How to avoid a descriptive mark from being refused by JPO
The trademark law prohibits any mar…
IP High Court ruled a commonly used shape of package is incapable of serving as a source indicator
On December 22, 2016, the IP High C…
New Standard Characters in trademark registration
When applying to register a tradema…
Cancellation of Trademark Registration Filed with Malicious Intent
The Opposition Board of JPO declare…
First to file rule – How to solve a conflict filed on the same date
The Japan Trademark Law follows “fi…
Changes in Amounts of Individual Fees for Japan: Madrid Protocol
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has d…
Can Slogans be Trademarks?
Properly marketed slogans, product …
The Appeal Board overruled examiner decision to negate inherent distinctiveness of a mark consisting of landscape painting.
Applied mark consists of a landscap…
The IP High Court ruled registered mark “KIRIN” is used independently regardless of promotional campaign named as “KIRIN Plus-i”
On November 7, 2016, the IP High Co…
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…