Is “VEGAS” an abbreviation for Las Vegas, or a source indicator?

, , , , , Abbreviation, Article 3(1)(iii), Geographical indication, Inherent distinctiveness, Trademark Examination Guideline, Trademark OppositionMasaki MIKAMI

In a trademark opposition disputing over abbreviation for ‘Las Vegas’, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) decided the term “VEGAS” shall be distinctive in connection with a service of providing amusement facilities...

Trademark dispute over Shogun Emblem of the Samurai Era

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , Article 4(1)(vi), Article 4(1)(vii), Article 4(1)(xv), Composite mark, Device mark, Famous mark, Geographical indication, Likelihood of confusion, Similarity of mark, Trademark AppealMasaki MIKAMI

In a recent appeal trial over trademark dispute, the Trademark Appeal Board within the Japan Patent Office (JPO) overturned the Examiner’s determination and held that a combination mark with Tokugawa crest image and literal elements written in...

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...

JPO denied registering GRAND CANYON as trademark

, , , Article 3(1)(iii), Geographical indication, Trademark Appeal, Trademark Examination Guideline1 CommentMasaki MIKAMI

In a recent appeal decision, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) upheld examiner’s refusal and decided to reject trademark “GRAND CANYON” in connection with clothing and shoes of class 25 due to lack of distinctiveness. [Appeal case no....

JPO decided to invalidate the word mark “Bord’or” in relation to wines

, , , Accelerated examination, Article 3(1)(iii), Article 4(1)(vii), Article 4(1)(xvii), Geographical indication, Invalidation trialMasaki MIKAMI

In a decision to the invalidation trial jointly claimed by INSTITUT NATIONAL DE L’ORIGINE ET DE LA QUALITE and CONSEIL INTERPROFESSIONNEL DU VIN DE BORDEAUX, the Invalidation Board of Japan Patent Office (JPO) ordered to invalidate TM...