カテゴリー: Device mark

JPO Decision: No Likelihood of Confusion with Lacoste Crocodile Logo

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In a trademark dispute arguing similarity to and likelihood of confusion with the Lacoste Crocodile logo, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) did not side with Lacoste.
[Opposition case no. 2025-90093, decided on April 6, 2026]

Contested mark

Yagyu Office Co., Ltd. filed a trademark application for a design depicting a green crocodile lying prone, facing to the right with its mouth wide open (see below) in connection with various goods, including apparel, sportswear, and footwear of classes 18 and 25 at the JPO on June 14, 2024. [TM App no. 2024-64585]

On February 14, 2025, the JPO examiner granted registration of the mark without raising any objections.

Opposition by Lacoste

On May 1, 2025, Lacoste filed an opposition against the contested mark and claimed cancellation of the contested mark in contravention of Article 4(1)(xi), (xv), and (xix) of the Japan Trademark Law by citing its well-known crocodile logos.

Lacoste argued that the contested mark consists of a design depicting a green crocodile lying prone, facing to the right with its mouth wide open, and thus creates a similar commercial impression to the cited mark due to a high degree of visual similarity in its entirety. Taking into account the remarkable reputation of the cited mark and the close resemblance between the marks, the average consumers are likely to confuse a source of the goods in question bearing the contested mark with the cited mark.

JPO decision

The JPO Opposition Board found that the cited mark has been famous among relevant consumers and traders in Japan and other jurisdictions as a source-identifier of Lacoste’s business.

However, the JPO observed the contested mark would not be recognized as a crocodile, but “a light green geometric figure formed by white linear cutouts. It depicts a right-facing creature with an open mouth, a thick body, four legs, and a long, slightly curved tail extending backward.”

While the JPO acknowledged that the contested mark could be perceived as representing some types of reptile, it found that the design was too abstract to evoke a specific animal. As such, it was held not to give rise to any specific pronunciation or concept.

In contrast, the cited mark is recognized as clearly depicting a crocodile and conveying the well-known brand identity associated with Lacoste.

Based on the differences in concept and the tail orientation (extended backward vs. raised upward), the Board found that both marks are distinguishable in appearance as well, and therefore dissimilar and unlikely to cause confusion, even if the goods in question are highly related to Lacoste’s business.

Trademark Dispute: RUBIK CUBE vs RUBiK Pi

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismissed the opposition to TM Reg no. 6945136 for the stylized mark “RUBiK Pi,” claimed by SPIN MASTER TOYS UK LIMITED, the owner of the famous “RUBIK CUBE” mark for the three-dimensional puzzle cube, by finding dissimilarity and unlikelihood of confusion between the two marks.
[Opposition case no. 2025-900188, decided on March 16, 2026]

TM Reg no. 6945136

The contested mark (see below) was filed by Thunder Software Technology Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese provider of smart operating system (OS) technologies and services, for use on computer-related goods and services in Classes 9, 41, and 42 with the JPO on December 3, 2024 [TM App no. 2024-129535].

The literal element of the mark appears to be “RUBi Pi” due to a cube design placed between two terms. However, the applicant’s website indicates the contested mark in colors to be read as “RUBIK Pi”.

https://www.thundercomm.com/product/rubik-pi/

The JPO examiner did not issue a notice of grounds for refusal. The mark was registered on July 4, 2025, and then published for a post-grant opposition on July 14.

Opposition by SPIN MASTER TOYS UK LIMITED

On September 16, 2025, just before the lapse of statutory opposition period for two months, SPIN MASTER TOYS UK LIMITED filed an opposition against the contested mark and claimed cancellation of its entire registration in contravention of Article 4(1)(vii), (xi), (xv) and (xix) of the Japan Trademark Law by citing the earlier marks in connection with the world-famous three-dimensional puzzle cube (Cited mark No. 1 – 6), “RUBIK CUBE”.

The claimant argued that relevant consumers and traders will consider the cube design representing the letter “K,” and thus the contested mark, to be read as “RUBIK” or “RUBIK Pi” in the course of actual business, given that the applicant’s product (a lightweight development board for AI platforms) using the contested mark is offered for sale in the name of “RUBIK Pi” on their website.

Considering that the Cited marks are famous worldwide as an indicator of the claimant’s 3D puzzle cubes, consumers would mistakenly recognize the commercial source of the goods and services in question as being from the claimant or other economically linked undertakings at the sight of the contested mark.

JPO decision

The JPO Opposition Board admitted the remarkable degree of recognition and popularity of the Cited mark Nos. 3, 5, and 6 as source indicators of the claimant’s business based on the evidence submitted by the claimant. However, the Board questioned whether the other Cited marks, which mainly consist of the term “RUBIK,” have also become famous for identifying the claimant’s source.

Regarding the contested mark, the Board found that its overall configuration would not create the sound of “RUBIK” or “RUBIK Pi.” Instead, the contested mark gives rise to the sound of “RUBi Pi,” but has no clear meaning.

Even if the Cited mark 3 “RUBIK CUBE” has become famous, relevant consumers are unlikely to associate the goods and services in question bearing the contested mark with the Cited marks due to the marks’ low degree of similarity. Therefore, the Board held that the contested mark should not be vulnerable to cancellation based on Article 4(1)(xv) of the Trademark Law.

JPO denied registration of Thom Browne RWB Stripe as a color mark three times in a row

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The JPO examiner rejected Thom Browne branding identifier, the red, white, and blue stripes as a color mark, due to a lack of inherent distinctiveness and non-conformity with the requisites for a color mark.

Thom Browne’s signature red, white, and blue stripes

Thom Brown, Inc. filed two trademark applications for a color mark to represent Thom Browne’s signature red, white, and blue stripe (see below) via the Madrid Protocol with the JPO for use on eyewear, eyeglasses, eyeglass frames, and sunglasses in Class 9.

IR 1744718

The applicant specified the mark as “The color(s) white, red, and blue is/are claimed as a feature of the mark. The mark consists of tag, label, and design features comprising five contiguous bands, the first, third, and fifth being white, the second band red, and the fourth band blue; the first and fifth bands are of a smaller width than the second, third, and fourth bands; the dashed-lined border is included merely for perspective and is not part of the mark.”

IR 1750744

The applicant specified the mark as “The color(s) white, red, and blue is/are claimed as a feature of the mark. The mark consists of a design feature comprising five contiguous bands, the first, third, and fifth being white, the second band red, and the fourth band blue. The first and fifth bands are of a smaller width than the second, third, and fourth bands. The dashed lines adjacent the first and fifth bands, and the dashed line depiction of an eyeglass frame, are included merely for perspective and are not part of the mark.”

The JPO examiner rejected the marks on two grounds.

  • A lack of inherent distinctiveness; and
  • Non-conformity to the requisites of a color mark. In this respect, the examiner considered above marks do not solely consist of colors, but contain a figurative element.

Apparently, the JPO considers that if an applicant does not indicate a specific position of the color mark, the constituent color(s) should be outlined in a straight line only and not surrounded on all four sides by other colors. In this respect, the following were rejected as a color mark due to nonconformity with the requirements.

Where an applicant requests registration of a color mark on a specific position in connection with designated goods, constituent color(s) should be outlined in a straight line only or painted on the relevant component entirely, and not be surrounded on all four sides by other colors. Following color marks with a specific position were rejected on this ground.

TM App no. 2025-12124

On February 6, 2025, Thom Brown, Inc. filed a trademark application for the same color (see below) directly with the JPO for use on eyeglasses, eyeglass frames, sunglasses, eyeglass cases, eyeglass holders, eyeglass chains, and eyeglass cords in Class 9.

On August 26, 2025, the JPO examiner issued a notice of refusal grounds only for a lack of inherent distinctiveness laid down in Article 3(1)(iii) of the Japan Trademark Law.

As the applicant did not respond to the office action, the JPO decided to reject the entire application on February 24, 2026. The decision is appealable by May 24, 2026.

TM App no. 2025-128977 (examination pending)

Seemingly, in anticipation of the refusal, Thom Brown, Inc. filed a trademark application for the color as a position mark with the JPO in the name of a local subsidiary, Thom Brown Japan Co., Ltd., for use on the same goods, on November 10, 2025 [TM App no. 2025-128977].

SERAPIAN Successful in Registering iconic MOSAICO braided pattern as trademark

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The Italian-based fashion house Stefano Serapian S.r.l. was successful in an appeal to overturn the examiner’s rejection of TM App no. 2022-131488 for the Serapian’s signature “Mosaico” leather pattern in Class 18.
[Appeal case no. 2023-16337, decided on December 17, 2025]

SERAPIAN MOSAICO

Stefano Serapian S.r.l. filed a trademark application for a braided pattern (see below) for use on bags, suitcases, tote bags, backpacks, key cases, porches, wallets, coin cases, and handbags in Class 18 with the JPO on November 17, 2022 [TM App no. 2022-131488].

The Serapian Mosaico pattern is known for its iconic hand-weaving technique, which dates back to 1947 and serves as an emblem of the Italian luxury brand, Serapian.

https://www.serapian.com/

JPO Examination

On June 26, 2023, the examiner rejected the mark based on Article 3(1)(vi) of the Japan Trademark Law by finding that:

The applied-for mark represents a continuous and repetitive geometric pattern consisting of a white square with a vertical line in the middle and a black square in a diagonal position. As a whole, it will be perceived merely as a decorative background design. Besides, there is no distinctive element that identifies the source of the goods in question. Consequently, consumers are unable to recognize it as a source indicator due to its lack of inherent distinctiveness.

Serapian filed an appeal against the rejection on September 27, 2023, to dispute the inherent distinctiveness of the mark based on substantial use and advertising of the Mosaico collection in Japan since 2014.

JPO Appeal Board Decision

The JPO Appeal Board noted the following facts.

  • Founded in 1928, the applicant is known for its line of bags favored by the late British actress Audrey Hepburn. The applicant’s bags, which depict the applied-for mark and were designed in 1947, have been sold nationwide in Japan for over 10 years and have been distributed in Japan since 2014.
  • Major fashion magazines and online articles have featured the bags and their iconic “MOSAICO” pattern design.
  • The bags are also sold in major department stores and online malls. Despite being expensive and high-end goods, annual sales exceeded JPY 50 million in 2023 and JPY 9 million in 2024.
  • A discretionary survey by the Board did not reveal the actual use of a similar pattern by others.

Based on the foregoing, the Board found that relevant consumers and traders can distinguish the applicant’s goods from others based solely on the Mosaico pattern.

Therefore, since the applied-for mark is not subject to Article 3(1)(vi) of the Japan Trademark Law, the Board overturned the examiner’s rejection.

ALVIERO MARTINI Defeated Over World Map Mark Dispute

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismissed an invalidation claim by ALVIERO MARTINI S.p.A., against TM Reg no. 6320074, which features an old-world map design, due to its dissimilarity and less likelihood of confusion with the claimant’s 1A CLASSE “GEO MAP” mark.
[Invalidation case no. 2024-890008, decided on September 18, 2025]

Japan TM Reg no. 6320074

Two Korean individuals filed a trademark application with the JPO for a device mark depicting an old-world map (see below) in relation to bags and other leather goods of Class 18 on December 24, 2019 [TM App no. 2019-165453].

Without raising any ground of refusal, the JPO examiner granted registration of the mark on December 24, 2020.

Invalidation action by Alviero Martini

ALVIERO MARTINI S.p.A., known as an Italian heritage brand, Alviero Martini 1A Classe, filed an invalidation action with the JPO on February 13, 2024, and claimed invalidation of TM Reg no. 6320074 in contravention of Article 4(1)(vii), (xi), (xv) and (xix) of the Japan Trademark Law by citing earlier IR no. 982100 of the world map mark in Class 18.

ALVIERO MARTINI argued the contested mark is confusingly similar to the cited mark that has been widely recognized among relevant consumers to identify a source of Alviero Martini 1A CLASSE brand.

The claimant also pointed out the fact that the applicant applied for other mark containing the term “PRIMA CLASSE” (see below). Given a high degree of resemblance between the marks and close relatedness between the goods in question and the claimant’s fashion business, it is presumed that the applicant had maliciously filed the contested mark with an intention to free-ride goodwill on the cited mark.

JPO decision

The JPO Invalidation Board noted the fact that the cited mark has been used in a manner that depicts only a portion of the world map on the claimant’s goods. The produced evidence does not suggest that the cited mark is ever used in its entirety as a source indicator.

Therefore, it would be unreasonable to conclude that the cited mark has acquired a certain degree of recognition in Japan and other jurisdictions.

Regarding the similarity of the marks, the Board stated, “Although they both consist of a device that represents a world map in common, the overall impressions differ significantly due to the different arrangement of continents, the presence of country and ocean names, and sailing ships. Therefore, the contested mark is visually dissimilar to the cited mark”, and “the coincidence in the graphic element representing world map is not sufficient to counteract or outbalance these visual differences.”

Based on the foregoing, the Board found that the marks are dissimilar and relevant consumers are unlikely to confuse the source of the goods in question bearing the contested mark with the cited owner.

Given the lack of persuasive evidence demonstrating a high recognition of the cited mark, it is unclear whether the applicant has a malicious intent vulnerable to invalidation.

JPO Found Tissa Fontaneda’s Bubble Pattern Descriptive of Bags

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) sustained the examiner’s decision rejecting International Registration No. 1599413 for a three-dimensional, rounded “bubble” pattern in Class 18, known as the Tissa Fontaneda “Bubble Bag,” on the ground that the mark lacks inherent distinctiveness.
[Appeal Case no. 2023-650049, decided on August 26, 2025]

Tissa Fontaneda “Bubble Bag”

TISSA FONTANEDA, S.L. sought protection in Japan, via the Madrid Protocol, for a mark consisting of a repetitive pattern formed by the arrangement of a plurality of three-dimensional elements placed in a staggered manner on the surface of goods, in respect of “bags; tote bags; handbags; shoulder bags; clutch bags; traveling bags; pouches; trunks; suitcases; hip bags; rucksacks; purses; pocket wallets; wallets; credit card sleeves; traveling sets [leatherware]; credit card cases [wallets]; vanity cases, not fitted; tie cases,” in Class 18. [IR No. 1599413, filed on April 19, 2021]

Examiner’s Decision

On February 24, 2023, the examiner rejected the application under Article 3(1)(vi) of the Japan Trademark Law, on the following grounds:

A pattern can be perceived as an indication of origin only when it has acquired a certain degree of recognition among consumers. Although it appears that goods bearing the applied-for mark have been used by certain celebrities, the applicant did not establish the scale of sales, the duration of use, or the market share of such goods. Accordingly, it cannot be concluded that the applied-for mark has, through use, acquired nationwide recognition or come to be recognized by consumers as an indication of origin.

The applicant filed an appeal on June 20, 2023, asserting that the applied-for mark is inherently distinctive.

Appeal Board’s Findings

The Board finds as follows:

(1) In the representation of the applied-for mark, no distinctive element can be identified beyond the form of the pattern that would enable the mark to function as an indication of origin. Accordingly, the applied-for mark is perceived merely as a decorative background pattern.

(2) Even if competitors have not produced bags decorated with a three-dimensional rounded “bubble” pattern, this fact is insufficient to establish inherent distinctiveness, since bags bearing repetitive patterns formed by regularly arranging three-dimensional elements on their surfaces are commonly distributed.

(3) The fact that the applied-for mark is registered in other jurisdictions, such as the United States, Spain, Ireland, the Benelux, Brazil, Italy, and Mexico, is irrelevant, as distinctiveness must be assessed based on consumers and trade practices in Japan.

Consequently, the Board finds the examiner made no error in applying Article 3(1)(vi) of the Trademark Law.

Trademark Battle Over Swiss Flag-Like Cross Design

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On July 9, 2025, to a lawsuit brought by Wenger S.A., which claimed the backpacks bearing a cross-design mark imported by TravelPlus International constituted trademark infringement of IR no. 1002196, the Tokyo District Court found the defendant not liable due to the dissimilarity of the marks.
[Court case nos. Reiwa6(wa)70635]

WENGER

Wenger, the Swiss company, has owned international registration no. 1002196 for the cross mark (see below) for use on backpacks of class 18 and others goods in Japan since November 5, 2010.

SWISSWIN

Goichimaru Co., Ltd. (defendant) has been selling “SWISSWIN” brand backpacks, imported by TravelPlus International (TI), adorned with a logo resembling the Swiss flag (see below), via online shopping sites in Japan since January 11, 2024.

Wenger filed a lawsuit in the Tokyo District Court and sought a permanent injunction against the infringing goods and their destruction, pursuant to Article 36(1) and (2) of the Japan Trademark Law. Wenger claimed that the defendant’s sale of the backpacks infringed on the plaintiff’s trademark right.

Tokyo District Court ruling

The judge found that both marks have a wide cross-design surrounded by roughly square shapes. Since these relate to the basic configuration of respective mark, it will give traders and consumers the impression that they are similar.

On the other hand, the differences listed below give the Plaintiff’s mark a flat and simple, while the Defendant’s mark gives a more substantial and complex impression. In addition, the color of the Defendant’s mark is not monotone, which gives an overall different impression from the color of the Plaintiff’s mark. These differences outweigh the impression of similarity derived from the above common features, and thus there is a significant difference in the appearance between the Plaintiff’s mark and the Defendant’s mark.

1. Whether the outer edges are straight or curved
2. The presence or absence of connecting rods between the cross and the outer edges
3. Differences in the width of the outer edges
4. The outer edges, cross, and support rods are embossed
5. The outer edges have raised and recessed corners
6. Differences in the colors of the outer edges and cross (white and silver)
7. Differences in the background colors (black and red)

Therefore, the court opines that the appearance of the plaintiff’s and defendant’s marks give different impressions to traders and consumers; thus, both marks are visually distinguishable.

Accordingly, the fact that the Plaintiff’s and Defendant’s marks have the same concept and sound would not be significant to traders and consumers, as the aforementioned differences in appearance outweigh the coincidence of the concept and pronunciation.

Based on the foregoing, even if both marks are used on the same bags, the court cannot find a reason to consider that the defendant’s mark likely to cause confusion with bags bearing the plaintiff’s mark.

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.

Top 10 Trademark News in Japan, 2024

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As the year 2024 comes to an end, it is a good time to share the top 10 trademark news in Japan by counting the total number of likes on the Linkedin “Like” Button.

1: Japan IP High Court said No to registering the color of Hermes packaging

The Japan IP High Court ruled to dismiss Herme’s appeal against the JPO decision that rejected Hermes packaging color due to a lack of inherent and acquired distinctiveness.

Japan IP High Court said No to registering the color of Hermes packaging.

2: Can a ‘Letter of Consent’ guarantee successful trademark registration in Japan?

The revised Japan Trademark Law will come into effect on April 1, 2024, introducing the “Letter of Consent” as a means to overcome conflicts with earlier trademark registrations.

Can a ‘Letter of Consent’ guarantee successful trademark registration in Japan?

3: COCO vs. KOKO

In a recent administrative decision, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) found that the trademarks “CoCo” and “koko” are dissimilar and unlikely to cause confusion.

COCO vs. KOKO

4: CHANEL defeated in Trademark Opposition against “COCOCHI”

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) handed a loss to Chanel SARL in trademark opposition against TM Reg no. 6674710 for the “COCOCHI” mark by finding unlikelihood of confusion with “COCO”.

CHANEL defeated in Trademark Opposition against “COCOCHI”

5: ZARA Unsuccessful Opposition against TM “LAZARA”

On April 22, 2024, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismissed an opposition filed by Industria de Diseño Textil, SA (INDITEX), owner of the fashion brand “ZARA”, against TM Reg no. 6699667 for word mark “LAZARA” in classes 25 due to dissimilar marks and unlikelihood of confusion with “ZARA”.

ZARA Unsuccessful Opposition against TM “LAZARA”

6: CHANEL Lost in Trademark opposition against “COCOBABY”

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) did not side with CHANEL in an opposition against TM Reg no. 6650252 for wordmark “COCOBABY” in class 25 by finding dissimilarity of mark between “COCOBABY” and “COCO”.

CHANEL Lost in Trademark opposition against “COCOBABY”

7: Trademark Dispute: Chateau Mouton Rothschild vs MOUTON

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) declared invalidation of TM Reg no. 6090508 for wordmark “MOUTON” in classes 35 and 43 due to a likelihood of confusion with famous mark “Mouton” as a source indicator of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, one of the most famous wine estates in the world.

Trademark Dispute: Chateau Mouton Rothschild vs MOUTON

8: Hermes Victory with Invalidating Birkin Lookalike Design

The Japan IP High Court has ruled in favor of Hermes in a dispute over the validity of Design Reg no. 1606558 by finding a likelihood of confusion with Hermes.

Hermes Victory with Invalidating Birkin Lookalike Design

9: Trademark dispute: VALENTINO GARAVANI vs GIANNI VALENTINO

In a trademark opposition claimed by Valentino S.p.A. against TM Reg no. 6550051 for the GIANNI VALENTINO mark, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) decided to cancel the registration due to a conflict with earlier IR no. 975800 for the VALENTINO GARAVANI mark.

Trademark dispute: VALENTINO GARAVANI vs GIANNI VALENTINO

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

On October 30, 2024, the Japan IP High Court disaffirmed the administrative decision by the Japan Patent Office (JPO) not to register the 3D shape of the eponymous character from the film “Shin Godzilla” as a trademark.

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