Sweet, but long road to register “Ghana” on chocolates

, , , , , , , , , Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(iii), Article 3(2), Article 4(1)(xvi), Famous mark, Geographical indication, Inherent distinctiveness, Trademark Appeal, Trademark Examination GuidelineMasaki MIKAMI

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) allowed trademark registration of “Ghana” in connection with chocolates of class 30 by finding acquired distinctiveness as a source indicator of Lotte Co., Ltd., a Korea-based...

SWATCH Defeated in SWATCH vs iWATCH Trademark Dispute

, , , , , , , , , , , , , Article 3(1)(iii), Article 3(1)(vi), Article 4(1)(xi), Article 4(1)(xv), Article 4(1)(xvi), Article 46, Composite mark, Famous mark, Invalidation trial, Likelihood of confusion, Similarity of mark, Trademark OppositionMasaki MIKAMI

The Trial Board of Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismissed an invalidation petition by Swiss watch giant, Swatch against TM Reg. no. 5849925 for word mark “iWATCH” owned by U.S. tech giant, Apple Inc.[Invalidation case...

GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION BOURBON LOSES TRADEMARK OPPOSITION

, , , , , , , , Article 4(1)(vii), Article 4(1)(xvi), Composite mark, Geographical indication, Trademark OppositionMasaki MIKAMI

In a recent decision, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) has dismissed the opposition filed by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), a US non-profit organization which represents the interests of producers and traders of spirit...