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Kakao Files Trademark for 'TalkCloud'… Bolstering AI-Based Services?

[비즈한국] It has been confirmed that Kakao035720 filed a trademark for the name ‘TalkCloud’ on May 21. The designated goods for the trademark include cloud-based functions such as computer software for personal information management, database management services, and the provision of electronic storage space (web space) on the internet. Speculation suggests that Kakao may be preparing to launch a personal cloud service following its enterprise-focused integrated cloud platform, ‘Kakao Cloud’.

Kakao filed the ‘TalkCloud’ trademark on the 21st of last month. Kakao registered this trademark under product classifications including Class 09 (computer software), Class 35 (database management services), Class 36 (provision of information regarding finance), Class 38 (digital data transmission services), Class 42 (cloud computing services), and Class 45 (information/consulting/advisory services related to security for the protection of property and individuals).

Observers suggest that following the 2021 launch of ‘Kakao Cloud’—an integrated platform providing enterprise AI development, data analysis, and cloud infrastructure—the company may now be preparing a personal cloud service. Kakao Cloud, operated by Kakao’s subsidiary Kakao Enterprise, is characterized by its provision of Kakao’s proprietary AI technologies (such as voice recognition, document summarization, and chatbots) in API form, allowing them to be utilized without the need for separate development. Currently, it only supports enterprise services.

Last October, Lee Ee-hyung, CTO of Kakao Enterprise, emphasized at the ‘if kakaoAI 2024’ developer conference, “Despite being a latecomer among domestic Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), we are providing high-quality services based on Kakao’s long-standing technical expertise. After fully grasping the challenges faced by domestic CSPs, we were able to implement a more robust and stable cloud.”

Currently, Kakao provides a personal storage space service through ‘Talk Drawer Plus’. It is a paid subscription service that stores and manages KakaoTalk chats, photos, and files, supporting up to 1TB (terabyte). Analysts suggest that if ‘Talk Drawer’ expands beyond simple chat storage into a storage service that includes personalized features like AI summarization and recommendations, it could become a new business line that aligns with Kakao’s super app strategy.

While announcing its Q1 2025 earnings, Kakao stated that it would evolve KakaoTalk from a mere 'messenger' into a 'super app' by strengthening content and social functions and incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) services. In line with this, the company recently launched its hyper-personalized AI mate (Kanana) and is accelerating a strategy to bolster features such as AI recommendations and generative search. The trademark filing for TalkCloud is interpreted as an extension of this strategy.

On May 29, Kakao also filed a trademark for ‘AXZ’, and half a month later announced that it would be used as the name for a new corporate entity for the portal Daum. However, regarding plans for the TalkCloud trademark, a Kakao official stated, “It was filed to secure trademark rights, and there is nothing we can say at this moment.”