[MoneyToday] Leading Korean Law Firms Kim & Chang and Lee & Ko Earn Top Global Rankings
On May 27, 2025, MoneyToday highlighted Lee & Ko’s strong standing in international legal rankings. According to the article, “Global law firm evaluation agencies have ranked Kim & Chang and Lee & Ko as the highest-rated among major law firms in Korea, with a significant gap from the next tier rankings.” The article further noted, “Chambers Global, widely recognized as the world’s premier legal ranking agency, recently assessed law firms worldwide based on their performance in handling high-profile matters. Lee & Ko secured top-tier rankings in seven practice areas, while Kim & Chang earned Band 1 rankings in nine areas.”
2025.05.27
[E-Daily] Lee & Ko Wins “South Korea Firm of the Year” at Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards
On May 22, 2025, E-Daily published a detailed report on Lee & Ko’s recognition as the “South Korea Firm of the Year” at the Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards 2025. In the article, E-Daily noted, “The award, presented annually by Benchmark Litigation – a globally renowned publication specializing in litigation and dispute resolution – is presented to the most outstanding litigation practice within each jurisdiction, and Lee & Ko has once again secured this honor, following its consecutive wins from 2021 through 2023.” The article also highlighted the firm’s continued success, particularly emphasizing the recent final victory achieved by its IP Practice Group on behalf of Coway in a prolonged, nearly 11-year infringement dispute with ChungHo Nais over ice-making water purifier technology.
E-Daily further spotlighted individual honors awarded to two of the firm’s female attorneys: Miji Lee, a partner of the Antitrust & Competition Group was named to the “Top 100 Women in Litigation 2025,” while Joohye Hong, a partner of the Real Estate & Construction Group was selected for the “Top 40 Under 40 2025.”
2025.05.22
[Korea Economic Daily] “Arbitration Is Only One of Many Options – Korean Law Firms Should Build Collaborative Relationships with Global Law Firms”
On May 17, 2025, The Korea Economic Daily published an interview with Mr. Zachary Sharpe of Lee & Ko. In the interview, Mr. Sharpe emphasized that “even after arbitration proceedings begin, it is essential to consider not only the outcome of the award, but also the long-term impact it may have on the client.” He added, “While many law firms specialize in arbitration, few are equipped to handle post-award matters such as enforcement and asset recovery. Clients are often curious about available options following an unfavorable award. That is precisely why Jones Day has a dedicated global disputes team.”
Lee & Ko launched its Global Disputes Group last year upon recruiting Dr. Eun Young Park (20th class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute), who had served as Vice President of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). The Group is composed of more than ten teams, including the International Arbitration, International Trade, and Economic Sanctions teams, thereby strengthening the firm’s advisory capabilities in international disputes.
2025.05.17
[Chosun Ilbo] “‘Coway Ice Water Purifier’ Did Not Infringe ChungHo’s Patent—Final Ruling After 11 Years”
On May 15, 2025, Chosun Ilbo published an article highlighting the achievements of Lee & Ko’s Intellectual Property Practice Group in the long-running patent dispute between Coway and ChungHo. According to the article, the Supreme Court’s Third Division upheld the appellate court’s decision, thereby conclusively rejecting ChungHo’s claims of patent infringement and damages against Coway. This final ruling affirms Coway’s victory, with Lee & Ko representing Coway in the appellate court and the Supreme Court. The article explained that the court of first instance initially found Coway liable for patent infringement, ordering the company to pay KRW 10 billion to ChungHo and to destroy the infringing products. However, the appellate court subsequently overturned this decision, ruling in favor of Coway. The appellate court determined that the essence of ChungHo’s patent was the process of making ice directly from pre-cooled water, while Coway’s product made ice using water at various temperatures. The court also noted significant differences between key components of the two products. The article continued, “The Supreme Court also found that the appellate court’s decision was correct,” adding, “Coway represented by Lee & Ko ultimately prevailed in the 11-year patent infringement lawsuit against ChungHo over ice water purifiers.”
2025.05.15