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

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(3), Article 3(2), Color marks, Distinctiveness, Famous mark, New Trademark Law, Non-Traditional trademark, Trademark Appeal 11/23/2024

No Green Light to Kawasaki Green Color Mark

On November 15, 2024, Kawasaki Heav…

Article 4(1)(xi), Invalidation, IP High Court, similarity of goods, similarity of service, Trademark Examination Guideline 11/16/2024

IP High Court Found “Medical Equipment” Similar to “Rental of Medical Equipment”

On November 11, 2024, the Japan IP …

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(3), Article 3(2), Device mark, Distinctiveness, Famous mark, Three dimensional mark, Trademark Appeal 11/10/2024

Japan IP High Court gives Green Light to 3D “Godzilla” shape as Trademark

On October 30, 2024, the Japan IP H…

Article 4(1)(vii), Article 4(1)(xix), Article 4(1)(xv), Bad faith, Famous mark, Likelihood of confusion, Opposition, Violation of public order 11/02/2024

Audemars Piguet Unsuccessful in Opposition to Trademark “ROYAL OAK”

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismi…

Article 4(1)(xi), Article 4(1)(xv), Article 8(1), Device mark, Famous mark, Likelihood of confusion, Madrid Protocol, Monogram, Opposition, Similarity of mark 10/26/2024

Volkswagen Lost in Trademark Opposition over VW emblem

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismi…

copyright, Three dimensional mark, Trade dress, Unfair Competition Law 10/19/2024

Japan IP High Court Decision: 3D shape of Stokke “TRIPP TRAPP” high chair Unprotectable under Copyright Law

On September 25, 2024, the Japan IP…

alphabetical name, Article 4(1)(x), Article 4(1)(xi), Article 4(1)(xix), Article 4(1)(xv), Bad faith, Famous mark, Katakana, Likelihood of confusion, Madrid Protocol, Opposition, similarity of goods, Similarity of mark 10/11/2024

BULLDOG vs GREEN BULLLDOG

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismi…

alphabetical name, Article 4(1)(xi), Article 4(1)(xv), Famous mark, Likelihood of confusion, Opposition, similarity of goods, Similarity of mark 10/05/2024

BVLGARI Defeated with TM Opposition over “SERPENTI” Collection

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismi…

Accelerated examination, alphabetical name, Article 4(1)(xv), Famous mark, Likelihood of confusion, Opposition, similarity of goods, Similarity of mark 09/28/2024

PAGANI Lost Trademark Opposition Against PAGANI DESIGN

PAGANI S.p.A. lost in a bid to oppo…

abbreviation, alphabetical name, Article 4(1)(viii), Article 4(1)(xv), Composite mark, Famous mark, Likelihood of confusion, Name of a living individual, Similarity of mark, Trademark Appeal 09/22/2024

“Uber Finish” Causes No likelihood of confusion with “Uber”?

In an appeal trial against the exam…