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

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(3), Article 3(2), Color marks, Distinctiveness, Famous mark, Non-Traditional trademark, Position mark, Trademark Appeal 06/11/2022

JPO Rejected Colormark of Louboutin’s red soles

On June 7, 2022, the Appeal Board o…

alphabetical name, Article 4(1)(vii), Article 4(1)(x), Article 4(1)(xi), Article 4(1)(xv), Famous mark, Likelihood of confusion, Opposition, Similarity of mark, Violation of public order 06/05/2022

Adidas Unsuccessful in Opposition over BOOST mark

On May 18, 2022, the Japan Patent O…

Article 4(1)(vii), Article 4(1)(xi), Article 4(1)(xix), Article 4(1)(xv), composite, Composite mark, Famous mark, Likelihood of confusion, Opposition, Similarity of mark, Violation of public order 05/28/2022

Canada Goose Failed Trademark Opposition Over Roundel Logo

On May 11, 2022, the Japan Patent O…

alphabetical name, Article 4(1)(xi), Article 4(1)(xv), Famous mark, Likelihood of confusion, Opposition, Similarity of mark 05/21/2022

Chrysler loses trademark opposition against “JEEPER” in Japan

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismi…

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(3), Article 3(2), Color marks, Distinctiveness, examination, Famous mark 05/14/2022

Update of Colormark in Japan – Who awarded the 9th registration?

On March 25, 2022, the Japan Patent…

alphabetical name, Article 4(1)(x), Article 4(1)(xi), Opposition, Similarity of mark 05/07/2022

Trademark Opposition: Samurai vs Samouraï

In a trademark opposition disputing…

Article 4(1)(x), Article 4(1)(xi), Article 4(1)(xix), Device mark, Famous mark, Figurative mark, Opposition, Similarity of mark 04/30/2022

Dropbox Unsuccessful in Trademark Opposition over Open Box Logo

On April 7, 2022, the Opposition Bo…

alphabetical name, Article 4(1)(xi), Opposition, Similarity of mark 04/24/2022

SUPERMAN defeated in trademark battle by SUPER M.E.N.

On April 7, 2022, the Opposition Bo…

Article 46, Distinctiveness, Invalidation, Likelihood of confusion, Opposition, similarity of goods, Similarity of mark, similarity of service 04/17/2022

Trademark Opposition or Invalidation, Which Is Useful in Japan?

Opposition A trademark opposition i…

alphabetical name, Article 50, Cancellation trial, IP High Court, Non-use cancellation, Trademark Examination Guideline, Trademark Examination Manual 04/10/2022

Japan IP High Court Ruling: “Designed, Quality-controlled in France” is not equivalent to “Made in France”

On March 22, 2022, in an appeal aga…