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

Article 4(1)(vii), Article 4(1)(xvi), Article 4(1)(xvii), Famous mark, Geographical indication, Opposition, Violation of public order 07/12/2025

JPO Finds trademark “yes no champagne” for wines with the protected appellation of origin “Champagne” registrable even if owned by Japanese company.

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismi…

Article 4(1)(xi), Composite mark, Opposition, Similarity of mark, similarity of service 07/05/2025

MEN IMPOSSIBLE is not IMPOSSIBLE

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismi…

Article 4(1)(xi), Composite mark, compound mark, Madrid Protocol, similarity of goods, Similarity of mark, Trademark Appeal 06/28/2025

META vs META READY

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) overt…

alphabetical name, Article 4(1)(xi), Opposition, similarity of goods, Similarity of mark 06/21/2025

TORNADO vs TORQNADO

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismi…

alphabetical name, Article 4(1)(xi), Invalidation, Likelihood of confusion, similarity of goods, Similarity of mark 06/14/2025

JPO found BYOMA and BIYŌMA dissimilar marks

In an invalidation action disputing…

alphabetical name, Article 4(1)(xv), Likelihood of confusion, Similarity of mark, similarity of service, Trademark Appeal 06/08/2025

Trademark dispute over MASTER SOMMELIER

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) decid…

alphabetical name, Article 4(1)(xi), Opposition, Similarity of mark, similarity of service 05/31/2025

JPO found “ARIS” dissimilar to “arivis” in trademark opposition

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismi…

Article 4(1)(xi), similarity of goods, Similarity of mark, Trademark Appeal 05/24/2025

Trademark dispute: “VOLKA” vs “VOLGA”

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) overt…

Article 4(1)(xi), similarity of goods, Similarity of mark, Trademark Appeal 05/17/2025

Trademark dispute: “MARZY” vs “by MERZY”

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) affir…

Article 4(1)(xi), Composite mark, Device mark, similarity of goods, Similarity of mark, Trademark Appeal 05/10/2025

Similarity of trademark containing a similar star device

In an appeal trial, the Japan Paten…