El Clasico Scores a Goal in Trademark Race

, , , , , , , , , Article 3(1)(iii), Article 4(1)(xvi), Generic term, Inherent distinctiveness, Madrid Protocol, Refusal appealMasaki MIKAMI

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) overturned the examiner’s refusal and decided to register the “El Clasico” mark in connection with sporting activities, production of sports events, sports information services, and...

Is “You Tuber” a source indicator of Google?

, , , , , , , , , , , , , Article 4(1)(vii), Article 4(1)(x), Article 4(1)(xi), Article 4(1)(xix), Article 4(1)(xv), Composite mark, Famous mark, Generic term, Invalidation trial, Likelihood of confusion, Similarity of markMasaki MIKAMI

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) recently dismissed Google LLC’s invalidation petition against TM Reg. no. 5999063 for word mark “NYAN TUBER” by finding “YouTuber” would be famous, but not as a source indicator of...

Is “MAHARAJA” a generic term in relation to Indian restaurants?

, , , , , , , Article 4(1)(xi), Generic term, IP High Court, Refusal appeal, Similarity of mark, Similarity of service, Trademark AppealMasaki MIKAMI

On July 8, 2020, the Japan IP High Court affirmed the JPO’s rejection in a trademark dispute over the “MAHARAJA” mark for Indian restaurant services in class 43. [Judicial case no. Reiwa2(Gyo-ke)10022]

<!--...