The internet broadcasting platform AfreecaTV changed its name to SOOP in March. Regarding this, Management SOOP filed an injunction application, claiming trademark infringement.
Management SOOP argued, “AfreecaTV’s actions infringe upon our trademark and trade name rights, and constitute acts of confusion and misappropriation of reputation as prohibited under the Unfair Competition Prevention and Trade Secret Protection Act.”
They also explained, “If this continues, it will damage the reputation and credibility we’ve built, negatively affecting the image of the actors under our management, and such harm cannot be remedied afterward.”
However, the Seoul Central District Court recently dismissed this injunction application. The court ruled, “Given the differences in the nature, content, methods and range of consumers between the two businesses, it is difficult to see a close connection between the entertainment management business and the live streaming platform operated by the defendant.”
Accordingly, AfreecaTV confirmed the change of its name to SOOP.
Management SOOP represents actors such as Suzy, Gong Yoo, Jeon Do-yeon, Gong Hyo-jin, Jung Yu-mi, Seo Hyun-jin and Nam Joo-hyuk.