The International Taekwon-Do Federation hosted its latest global online webinar, “Protecting Our Brand” on Saturday, June 28, 2025 — a powerful and timely discussion on what it really means to safeguard the identity of ITF Taekwon-Do in today’s fast-paced, digital world.
Attended by members from all corners of the globe, the webinar delivered a clear message: our brand is not just a logo — it’s a legacy, a responsibility, and a shared identity that connects us as practitioners of authentic ITF Taekwon-Do.
A Presidential Welcome: Strength in Unity
The event kicked off with a warm and inspiring welcome from ITF President, GM Paul Weiler. In his address, he reminded participants that a strong and consistent brand is key to the unity and recognition of the ITF worldwide.
“The founder of Taekwon-Do had a clear goal: […] to establish a unique identity with the ITF Taekwon-Do that he had developed. The abbreviation “ITF” stands not only for the International Taekwon-Do Federation, but also for the style of Taekwon-Do itself.” – GM Paul Weiler
Protecting the Legacy
The webinar followed with a compelling overview of the ITF’s ongoing efforts to legally protect its trademarks and intellectual property. From past legal victories to current global registrations, the ITF has worked hard — and continues to work — to ensure that our symbols, name, and reputation are preserved against misuse.
The message was clear: trademark protection is not a behind-the-scenes formality — it’s a vital part of defending the integrity of everything the ITF stands for. And it is a team effort of the ITF with all its members.
Practical Tools for a Stronger Brand
The core of the webinar featured a dynamic and highly practical presentation by Sbn Daniel Schmidt, Chair of the ITF Development and Communications Committee. He walked participants through what makes a strong brand in today’s digital age — and more importantly, how every member can contribute to protecting it.
From using the correct ITF logo and colors, to maintaining professionalism on social media, Sbn Schmidt offered a toolkit of best practices and real-world examples to help schools, instructors, and national associations represent the ITF with consistency and pride.
Highlights of the Session:
- Why the ITF brand matters — and what it truly represents
- Real-world efforts to protect ITF trademarks worldwide
- How to maintain brand consistency across digital and print platforms
- Empowering instructors and schools to be ambassadors of the ITF identity
An Open Conversation
The webinar wrapped up with an engaging Q&A session, where members shared their own experiences and asked insightful questions. Even the most difficult legal questions were answered with ease by ITF’s trademark layer, Mr. Gonzalo Barbosa, bringing a new level of clarity to the members. The discussion sparked new ideas and reinforced the sense of shared responsibility — that every member plays a role in keeping the ITF brand strong, respected, and true to its roots.
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