カテゴリー: Composite mark

MEN IMPOSSIBLE is not IMPOSSIBLE

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismissed the opposition filed by Impossible Foods Inc. against TM Reg no. 6856327 for the “men impossible” mark due to dissimilarity to earlier mark “IMPOSSIBLE”.
[Opposition case no. 2024-900260, decided on June 17, 2025]

Men impossible

The contested mark consists of the word “men impossible” and a device representing cooked noodles in a bowl with chopsticks (see below). A Japanese individual filed it with the JPO for use in relation to restaurant services in Class 43 on March 5, 2024 [TM App no. 2024-22440].

“MEN” means ‘noodles’ in Japanese.

The JPO granted registration of the mark on October 11, 2024, and published it for post-grant opposition on October 29, 2024.

Opposition by Impossible Foods

Before the lapse of a two-month statutory period counting from the publication date, Impossible Foods Inc., a U.S. corporation that develops plant-based substitutes for meat, dairy, and fish products, filed an opposition with the JPO on December 16, 2024.

Impossible Foods Inc. argued that the contested mark should be canceled in contravention of Article 4(1)(xi) of the Japan Trademark Law due to a close resemblance to its earlier TM Reg no. 6646654 for the word mark “IMPOSSIBLE” in standard character, which designates restaurant services in Class 43.

Article 4(1)(xi) is a provision that prohibits the registration of a junior mark that is deemed identical with, or similar to, any earlier registered mark.

JPO decision

The JPO Opposition Board found the contested mark “men impossible” is dissimilar to the cited mark “IMPOSSIBLE” by stating that:

Visually, the contested mark and the cited mark differ by virtue of the presence or absence of figurative elements and the word “men,” and therefore relevant consumers are clearly capable of distinguishing two marks in appearance.

Aurally, the sound of “Men Impossible” arising from the contested mark and the sound “Impossible” from the cited mark differ in the presence or absence of the prefix sound “men,” so they are clearly distinguishable in terms of pronunciation.

Conceptually, the contested mark does not give rise to any specific meaning. In the meantime, the cited mark has a meaning of ‘not possible’. There is no risk of confusion in concept.

Therefore, the contested mark and the cited mark are obviously distinguishable in appearance and sound, and there is no risk of confusion in concept.

When considering the overall impression, memory, and associations evoked in the mind of relevant traders and consumers by means of the appearance, pronunciation, and concept of two marks, the Board has a reason to believe that the contested mark is dissimilar to and unlikely to cause confusion with the cited mark.

Based on the foregoing, the Board decided that the contested mark is not subject to cancellation based on Article 4(1)(xi) even if the designated service of both marks are identical or similar.

META vs META READY

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) overturned the examiner’s rejection of TM App no. 2022-6896 for the mark “META READY” with a device due to an error in identifying the dominant portion of the applied mark and its dissimilarity to IR no. 1281398 “META” owned by Meta Platforms, Inc.
[Appeal case no. 2024-19649, decided on June 10, 2025]

META/READY

Micro-Star INT’L CO., LTD., a Taiwanese company, filed a trademark application for the mark “META READY” with device (see below) for use on computers, computer software, computer servers and other computer-related goods in class 9 with the JPO on Jan 24, 2022 [TM App no. 2022-6896].

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce5vp9IPDaH/

JPO examiner’s rejection

On September 10, 2024, the JPO examiner rejected the applied mark based on Article 4(1)(xi) of the Japan Trademark Law by citing IR no. 1281398 for the wordmark “META” in standard character owned by Meta Platforms, Inc.

In the refusal decision, the examiner stated that the literal element “META” is dominant in the applied mark. If so, the mark is confusingly similar to IR no. 1281398. Besides, the goods designated under the applied mark is identical or similar to the following goods of the cited mark in class 9.

Digital glasses that display augmented content that contain depth-sensing cameras used for creating digital content; software for displaying augmented content and  for creating digital content sold as an integral component of digital glasses; kits comprised of digital glasses that display augmented content that contain depth-sensing cameras used for creating digital content, software for displaying augmented content and for creating digital content sold as an integral component of digital glasses, external computer hard drives, USB cables and power cables.

The applicant filed an appeal against the rejection on December 6, 2024 and argued dissimilarity of two marks.

Appeal Board decision

The JPO Appeal Board found that the applied mark should be considered globally, stating the following:

The applied mark consists of the word “META” in a bold font between two gray geometric figures with 3×6 grids, with the word “READY” written slightly smaller below.

Considering that respective words are balanced in the center, the applied mark gives the impression of visual integration as a whole. In addition, the sound derived from all the literal elements can be pronounced smoothly. Furthermore, neither “META” nor “READY” directly indicates the quality of the goods in question.

Given the cohesive composition, it is reasonable to hold that the applied mark can be understood as a coined word. Is difficult to find that any of its elements would give a strong and dominant impression as an identifier of a specific source of goods, or be omitted due to a lack of distinctiveness.

Taking the above into account, the Board believes that relevant traders and consumers are likely to recognize and perceive the applied mark as a whole, rather than dissecting its literal elements and focusing solely on the word “META” in actual commerce.

Based on the foregoing, the Board pointed out that the examiner erred in assessing the applied mark and concluded that the applied mark is dissimilar to the cited mark “META” from visual, aural and conceptual points of view.

Similarity of trademark containing a similar star device

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In an appeal trial, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) overturned the examiner’s rejection of TM App no. 2024-17220 for the mark F with a star device, finding that it was dissimilarity to earlier TM Reg no. 4105585 for the encircled star device mark.
[Appeal case no. 2024-18518, decided on April 30, 2025]

TM App no. 2024-17220

Fighters Sports & Entertainment Co., Ltd., an affiliate company of the Japanese professional baseball team “Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters”, filed a trademark application for a mark consisting of the letter “F” and a blue-star device (see below) for use on various foods in class 29 and 30 with the JPO on February 21, 2024.

The applied mark is used to indicate a newly developed facilities and ES CON FIELD, a home stadium of Nippon-Ham Fighters in Hokkaido.

https://www.hkdballpark.com/

TM Reg no. 4105585

On August 1, 2024, the JPO examiner rejected the applied mark based on Article 4(1)(xi) of the Japan Trademark Law due to its similarity to an earlier TM Reg no. 4105585 for an encircled star device mark in class 30.

The applicant filed an appeal against the rejection on November 20, 2024, and requested cancellation of the examiner’s refusal by arguing dissimilarity of mark.

JPO decision

At the outset, the JPO Appeal Board found the literal element “F” of the applied mark per se would not play a role in identifying specific source because a single digit is commonly used to describe a model or code of the goods in question. If so, the star device can be dominant in the applied mark.

The Board further stated that the applied mark as a whole is clearly distinguishable from the cited mark by the presence or absence of the letter “F.”

Even when comparing the respective star devices, there are two distinguishing features. First, the cited mark has two longer lower protrusions. Second, the star device is represented in a circle. These differences are sufficient to find a lack of likelihood of confusion when they are compared at different times and locations.

An aural and conceptual comparison is neutral because neither the applied mark nor the cited mark has any clear meaning.

Considering that the two marks are not visually similar and cannot be compared in terms of pronunciation and concept, the Board believes that the applied mark is dissimilar to the cited mark. Therefore, there is less risk of confusion regarding the source of the goods in question when considering the overall impression and memory of the respective marks.

Trademark Dispute: Domino’s Pizza vs Dog’s Pizza

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In a trademark opposition against TM Reg no. 6804935 for the mark “Dog’s Pizza”, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) did not side with Domino’s IP Holder LLC, which claimed similarity to and likelihood of confusion with Domino’s red and blue rectangular emblem with three white dots.
[Opposition case no. 2024-900149, decided on April 2, 2025]

Dog’s Pizza

The contested mark, consisting of the words “DOG’s PIZZA” in red and its translation written in Japanese katakana character, and rectangular device in red and dark blue with two paw prints (see below), was filed with the JPO by a Japanese individual for use on February 14, 2024 for use on pet food and dog food in Class 31 [TM App no. 2024-14656].

Upon request for accelerated examination, the JPO examiner granted registration of the mark on April 30, 2024, without raising any grounds for refusal.

https://mogmogwan.jp/ca2/22/p-r2-s/

Opposition by Domino’s Pizza

On July 23, 2024, a two-month statutory period counting from the publication date, May 23, 2024, Domino’s IP Holder LLC filed an opposition and claimed cancellation of the contested mark in contravention of Article 4(1)(x), (xv) and (xix) of the Japan Trademark Law.

Domino argued that the rectangular device of the contested mark is distinctive and dominant element to identify a specific source. Comparing the device with Domino’s red and blue rectangular emblem with three white dots, which has become famous per se as the source indicator of Domino’s Pizza in Japan, they are visually similar to a high degree. Therefore, the relevant consumers, upon seeing the contested mark used on the goods in question, would associate it with Domino’s Pizza and confuse the source with Domino’s Pizza or any business entity economically or systematically related to Domino’s Pizza.

JPO decision

The JPO Opposition Board stated that, even though Domino’s Pizza Japan, Inc., a domestic franchisee, has operated more than 1,000pizza delivery and take-away stores in Japan, unless the evidence submitted included sales figures, market share, and advertising expenditures in Japan and other countries, the Board could not find it reasonable to concede a high degree of recognition of the cited mark among the relevant consumers.

Regarding the similarity of the marks, the Board considers that the consumers are unlikely to confuse the two marks because of the clear difference in the dots and paw prints depicted in the rectangular device. Furthermore, there is no indication of similarity from an aural and conceptual point of view.

Given the lack of evidence concerning the reputation of the cited mark and the low degree of similarity between the marks, the Board found that there was no reason to find a likelihood of confusion on the part of the public.

Based on the foregoing, the Board decided to dismiss the entire allegations and, accordingly , to declare the validity of the contested mark.

HERMES Defeated with Trademark Opposition against KIMONO TWILLY

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismissed an opposition filed by Hermes International against TM Reg no. 6753650 for the word mark “KIMONO TWILLY” in Class 18, claiming a likelihood of confusion with the Hermes scarves “TWILLY”.
[Opposition case no. 2024-900010 / Gazette issued date: March 28, 2025]

KIMONO TWILLY

The contested mark, consisting of word “KIMONO TWILLY” in standard character, was filed by NPO Kimono For World Heritage Promotion Committee for use on bags and pouches, purses, vanity cases in Class 18 with the JPO on April 20, 2023 [TM App no. 2023-49360].

“KIMONO” is a traditional piece of Japanese clothing like a long loose coat, worn at special ceremonies.

https://omotenashi.or.jp/

The JPO granted registration of the mark “KIMONO TWILLY” on October 13, 2024, without issuing any refusal notice, and published it for a post-grant opposition on November 22, 2023.

Hermes TWILLY

On Jan 19, 2024, Hermes International filed an opposition against “KIMONO TWILLY” based on Article 4(1)(xv) and (xix) of the Japan Trademark Law by citing an owned earlier TM Reg no. 4764732 for the word mark “TWILLY” in Classes 24, 25, and 26.

Hermes argued that the contested mark is confusingly similar to the earlier mark “TWILLY”, which has become famous for Hermes’ tie-like scarves, because the term “KIMONO” is less distinctive in relation to the goods in question.

Taking into consideration that the contested mark covers bags, which have a close association with Hermes, and that the “TWILLY” scarves are widely known to be used to wrap the handles of Hermes handbags, the relevant consumers are likely to confuse a source of the goods in question bearing the contested mark with Hermes. Given the significant popularity and reputation of the Hermes TWILLY scarves, the applicant would have to be in bad faith to free-ride on that reputation by deliberately adopting a similar mark.

JPO decision

The JPO Opposition Board noted the submitted evidence was inadequate to substantiate a high degree of recognition for the earlier mark “TWILLY” since Hermes failed to provide objective evidence concerning sales figures, market share, and advertising expenditures in Japan and other countries.

Additionally, the Board found that the contested mark should be assessed in its entirety even if the term “KIMONO” indicates a traditional piece of Japanese clothing, as the respective word of the contested mark is represented in the same font, size, and the whole sound is not too long.

If so, both marks are deemed dissimilar because there is a clear difference in appearance and sound even though a conceptual comparison is neutral as none of them have any clear meaning.

Based on the above findings, the Board has no reason to believe that relevant consumers of the goods in question would associate the contested mark with Hermes “TWILLY” scarves.

Consequently, the Board decided the contested mark should not be canceled in contravention of Article 4(1)(xv) and (xix).

Trademark dispute: “MARROW” vs “Le mallow”

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In a recent decision, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) disaffirmed the examiner’s rejection of TM App no. 2023-42899 for wordmark “MARROW” in class 3 based on erroneous finding of similarity to earlier TM Reg no. 6107748 for wordmark “Le mallow” in class 3.
[Appeal case no. 2024-10724, decided on March 3, 2025]

MARROW

East Corporation Inc. files a trademark application for word mark “MARROW” in standard character for use on cosmetics in class 3 with the JPO on March 29, 2024 [TM App no. 2023-42899].

https://eastcorporation.net/

Le mallow

On March 29, 2024, the JPO examiner found the applied mark is note eligible for registration under Article 4(1)(xi) of the Japan Trademark Law due to a conflict with earlier TM Reg no. 6107748 for the wordmark consisting of “Le mallow” and its Japanese transliteration represented as below. The cited mark also designates cosmetics in class 3.

The examiner stated in her rejection that a mark to be used in connection with cosmetics and clothing frequently contains French terms. The word “Le”, known as a definite article in French having no particular meaning, is less distinctive per se. In this respect, it is reasonable to assume that relevant consumers would pay attention to the word “mallow” as distinctive and dominant element of the applied mark. If so, the examiner believes that the cited mark does not give rise to a specific meaning, but has the same sound with the applied mark.

Where the consumers are unable to remember a mark with its meaning, they will have to rely on its sound. Therefore, in assessing similarity of the mark that has no particular meaning, it is reasonable to focus on similarity of the sound as a matter of course.

The applicant filed an appeal against the rejection with the JPO on June 28, 2024, requesting that the rejection be set aside.

JPO Appeal Board decision

The JPO Appeal Board had doubt whether the term “mallow” is dominant in the cited mark from overall configuration.

The Board found the cited mark should be assessed in its entirety because the literal elements are all represented in the same font and size. The whole sound can be pronounced smoothly. Given the term “mallow” is not a familiar foreign word among relevant consumers in Japan, it is rather unreasonable to find that the cited mark can be dissected into two words and the consumers consider the term “mallow” as a dominant element of the cited mark.

Based on the above findings, the Board assessed similarity of the marks.

From appearance, both marks are distinguishable on account of differences in overall configuration and components of the letter. Aurally, the sound “mær·oʊ” of the applied mark and “lə mæl.oʊ” of the cited mark are dissimilar due to clear difference in the initial sound. A conceptual comparison is neutral as neither mark has any clear meaning. Taking globally into consideration the impression, recollection, and perception of both marks by the average consumers, the Board finds it reasonable to consider the applied mark is dissimilar to and unlikely to cause confusion with the cited mark.

As a conclusion, the Board decided to overturn the examiner’s rejection and granted registration of the applied mark.

Porsche Successful in Registration of Composite Mark “PCA”

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) reversed the examiner’s rejection of TM App no. 2023-61383 for composite mark “PCA” filed by Porshe Japan on account of dissimilarity to earlier trademark registrations for word mark “PCA”.
[Appeal case no. 2024-3079, decided on February 17, 2025]

PREMIUM CHARGING ALLIANCE “PCA”

Porsche Japan K.K., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG as an official distributor of Porsche vehicles in Japan, filed trademark application for composite mark “PCA” as shown below with the JPO for use on ‘compute programs’ in class 9 and ‘computer software design; computer programing; maintenance of computer software; providing computer programs on data networks’ in class 42 on June 5, 2023.

Porsche Japan has launched a project to expand the network of 150kW fast charging stations across Japan by forming an alliance with Audi in April 2022. The applied mark is used to indicate the project.

JPO examination

On November 21, 2023, the JPO examiner rejected the applied mark due to a conflict with earlier trademark registration nos. 1738222, 5762134 and 5764544 for word mark “PCA” in class 9 and 42 owned by PCA Corporation based on Article 4(1)(xi) of the Trademark Law.

In the refusal decision, the examiner stated that the element “PCA” in the upper line of the applied mark is dominant in the overall visual impression. If so, the applied mark is confusingly similar to the cited marks, even though there is a difference in appearance, since both marks give rise to the same sound.

Porsche Japan filed an appeal against the rejection on February 21, 2024, requesting that the decision be set aside.

Appeal Board decision

The JPO Appeal Board found the applied mark should not be dissected into individual parts from its overall configuration. Relevant consumers would recognize the term “PCA” in the upper line as an abbreviation of the term “PREMIUM CHARGING ALLIANCE” in the lower line. Both the term “PCA” and “PREMIUM CHARGING ALLIANCE” would not give rise to any specific meaning.

In assessing similarity of the marks, the Board held there is no clear distinction in appearance between the marks as a whole. Phonetically, the applied mark is dissimilar to the cited marks on account of the sound arising from the term “PREMIUM CHARGING ALLIANCE”. The conceptual aspect does not have impact on the assessment of similarity, since both marks are meaningless.

Based on the above findings, the Board found the examiner erroneously applied Article 4(1)(xi) and declared registration of the applied mark due to dissimilarity to the earlier mark “PCA”.

Court Case: VALENTINO GARVANI vs GIANNI VALENTINO

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The Japan IP High Court affirmed the JPO decision that cancelled TM Reg no. 6550051 for the GIANNI VALENTINO mark due to a conflict with earlier IR no. 975800 for the VALENTINO GARVANI mark.
[Court case no. Reiwa6(Gyo-ke)10089, decided on February 27, 2025]

GIANNI VALENTINO

YOUNG SANGYO CO., LTD filed a trademark application with the JPO on November 10, 2021 for a mark consisting of a “V” device in a circle and the word “GIANNI VALENTINO” (see below) for use on footwear in class 25 [TM App no. 2021-140169].

The applicant, as one of the official licensees, has been distributing bags and pouches bearing the applied mark in the Japanese market.

https://shop.gianni-valentino.com/

The JPO examiner granted registration of the applied mark on April 19, 2022. The mark was published for a post-grant opposition on May 11, 2022 [TM Reg no. 6550051].

Opposition by Valentino S.p.A.

Valentino S.p.A. filed an opposition on July 6, 2022 and claimed cancellation of the GIANNI VALENTINO mark in contravention of Article 4(1)(xi) of the Japan Trademark Law on the ground that the contested mark is confusingly similar to earlier IR no. 975800 for a mark consisting of an iconic “V” device in a circle and the words “VALENTINO” and “GARAVANI” arranged in two lines (see below), which designates footwear and other goods in class 25.

Valentino argued that the literal element “VALENTINO” was dominant in the cited mark because of a high degree of recognition as a source indicator of the opponent’s business as a result of substantial and continuous use in relation to fashion industries. Therefore, relevant consumers with an ordinary care are likely to consider the term “VALENTINO” as a prominent portion of the contested mark when used on the goods in question. If so, the contested mark shall be deemed similar to the cited mark from visual, aural and conceptual points of view.

On August 23, 2024, the JPO Opposition Board decided to cancel the contested mark based on Article 4(1)(xi) of the Japan Trademark Law by stating that the dominant part of respective mark would be the literal element “VALENTINO” given famousness of the mark “VALENTINO” as a source indication for apparel of Valentino S.p.A.

To contest, the applicant filed an appeal with the IP High Court on September 30, 2024.

IP High Court decision

The IP High Court held that the JPO did not err in applying Article 4(1)(xi) to the case by stating that:

The court has no question to find that the mark “VALENTINO” is famous among relevant consumers and traders in Japan for apparel.

From appearance, the contested mark can be dissected into three parts, namely, figurative element, “GIANNI”, and “VALENTINO”. Given the mark “GIANNE VALENTINO” has not been recognized among relevant consumers as a source indicator of the applicant, it is reasonable to consider the literal element “VALENTINO” as a dominant part of the contested mark, which plays a role in identifying the source of the goods in question.

Similarly, the literal element “VALENTINO” of the cited mark can be considered as a dominant part because of its famousness to indicate the opponent’s business.

It is obvious that the dominant part of both marks has the same appearance, sound and meaning.

Therefore, the court has a reason to believe that the contested mark, even as a whole, is confusingly similar to the cited mark from a visual, aural and conceptual point of view.

As a conclusion, the court ruled to dismiss the appeal in favor of Valentino S.p.A.

Is “WEBmetaverse” registrable as a trademark?

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) affirmed the examiner’s rejection to TM App no. 2022-131131 for wordmark “WEBmetaverse” by finding a lack of inherent distinctiveness in relation to the designated goods and services in classes 9, 35, 38, 41 and 42.
[Appeal case no. 2024-1154, decided on February 13, 2025]

WEBmetaverse

COLOPL, Inc. filed a trademark application for mark “WEBmetavese” in standard character with the JPO on November 16, 2022 (TM App no. 2022-131131).

The mark covers various goods and services in classes 9, 35, 38, 41, and 42 relating to computer programs, virtual reality, SaaS, and others.

The applied mark has been in use on their platform for users to experience the metaverse.

https://lp.webmetaverse.jp/

On October 24, 2023, the JPO examiner rejected the mark based on Article 3(1)(vi) of the Japan Trademark Law by finding that:

“WEB” is an abbreviation of World Wide Web. “metaverse” means a virtual-reality space in which users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users. Therefore, the applied mark is recognized just to indicate ‘a virtual-reality space provided on internet’ as a whole. If so, the relevant consumers will not be able to identify a specific source of the goods and services from the mark applied for.

Article 3(1)(vi) is a provision to comprehensively prohibit from registering any mark lacking inherent distinctiveness.

Any trademark to be used in connection with goods or services pertaining to the business of an applicant may be registered, unless the trademark:

(vi)　is in addition to those listed in each of the preceding items, a trademark by which consumers are not able to recognize the goods or services as those pertaining to a business of a particular person.

The applicant filed an appeal against the examiner’s refusal on January 23, 2024, contesting the inherent distinctiveness of the mark “WEBmetaverse” based on the fact that the mark applied for was not actually used by any entity other than the applicant.

JPO decision

The JPO Appeal Board stated that:

Recently, “Metaverse” has been at the center of attention in the public. There is a circumstance that the metaverse accessible from a web browser without specific devices or applications is referred to as a “Web-type Metaverse”.

Therefore, the mark applied for just gives rise to a meaning of “Metaverse using the Web” as a whole. If so, relevant consumers at the sight of the mark used on the goods and services in question would simply recognize it to indicate the purpose or function of the goods and services for “Metaverse using the Web”. It is reasonable to say that the mark applied for cannot play a role in distinguishing goods and services with competitors.

A fact that plenty of mark containing the term “Metaverse” have been registered would not be binding and relevant because these registrations are different from the mark applied for.　

Article 3(1)(vi) of the Trademark Law should be applied on a case-by-case basis, with due consideration given to the configuration of the mark as well as the common practices of transactions at the time of examination or trial decision.

Based on the foregoing, the Board decided to dismiss an appeal entirely and found “WEBmetaverse” unregistrable as a trademark.

Trademark dispute: SONY vs SONIMART

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) sided with SONY in a trademark invalidation action against TM Reg no. 6162062 for word mark “SONIMARK” in classes 35 and 42 by finding a likelihood of confusion with famous mark “SONY”.
[Invalidation case no. 2024-890041, decided on January 27, 2025]

SONIMART

The contested mark, consisting of word “SONIMART” and its transliteration written in Japanese katakana character arranged in two lines (see below), was filed by Sonic Line Co., Ltd. for use on various services including retail service and providing computer programs on data networks in classes 35 and 42 with the JPO on June 14, 2018.

The JPO examiner did not find similarity to and a likelihood of confusion with famous brand “SONY” and granted registration of the mark on July 12, 2019.

Invalidation action by SONY

SONY, one of the most recognized Japanese brands globally, filed an application for declaration of invalidity with the JPO on July 11, 2024, just before the lapse of five years counting from its registration date.

SONY claimed that the contested mark shall be invalidated in contravention of Article 4(1)(xi) and (xv) of the Japan Trademark Law by citing its owned earlier trademark registrations for the mark “SONY”.

Article 4(1)(xi) is a provision that prohibits the registration of a junior mark that is deemed identical with, or similar to, any earlier registered mark.

Article 4(1)(xv) is a provision to prohibit any mark from registering if it is likely to cause confusion with other business entities’ well-known goods or services.

SONY argued that relevant consumers of the services in question are likely to find the contested mark consists of “SONI” and “MART”. Since the term ‘MART’ is less distinctive in relation to the services in question, the element ‘SONI’, which is visually and phonetically confusingly similar to ‘SONY’, would play a dominant role in indicating the source of the services covered by the contested mark.

JPO decision

The JPO Invalidation Board did not question the high degree of reputation and popularity of the mark “SONY” in relation to telecommunications and electronic machines and apparatus, and consumer games.

Comparing the contested mark and the cited mark “SONY”, although the marks differ in their overall structure, both marks contain the same initial three letters, “SON” and the same pronunciation. Moreover, the term “SONI” and its sound are likely to be associated with the cited mark “SONY”, which is well known and famous in the fields of telecommunications and electronic machines and apparatus, and consumer games.

Bearing in mind that SONY has plenty of group companies and stores using a name consisting of “SONY” and descriptive word, such as Sony shop, Sony music entertainment, Sony bank, Sony city, the Board has a reason to believe that there is a certain degree of similarity between the contested mark and the cited mark.

Consumers of the services in question, in particular retail services for smart phone cases, rental of computers, and providing computer programs on data networks, are overlapping with those of telecommunications and electronic machines and apparatus. In this respect, these are closely related.

Based on the foregoing, the Board decided to invalidate the contested mark in contravention of Article 4(1)(xv) because the relevant consumers are likely to confuse a source of the services in question with SONY or an entity that is systematically or economically connected to the claimant.