Does “Korea” Mean South Korea in IFTA Territory Definitions?

IFTA-related definitions also treat language as its own concept; for example, the provided IFTA definitions material refers to “Local Language(s)” as the primary language or languages spoken in each country of the Territory ^[10]. That supports the practical drafting point: territory and language should not be collapsed into one vague phrase.

Recommended wording for a South Korea-only grant

A clean clause can be drafted along these lines:

Territory: Republic of Korea (South Korea), as defined in the IFTA International Schedule of Territory Definitions applicable to this Agreement, excluding all other territories unless expressly stated.

If the deal is tied to an IFTA schedule, also state which schedule controls. IFTA-related materials refer to territories being defined by the IFTA International Schedule of Territories current as of the agreement’s Effective Date ^[9]. If the parties want a specific version to govern, the agreement should name that version directly.

What not to infer from “Korea”

Even where the commercial intent is obvious, avoid relying on shorthand. A South Korea territory grant should not be read as automatically including:

• North Korea, unless the agreement expressly includes it;
• Korean-language rights outside South Korea, because language and territory are separate deal terms ^[7][10];
• remake, sequel, format, or derivative rights, unless those Licensed Rights are granted;
• all Asian territories, unless the territory clause actually says so; or
• platform or media rights, unless the Licensed Rights and Uses cover them ^[7].

The same caution applies to phrases such as “Korean rights,” “Korean-language rights,” or “Asia excluding China and Japan.” Those phrases may describe a business intention, but they are not a substitute for a precise territory definition and a separate statement of the rights being licensed.

Drafting checklist

Before signing an IFTA-referenced agreement involving South Korea, confirm that the deal terms separately identify:

1. Territory: Republic of Korea (South Korea) ^[5].
2. Schedule reference: the applicable IFTA territory schedule or the effective-date rule ^[9].
3. Licensed Rights: the media, platform, and exploitation rights actually being granted ^[7].
4. Authorized Languages: Korean or other permitted languages, if relevant ^[7][10].
5. Exclusions: any territories, rights, uses, holdbacks, or reservations that remain with the licensor ^[7].

Bottom line

If the intended territory is South Korea, write “Republic of Korea (South Korea)” rather than relying on the bare word “Korea” ^[5]. IFTA-style drafting separates territory from rights, term, language, exceptions, uses, holdbacks, and reservations, so any broader grant must be stated expressly ^[7].

This is drafting guidance, not legal advice. Counsel should confirm the operative agreement, the incorporated IFTA schedule, and the exact territory language before signature.

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