JPO rejects 3D Shape Mark of Giant Cotton Candy

, , , , , , Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(iii), Article 3(2), Inherent distinctiveness, Refusal appeal, Three dimensional markMasaki MIKAMI

In a dispute of registrability to a unique
three-dimensional shape of giant cotton candy, the Appeal Board of Japan Patent
Office (JPO) refused protection of the 3D mark due to lack of distinctiveness.  
[Appeal case...

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...

The Japan IP High Court Finds “EQ” Entitled to Trademark Registration Belonging to Mercedes Benz

, , , , , , , , Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(v), Inherent distinctiveness, IP High Court, Refusal appeal, Trademark Appeal, Trademark Examination GuidelineMasaki MIKAMI

On July 3, 2019, the Japan IP High Court reversed a decision of the Japan Patent Office (JPO) finding that the company Daimler AG was entitled to registration of “EQ” for Motor vehicles in class 12, even though the...

Trademark registration for Tasaki’s Akoya pearls ring

, , , , Acquired distinctiveness, Article 3(1)(iii), Article 3(2), Device mark, Inherent distinctiveness, Three dimensional mark, Trademark AppealMasaki MIKAMI

In March 17, 2017, Japanese jewelry house TASAKI & Co., Ltd., the Japanese leading producer of Akoya pearls, filed an application for trademark registration at the Japan Patent Office (JPO) for the following three-dimensional mark for rings...

HISAMITSU unsuccessful in registering a shape of “Salonpas”

, , , , Article 3(1)(iii), Device mark, Inherent distinctiveness, Trademark AppealMasaki MIKAMI

The Appeal Board of Japan Patent Office (JPO) disallowed registration of a shape of famous Japanese pain relief patches in the name of “Salonpas” manufactured by Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc. due to lack of inherent distinctiveness in...

JPO refused 3M Company to register “3M” in relation to vehicles regardless of renowned 3M logo

, , Abbreviation, Article 3(1)(v), Famous mark, Inherent distinctiveness, Trademark AppealMasaki MIKAMI

In a recent decision, the Appeal Board of Japan Patent Office (JPO) did not allow registration of a word mark “3M” written in standard character due to a lack of distinctiveness in relation to vehicles (class 12). [Appeal case no....