). Therefore, if a company's proposal of duplicated manpower to multiple projects of a procuring entity is deemed to be a submission of false documents, it may be subject to a restriction on participation in bidding within a period of 2 years as an improper contractor under the Law on Contracts. Systematic Legal Consulting of Law firm Veat Contracts awarded by government agencies are governed by different legal regulations than those for private contracts, and various legal issues may arise during the contract conclusion process, requiring careful review by legal experts. Based on Law firm Veat's extensive experience and cases in the public contract field, the company provided clients with specific guidelines to reduce legal risks. In particular, it accurately analyzed similar cases and the court's position on those cases, and carefully reviewed whether proposing manpower in duplicate would be a reason for restricting participation in bidding under the Law on Contracts, considering the client's specific circumstances. Law firm Veat, Possessing Expertise in Public Contract Field The negotiation procedure under the Law on Contracts is strictly regulated, and even small mistakes can have a significant impact on the entire project. Through this case, Law firm Veat provided accurate and practical advice on sensitive issues such as negotiation failure and duplicated manpower proposals, effectively protecting the client’s interests. If a legal problem arises in relation to contracts with the government or public contracts, please do not hesitate to contact Law firm Veat. Our experts at Law firm Veat will provide customized legal advice tailored to your specific situation. The case work is also available on Law firm Veat’s blog below. - How to Prepare for Legal Risks in the National Project Negotiation Process? Thank you. Law firm Veat