Although we are not currently operating in South Korea, we will continue to take the necessary steps to protect our trademarks.'Īlthough Song is not involved in the opening of Tim House, he expected that the coffee shop would be operating by the end of the month. In a statement to CBC News, Tim Hortons spokeswoman Michelle Robichaud said that the company is 'thrilled that the Tim Hortons brand is loved and recognized around the world, but we’re always vigilant when it comes to protecting our intellectual property, especially as we expand internationally. 'Foreign brands open in Gangnam, Hongdae or Yeouido ,' he said, referring to Seoul's more upscale neighbourhoods. When CBC showed him the Tim Hortons logo, he said he could see the resemblance, but suggested that Daerim would be an unlikely place to open up a new franchise. The building's landlord, Song Joong-Wan, says he's never heard of the Canadian franchise. Kim Seong-Geun, who is renting the entire building and opening the coffee shop - as well as a multi-floor wedding hall - refused to comment. Tim House is located in Daerim, a predominantly Chinese-Korean neighbourhood in southwest Seoul. Outside Tim House, a street sign written in Chinese announces a March 15 opening date, but inside, there are only workmen and piles of wood. A trendy brand of hiking wear called The Redface bears a striking similarity to The North Face. Brand borrowing common in Koreaįor example, Canada Goose coats - both real and fake - are extremely popular. Tim House has yet to open, and its owner isn't talking.

She posted a snapshot on Facebook, and it began to attract attention from Canadians in South Korea and at home.īut the Tim House logo is where the resemblance ends, at least for now. Specht, a Canadian English teacher who was biking by and noticed the familiar-looking sign. While there is no Tim Hortons franchise in South Korea, that hasn't stopped people from wondering about the story behind 'Tim House,' a soon-to-open coffee house in Daerim, a neighbourhood in Seoul.Įarlier this week, a photo of Tim House attracted international attention. With its red, cursive font, the sign on the outside of the café looks eerily familiar.

Tim hortons logo font