Article 3(1)

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1), Article 3(2), Color marks, Composite mark, Descriptive mark, examination, Famous mark, Three dimensional mark 04/28/2018

Trademark registration for Kikkoman’s Soy sauce 3D Bottle

In October 11, 2016, Kikkoman Corpo…

alphabetical name, Article 3(1), Article 4(1)(vii), Article 4(1)(x), Article 4(1)(xix), Article 4(1)(xv), Catch phrase, Composite mark, Famous mark, Intent to use, Likelihood of confusion, Madrid Protocol, Opposition, Violation of public order 08/26/2017

Apple failed to block Swatch’s attempt to acquire the trademark for Steve Jobs’ catchphrase ‘one more thing’

The Swiss watchmaker Swatch’s…

Acquired distinctiveness, Amendment of mark, Article 3(1), Article 3(2), examination, Three dimensional mark 05/19/2017

3D shape of Zippo lighters registrable when a lighter lid open, but unregistrable when closed

In an appeal to the refusal decisio…

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1), Article 3(2), Descriptive mark, Figurative mark, Three dimensional mark 04/29/2017

Can shape of musical instruments play a role of trademark?

In a dispute of registrability to a…

Article 3(1), Descriptive mark 04/22/2017

Chemical Equation can function as a trademark?

The Appeal Board of JPO dismissed e…

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1), Article 3(2), Three dimensional mark 04/15/2017

Converse unsuccessful in obtaining 3D trademark protection of Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers

The Appeal Board of Japan Patent Of…

Article 3(1), Intent to use, Position mark 03/26/2017

RED TAB jeans position mark is subject to cancellation in association with goods not having “a back pocket of trousers”

The opposition board of JPO decided…

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1), Descriptive mark 01/22/2017

How to avoid a descriptive mark from being refused by JPO

The trademark law prohibits any mar…

Article 3(1), Descriptive mark 11/18/2016

YouTube social icon serves to function as a source indicator of hosting service via internet due to inherent distinctiveness.

On September 23, the Appeal Board a…

Article 3(1), Descriptive mark 10/23/2016

The IP High Court refused a word mark “HOKOTABAUM” due to lack of inherent distinctiveness

In a dispute regarding distinctiven…