JAPAN TRADEMARK REVIEW – Latest news & updates for trademarks in Japan

Alphabetical word, Article 4(1)(xi), Opposition, similarity of goods, Similarity of mark 06/20/2026

Rolex “Deepsea” Couldn’t Block “DeepSeek” Trademark Registration for Smartwatches

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismi…

Article 3(1)(vi), Device mark, Inherent distinctiveness, Refusal appeal, Trademark Appeal 06/12/2026

Does Pictogram Play a Role in Identifying Commercial Origin?

While the examiner found a lack of …

Article 4(1)(vii), Article 4(1)(xi), Article 4(1)(xix), Article 4(1)(xv), Composite mark, compound mark, Famous mark, Likelihood of confusion, Opposition, Similarity of mark 06/05/2026

Trademark Dispute: PINGU vs pingu・pongu

In a recent opposition decision, th…

Article 4(1)(xi), Refusal appeal, similarity of goods, Trademark Appeal 05/29/2026

JPO Finds Game Software Similar to Computers and Display Monitors for Trademark Purposes

In a recent appeal decision, the Ja…

Article 3(1)(iii), Consent, Famous mark, Inherent distinctiveness, Name of a living individual, Refusal appeal, Trademark Appeal 05/22/2026

JPO Refuses “PICASSO” for Printed Matter and Artworks Despite Authorization from the Picasso Family

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) affir…

Cancellation trial, Invalidation, Opposition, Refusal appeal, Trademark Appeal 05/15/2026

Revised JPO Trial and Appeal Procedures

On May 21, 2026, amendments to the …

Acquired distinctiveness, Alphabetical word, Article 3(1)(v), Article 3(2), Famous mark, Inherent distinctiveness, Trademark Appeal 05/08/2026

JPO Finds “ON” Distinctive in Relation to Footwear

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has r…

Article 4(1)(xi), Article 4(1)(xv), Famous mark, Likelihood of confusion, Opposition, Similarity of mark 05/01/2026

ARC’TERYX Unsuccessful Trademark Opposition against “Arcsilk”

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismi…

copyright, IP High Court, Trade dress, Unfair Competition Law 04/25/2026

The Supreme Court found the Tripp Trapp chair to be uncopyrightable

In a legal dispute over whether art…

Article 4(1)(xi), Article 4(1)(xix), Article 4(1)(xv), Bad faith, Device mark, Famous mark, Likelihood of confusion, Opposition, Similarity of mark 04/18/2026

JPO Decision: No Likelihood of Confusion with Lacoste Crocodile Logo

In a trademark dispute arguing simi…