Trademark Appeal

alphabetical name, Article 4(1)(xi), Likelihood of confusion, similarity of goods, Similarity of mark, similarity of service, Trademark Appeal 11/19/2023

JPO decided trademark “MONO” dissimilar to “MONO+”

In a trademark appeal disputing sim…

alphabetical name, Article 3(1)(3), Article 4(1)(xvi), Composite mark, Distinctiveness, Generic term, Trademark Appeal 10/21/2023

Japan IP High Court ruled “athlete Chiffon” descriptive in relation to hotel and restaurant services.

On October 12, 2023, the Japan IP H…

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(3), Article 3(2), Color marks, Distinctiveness, Famous mark, Non-Traditional trademark, Position mark, Trademark Appeal 08/26/2023

Japan IP High Court Decision to A Position Mark of Dr. Martens’ Yellow Welt Stitch

On August 10, 2023, the Japan IP Hi…

Annual report, Cancellation trial, examination, Invalidation, JPO Announcement, Non-use cancellation, Trademark Appeal 08/06/2023

JPO Annual Report 2023

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) relea…

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(3), Article 3(2), Famous mark, Three dimensional mark, Trademark Appeal 07/15/2023

CASIO Successful in Registering 3D Shape of “G-SHOCK” Watch

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) disaf…

Article 3(1)(3), Article 3(2), Device mark, examination, Famous mark, Trademark Appeal 06/25/2023

Audemars Piguet Unsuccessful Challenge of TM Registration for Iconic Shape of “ROYAL OAK” Timepiece

On June 8, 2023, the Japan Patent O…

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(3), Article 3(1)(vi), Article 3(2), Color marks, Famous mark, Trademark Appeal 05/05/2023

JPO Appeal Board Rejects Hermes Packaging Colors

On April 25, 2023, the JPO Appeal B…

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(3), Article 3(2), Color marks, Distinctiveness, Famous mark, IP High Court, Position mark, Trademark Appeal 02/18/2023

Tragic End of Trademark Challenge for Louboutin

In a series of Louboutin’s legal ch…

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(3), Article 3(2), Article 4(1)(xvi), Device mark, Famous mark, Three dimensional mark, Trademark Appeal 02/12/2023

JPO Decision: the Volkswagen Beetle 3D shape Lacks Distinctiveness

The JPO Appeal Board affirmed the e…

Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(3), Article 3(2), Device mark, Famous mark, Figurative mark, IP High Court, Three dimensional mark, Trademark Appeal 02/05/2023

IP High Court Rules Lego 3D Figure Mark Unregistrable

The Japan IP High Court dismissed a…