カテゴリー: Trademark Opposition

Court Case: VALENTINO GARVANI vs GIANNI VALENTINO

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The Japan IP High Court affirmed the JPO decision that cancelled TM Reg no. 6550051 for the GIANNI VALENTINO mark due to a conflict with earlier IR no. 975800 for the VALENTINO GARVANI mark.
[Court case no. Reiwa6(Gyo-ke)10089, decided on February 27, 2025]

GIANNI VALENTINO

YOUNG SANGYO CO., LTD filed a trademark application with the JPO on November 10, 2021 for a mark consisting of a “V” device in a circle and the word “GIANNI VALENTINO” (see below) for use on footwear in class 25 [TM App no. 2021-140169].

The applicant, as one of the official licensees, has been distributing bags and pouches bearing the applied mark in the Japanese market.

https://shop.gianni-valentino.com/

The JPO examiner granted registration of the applied mark on April 19, 2022. The mark was published for a post-grant opposition on May 11, 2022 [TM Reg no. 6550051].

Opposition by Valentino S.p.A.

Valentino S.p.A. filed an opposition on July 6, 2022 and claimed cancellation of the GIANNI VALENTINO mark in contravention of Article 4(1)(xi) of the Japan Trademark Law on the ground that the contested mark is confusingly similar to earlier IR no. 975800 for a mark consisting of an iconic “V” device in a circle and the words “VALENTINO” and “GARAVANI” arranged in two lines (see below), which designates footwear and other goods in class 25.

Valentino argued that the literal element “VALENTINO” was dominant in the cited mark because of a high degree of recognition as a source indicator of the opponent’s business as a result of substantial and continuous use in relation to fashion industries. Therefore, relevant consumers with an ordinary care are likely to consider the term “VALENTINO” as a prominent portion of the contested mark when used on the goods in question. If so, the contested mark shall be deemed similar to the cited mark from visual, aural and conceptual points of view.

On August 23, 2024, the JPO Opposition Board decided to cancel the contested mark based on Article 4(1)(xi) of the Japan Trademark Law by stating that the dominant part of respective mark would be the literal element “VALENTINO” given famousness of the mark “VALENTINO” as a source indication for apparel of Valentino S.p.A.

To contest, the applicant filed an appeal with the IP High Court on September 30, 2024.

IP High Court decision

The IP High Court held that the JPO did not err in applying Article 4(1)(xi) to the case by stating that:

The court has no question to find that the mark “VALENTINO” is famous among relevant consumers and traders in Japan for apparel.

From appearance, the contested mark can be dissected into three parts, namely, figurative element, “GIANNI”, and “VALENTINO”. Given the mark “GIANNE VALENTINO” has not been recognized among relevant consumers as a source indicator of the applicant, it is reasonable to consider the literal element “VALENTINO” as a dominant part of the contested mark, which plays a role in identifying the source of the goods in question.

Similarly, the literal element “VALENTINO” of the cited mark can be considered as a dominant part because of its famousness to indicate the opponent’s business.

It is obvious that the dominant part of both marks has the same appearance, sound and meaning.

Therefore, the court has a reason to believe that the contested mark, even as a whole, is confusingly similar to the cited mark from a visual, aural and conceptual point of view.

As a conclusion, the court ruled to dismiss the appeal in favor of Valentino S.p.A.

UNIQLO Lost in Trademark Opposition against UNIPRO

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UNIQLO lost in its attempt to oppose TM Reg no. 6746724 for the mark “UNIPRO” in class 28 due to dissimilarity and unlikelihood of confusion with a world-famous Japanese clothing brand “UNIQLO”.
[Opposition case no. 2023-900278, Gazette issued on December 27, 2024]

UNIPRO

Kabushiki Kaisha UNIQUE, a Japanese corporation, filed a trademark application for the mark “UNIPRO” in relation to pet toys and sports equipment in class 28 with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) on April 17, 2023 [TM App no. 2023-41531]. The mark has the word “UNIPRO” written in two lines inside a square (see below).

On October 10, 2023, the JPO examiner approved the registration of the applied mark without issuing an office action. Subsequently, the JPO published the mark for a post-grant opposition on October 27, 2023.

Opposition by UNIQLO

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a public Japanese retail holding company, is best known for its flagship brand UNIQLO. The company filed an opposition with the JPO on December 8, 2023 by citing its own earlier trademark registrations for the UNIQLO mark.

Fast Retailing claimed that the applied mark should be cancelled in contravention of Article 4(1)(xi), (xv) and (xix) of the Japan Trademark Law because of a high degree of similarity to and a likelihood of confusion with famous fashion brand UNIQLO when used on the goods in question.

Fast Retailing argued, among other things, visual and aural similarity between UNIPRO and UNIQLO. Arranging the first three letters “UNI” in the top line and the last three letters in the bottom line in a square would be anything but a coincidence. Since the mark “UNIQLO” is a coined word and has become famous to indicate Japanese clothing brand operated by Fast Retailing Group, the applicant must have intended to free-ride on the goodwill bestowed on UNIQLO and unjustifiably obtain profits by using the applied mark “UNIPRO” that is confusingly similar to the cited mark.

JPO decision

The JPO Opposition Board found that the cited mark and “UNIQLO” have been widely recognized among relevant consumers in Japan to indicate a source of clothing managed by Fast Retailing Group.

In the meantime, the Board held “UNIPRO” is dissimilar to and unlikely to cause confusion with “UNIQLO” by stating:

  1. The applied mark and the cited mark both consist of white letters and a square. They also share the letters “UNI” in the top line and “O” in the bottom line. However, the difference of the letters “PR” and “QL” in the bottom line gives an impression that the marks represent different word in a square. Therefore, the applied mark is distinguishable from the cited mark in appearance.
  2. Comparing the sound of the applied mark with that of the cited mark, there is a difference in the third tone of “pu” and “ku”. This difference has anything but negligible effect on the overall tone and impression since respective sound has a short four-syllable structure. Thus, the Board finds it reasonable to conclude that there is no risk of mishearing each other.
  3. Conceptual aspect does not have impact on the assessment of likelihood of confusion, since both marks are meaningless.

Taking into consideration a low degree of similarity between the marks, even if the cited mark has become famous among relevant consumers, the Board has no reason to believe the consumers would consider an origin of the goods in question bearing the applied mark from UNIQLO or an undertaking economically or systematically linked to Fast Retailing.

Based on the foregoing, the Board decided to dismissed the entire opposition.

TOMMY HILFIGER vs TOMTOMMY

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) did not side with Tommy Hilfiger Licensing B.V. in an opposition against TM Reg no. 6604265 “TOMTOMMY” due to dissimilarity and unlikelihood of confusion with “TOMMY” and “TOMMY HILFIGER”.
[Opposition case no. 2022-900456, gazette issued on December 27, 2024]

TOMTOMMY

The contested mark, consisting of the word “TOMTOMMY” in standard characters, was filed with the JPO by a Chinese individual on January 20, 2022 for use on shoulder bags, tote bags, sports bags, wallets, umbrellas and other goods in Class 18, and underwear, belts, shoes, caps, coats, socks and other goods in Class 25 on January 30, 2022 (TM App no. 2022-10028).

The JPO examiner made an administrative decision to grant registration of the mark on August 3, 2022. Subsequently, the mark was published in Trademark Gazette for post-grant opposition on August 31, 2022.

Opposition by Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy Hilfiger Licensing B.V. filed an opposition with the JPO on October 31, 2022 by citing its own earlier trademark registrations for the wordmark “TOMMY” or “TOMMY HILFIGER”.

Tommy Hilfiger claimed that the contested mark should be cancelled in contravention of Article 4(1)(xi) and (xv) of the Japan Trademark Law.

Article 4(1)(xi) is a provision that prohibits the registration of a junior mark that is deemed identical with, or similar to, any earlier registered mark.

Article 4(1)(xv) prohibits the registration of trademarks that are likely to cause confusion with the business of other entities.

Tommy Hilfiger contends that the contested mark is composed of two distinctive words, “TOM” and “TOMMY”. Since “TOMMY” has been widely recognized by the relevant consumers to indicate the world-famous fashion brand “TOMMY HILFIGER”, the average consumers, uppon seeing the goods in question bearing the contested mark, will consider the term “TOMMY” as a prominent part of the contested mark in order to identify its origin. If so, the contested mark is similar to the cited marks a high degree.

Moreover, Tommy Hilfiger has used not only the mark “TOMMY”, but also various marks containing “TOMMY”, such as “TOMY JEANS”, “TOMMY NOW”, “TOMMY SPORT”, “TEAM TOMMY”, “TOMMY FACTORY”. In those circumstances, the consumers are likely to mistakenly believe that the goods in question bearing the contested mark “TOMTOMMY” come from the same undertaking or from economically-linked undertaking.

JPO decision

To my surprise, the JPO Opposition Board questioned the high degree of recognition of fashion brands, “TOMMY” and “TOMMY HILFIGER”, because the claimant did not provide sufficient evidence to prove the substantial and extensive use of the cited marks in Japan.

Furthermore, the Board denied similarity even between “TOMTOMMY” and “TOMMY” by stating:

  1. The contested mark is considered to be a coined word, and therefore has no specific meaning.
  2. Visually, both marks are distinguishable due to the difference in the number of letters that constitutes respective mark (8 letters vs 5 letters).
  3. Aurally, both sounds are dissimilar because the prefix sound “TOM” has a significant impact on the overcall pronunciation.
  4. A conceptual comparison is neutral because neither “TOMTOMMY” nor “TOMMY” has any clear meaning.

Because Tommy Hilfiger failed to demonstrate a high degree of popularity of the cited marks, the Board found that there was no reason to believe that the relevant consumer would confuse the source of the goods at issue bearing the contested mark with Tommy Hilfiger or an economically-linked undertaking due to a low degree of similarity between the marks.

Based on the foregoing, the Board decided the contested mark shall not be canceled and dismissed the oppositions entirely.

Trademark dispute: MONSTER EVERGY vs POCKET MONSTERS

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In a trademark opposition disputed between “MONSTER ENERGY” and “POCKET MONSTERS”, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) did not side with Monster Energy Company and decided in favor of Nintendo.
[Opposition case no. 2023-900162, decided on December 19, 2024]

POCKET MONSTERS

Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / Game Freak Inc., the IP owners of “Pocket Monsters”, widely known as its abbreviation, “Pokémon” as well, filed a trademark application for wordmark “POCKET MONSTRERS” in standard character for use on various categories of goods and services in classes 3, 9, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 30 and 41 with the JPO on September 1, 2022 (TM App no. 2022-101055).

Pokémon, a blend of the words “Pocket Monsters”, means not only fictional creatures that inhabit the fictional Pokémon World, but also a Japanese media franchise that includes video games, animated series, films, and a trading card game.

The JPO granted protection of the applied mark without issuing any office action on April 3, 2023. Subsequently, the mark was published for post-grant opposition on May 12, 2023.

Opposition by Monster Energy

Monster Energy Company, the parent company of Monster Energy Drink, filed an opposition against “POCKET MONSTERS” with the JPO on July 10, 2023 before the lapse of a two-month statutory period counting from the publication date.

Monster Energy claimed a partial cancellation of the applied mark in relation to the designated goods of class 30 including tea, tea-based beverages, coffee, coffee beverages, cocoa based on Article 4(1)(vii) and (xv) of the Japan Trademark Law by citing its owned earlier marks that consist of “MONSTER ENERGY” or “MONSTER” in class 32.

Monster Energy alleged that the mark “MONSTER” has become famous among consumers to indicate energy drinks originating from the claimant. There was no dispute that the applied mark contains the term “MONSTER”. Therefore, relevant consumers would mistakenly associate the opposed mark with the claimant and consider a source of the beverages bearing the mark “POCKET MONSTERS” from a licensee of the claimant.

JPO decision

The JPO Opposition Board found evidence sufficient to establish a high degree of recognition of the mark “MONSTER ENERGY” to indicate energy drinks from the claimant. However, the Board questioned whether the cited marks have been widely recognized even among general consumers of carbonated beverages and juices other than energy drinks.

In addition, the Board found evidence insufficient to find a certain degree of recognition of the mar “MONSTER” per se.

Based on the above findings, the Board assessed similarity of mark by comparing overall appearance, sound and meaning between “MONSTER ENERGY” and “POCKET MONSTERS”.

From appearance and sound, the difference of words, “ENERGY” and “POCKET” has a material effect on overall visual and aural impression to the extent that relevant consumers can easily distinguish. Conceptually, the marks are unlikely to cause confusion because the opposed mark does not give rise to any specific meaning contrary to the cited marks. Therefore, the opposed mark is deemed dissimilar to the cited mark “MONSTER ENERGY”.

Given the low degree of similarity between “MONSTER ENERGY” and “POCKET MONSTERS”, the Board has no reason to believe that relevant consumers are likely to associate the opposed mark used on the goods in class 30 with Monster Energy or its licensee.

If so, the opposed mark should not be cancelled in contravention of Article 4(1)(vii) and (xv).

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

COSTCO vs MINICOS

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In a trademark opposition regarding a likelihood of confusion between the mark “COSTCO” and “MINICOS” in relation to retail or wholesale services, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) found no confusion with the American mega-chain Costco.
[Opposition case no. 2024-900059, decided on November 6, 2024]

MINICOS

The contested mark, consisting of the terms “MINICOS” and “RETAIL SHOP” arranged in two lines with five-star devices (see below), was filed with the JPO on October 31, 2023 for use in retail or wholesale services for food and beverages in Class 35.

The applicant uses the mark in their retail and online shops that resell the food and beverages purchased at Costco Wholesale.

As the applicant requested the JPO to accelerate examination procedure, the examiner granted registration of the MINICOS mark in two months without issuing any office action.

Accordingly, the mark was officially registered on December 27, 2023 (TM Reg no. 6766577) and published for a post-grant opposition on January 11, 2024.

Opposition

MINISO Hong Kong Limited filed an opposition on March 8, 2024 to contest validity of the mark based on Article 4(1)(vii) and (xv) of the Japan Trademark Law by citing the earlier mark “COSTCO”.

The opponent argued that the applicant undoubtedly has knowledge of Costco Wholesale in view of their business and that the relevant consumers are likely to associate the contested mark with Costco because of the concept of “a small-size Costco retail store” and the same color combinations of red and blue.

In light of the relatedness between the Costco Wholesale business and the services in question as well as the high level of recognition of the cited mark among Japanese consumers, it is likely to cause confusion with Costco Wholesale when the contested mark is used in connection with the retail services for food and beverages.

JPO Decision

Astonishingly, the JPO Opposition Board questioned famousness of the cited mark among Japanese consumers because of insufficient evidence to show sales, market share, advertisement and promotional activities by Costco in Japan.

Besides, the Board found that given the cited mark has not acquired a high degree of recognition, the contested mark would not give rise to any specific meaning. If so, there is no reason to find similarity between the contested mark and the cited mark from visual, aural and conceptual points of view.

Even if the Costco Wholesale business is highly related to the contested services, given the low degree of similarity between the marks, the Board has reason to believe that the relevant consumers are unlikely to confuse a source of the services represented by the contested mark with Costco.

A mere fact that the applicant filed the contested mark with a knowledge of Costco in their business to resell the food and beverages purchased at Costco Wholesale is irrelevant to find fraudulent intention to obtain unjustifiable benefit from it.

Based on the foregoing, the JPO decided to dismiss the opposition entirely.

Audemars Piguet Unsuccessful in Opposition to Trademark “ROYAL OAK”

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismissed an opposition filed by Audemars Piguet Holding SA (AP), a Swiss luxury watchmaker, against TM Reg no. 6754358 for wordmark “ROYAL OAK” in class 33 due to insufficient recognition of “ROYAL OAK” luxury watches among general consumers.
[Opposition case no. 2024-900016, decided on October 16, 2024]

Opposed mark

On May 12, 2023, St. Michael Wine and Spirits Co., Ltd. filed an application for the registration of a word mark “ROYAL OAK” in standard character, in connection with whisky, spirits [beverages], liqueurs, and western liquors (class 33) with the JPO.

The applicant sells whisky and soda in cans bearing the mark “ROYAL OAK”.

The JPO did not raise any office action in the course of substantive examination and published it for a post-grant opposition on November 24, 2023.

Opposition by Audemars Piguet

On January 23, 2024, before the lapse of a two-month statutory period counting from the publication date, AP filed an opposition and claimed cancellation of the applied mark in contravention of Article 4(1)(vii), (xv) and (xix) of the Japan Trademark Law.

AP argued that “ROYAL OAK” has been well known for AP’s luxury watches even among relevant consumers of the goods in question. Allegedly, “ROYAL OAK” luxury watches have been promoted for sale in Japan since 1972. Annual sales exceed JPY 8 billion on average in the past six years. Each year, AP spent more than JPY400 million on advertisement and promotion in Japan. Due to the high degree of reputation and popularity of “ROYAL OAK” luxury watches, consumers are likely to consider whiskey and western spirits bearing the “ROYAL OAK” mark as coming from the opponent or other business entity economically or systematically connected with AP.

JPO decision

The Opposition Board admitted a certain degree of recognition of the opponent’s “ROYAL OAK” among the consumers who have purchased or interest in luxury watches. However, the Board questioned a high degree of recognition among general consumers because the opponent’s watches are priced at a premium, with relatively low sales volumes and a limited distribution network in Japan. There are about 50 stores only that engage in the resale of the “ROYAL OAK” watches in Japan in addition to the AP official salon or shop. Presumably, lots of general consumers have seldom visited these stores and seen the “ROYAL OAK” watches.

Besides, the Board found whisky, spirits [beverages], liqueurs, and western liquors do not closely relate to luxury watches.

Given that the AP’s “ROYAL OAK” has not acquired a high degree of recognition among relevant consumers and a low degree of relatedness between the goods, the Board has no reason to find a likelihood of confusion between the opposed mark and the opponent business even if both marks are same.

Based on the foregoing, the Board concluded AP’s allegations groundless and decided to maintain the registration of the opposed mark.

Volkswagen Lost in Trademark Opposition over VW emblem

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismissed an opposition claimed by Volkswagen AG against TM Reg no. 6776072 for a device mark in class 25 due to dissimilarity to and unlikelihood of confusion with famous VW emblem.
[Opposition case no. 2024-900086, decided on October 9, 2024]

Contested mark

SAKAIYA PLANNING INC. filed a trademark application for a device mark (see below) in connection with clothing, footwear, garters, sock suspenders, suspenders for clothing, waistbands, belts [clothing] of class 25 with the JPO on June 6, 2023.

According to the applicant’s website, the applied mark is used in conjunction with “ANNA MALIA”.

The JPO examiner did not issue any office actions and granted protection of the mark on January 30, 2024. Accordingly, it was published for a post-grant opposition on February 14, 2024.

Opposition by Volkswagen

On April 12, 2024, German car giant Volkswagen AG filed an opposition and claimed cancellation of the contested mark in contravention of Article 4(1)(xi), (xv) and 8(1) of the Japan Trademark Law by citing earlier IR no. 1555245 for their iconic VW emblem (see below) covering clothing, footwear and other goods in class 25.

Volkswagen argued that the contested mark consists of monogrammed letters, “V” and “W” represented in a circle. Therefore, where the mark is observed upside down, it looks closely similar to the VM emblem. Customers have been accustomed to observing clothing and other goods in question from various angles. In this respect, even though conceptual and phonetical comparisons are neutral as neither the contested mark nor the VM emblem have any clear sound and meaning, both marks should be considered similar because of a high degree of visual similarity.

Besides, the VW emblem has acquired substantial popularity and reputation as a source indicator of famous automobile maker, Volkswagen. Thus, it is highly likely that relevant traders and consumers confuse the source of the goods in question bearing the contested mark with Volkswagen or a business entity systematically or economically connected with the opponent.

JPO decision

The Opposition Board found that the VW emblem has become famous for a source indicator of opponent by taking into consideration of the facts that opponent’s cars with the VW emblem have been continuously imported to Japan since 1953 and ranked in the top 3 of new imported automobile registrations for the past three years.

In the meantime, the Board denied visual similarity between the contested mark and the VM emblem by stating that:

The mountainous lines in the circle of the contested mark are too stylized to be recognized as the representation of characters from its overall composition. Therefore, it can be seen to represent a geometric figure as a whole.

Meantime, the V-shaped line and the W-shaped line of the cited mark do not overlap, and both ends of the V-shaped line and the W-shaped line neatly overlap with the circle.

These differences give rise to a distinctive visual impression from their overall appearance, which can be sufficiently distinguishable when observed at a distance.

Given a low degree of similarity between the marks, the Board has a reason to believe that relevant consumers are unlikely to confuse a source of goods in question bearing the contested mark with Volkswagen.

Based on the foregoing, the Board found the opposition groundless and decided not to cancel the contested mark.

BULLDOG vs GREEN BULLLDOG

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismissed an opposition against TM Reg no. 6724674 for the wordmark “GREEN BULLDOG” claimed by DAVIDE CAMPARI – MILANO N.V. on the grounds of dissimilarity to and unlikelihood of confusion with earlier IR no. 1141768 for the wordmark “BULLDOG” for use on gin in Class 33.
[Opposition No. 2023-900229, decided on October 1, 2024]

GREEN BULLDOG

On April 15, 2022, Green Wave Unlimited Japan Co., Ltd (GWUJ) filed a trademark application with the JPO for the word mark “GREEN BULLDOG” and its Japanese transliteration arranged in two lines in connection with various goods in Classes 3, 5, and 33, including gin (Cl. 33) [TM App No. 2022-44073].

The applicant sells CBD products bearing the contested mark.

https://www.greenbulldog.jp/

The JPO examiner granted protection of the contested mark on June 2, 2023.

BULLDOG

DAVIDE CAMPARI – MILANO N.V. filed a partial opposition to the contested mark in respect of Western spirits, alcoholic fruit beverages, Japanese shochu-based beverages in Class 33 within the two-month statutory period from the date of publication on August 17, 2023, claiming that “GREEN BULLDOG” should be partially cancelled in contravention of Article 4(1)(x), (xi), (xv) and (xix) of the Japan Trademark Law by citing its own earlier IR no. 1141768 for the word mark “BULLDOG” in Class 33.

CAMPARI argued that since “BULLDOG” gin has achieved a high degree of recognition among relevant consumers and traders in Japan and abroad, the literal part of “BULLDOG” plays a dominant role in identifying the source of the contested mark when used in relation to the goods in question. If so, both marks should be considered similar and consumers are likely to confuse a source of alcoholic beverages bearing the contested mark with CAMPARI or “BULLDOG” gin.

JPO decision

The JPO Opposition Board did not allow a certain degree of recognition of the cited mark due to insufficient evidence provided by CAMPARI.

With respect to the similarity of the mark, the Opposition Board found that both marks are clearly distinguishable from appearance because the contested mark consists of alphabets and Japanese katakana characters arranged in two lines. On the other hands, the cited mark does not contain Japanese katakana characters and is not arranged in two lines.

Aurally, “BULLDOG” and “GREEN BULLDOG” are distinguishable because of a clear difference in the prefix sound.

A conceptual comparison is noteworthy as each mark evokes a different meaning.

Based on the above findings, the Board found that the two marks were dissimilar and unlikely to cause confusion when used for the goods in question.

Consequently, the Board decided to reject the opposition in its entirety and to maintain the contested mark as the status quo.

BVLGARI Defeated with TM Opposition over “SERPENTI” Collection

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The Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismissed an opposition claimed by BULGARI S.P.A. against TM Reg no. 6629637 for wordmark “Serpent Eternal” in class 14 due to dissimilarity to and unlikelihood of confusion with Italian luxury fashion brand, Bvlgari “Serpenti” Collection.
[Opposition case no. 2022-900520, decided on September 20, 2024]

Contested mark

NEW ART CIMA Co., Ltd., a Japanese jeweler, filed trademark application for wordmark “Serpent Éternel” and its Japanese transliteration arranged in two lines (see below) for use on jewelry, rings, personal ornaments, precious metal, watches and other goods in class 14 with the JPO on May 18, 2022 (TM App no. 2022-55932).

Two months later, the applicant unveiled a new line of diamond rings featuring the snake motif.

https://www.exelco.com/bridal_jewelry/marriagering/serpent-eternel.php

The JPO granted protection of the applied mark without raising any refusal ground (TM Reg no. 6629637) and published it for a post-grant opposition on October 27, 2022.

Opposition by Bvlgari

BULGARI S.P.A., an Italian luxury fashion house, filed an opposition against the contested mark with the JPO on December 15, 2022, and claimed cancellation in contravention of Article 4(1)(xi) and (xv) of the Japan Trademark Law.

BULGARI alleged that the contested mark is similar to their luxury jewelry brand “Serpenti” that has been renowned for the iconic snake motif, and thus likely to cause confusion when used on the designated goods in class 14 by citing the following trademarks registered on the same class.

  • TM Reg no. 6614600 “SERPENTI“
  • IR no. 1319881 “SERPENTI SEDUTTORI“
  • IR no. 1323844 “SERPENTI INCANTATI“
  • IR no. 1331470 “SERPENTI HYPONOTIC“
  • IR no. 1332000 “SERPENTI FOREVER“
  • IR no. 1376153 “SERPENTI VIPER“
https://www.bulgari.com/ja-jp/collection/serpenti.html

JPO decision

The JPO Opposition Board questioned a high degree of recognition of the mark “Serpenti” per se among relevant consumers in Japan because lots of presence in magazines, advertisings, and web articles for the “Serpenti” collection accompany with famous luxury brand “BVLGARI” or “BVLGARI.COM”. The Board pointed out that no commercial records were submitted regarding the sales and market share of the collection.

Comparing the marks, the Board found the contested mark is distinguishable from the cited marks in appearance because none of them have visual arrangement in two lines. Although the initial sound produced by the prefix “ser” is identical, the subsequent sound is different, thereby establishing that the contested mark is clearly distinguishable from the cited marks in pronunciation. A conceptual comparison is neutral as neither the contested mark nor the cited marks have any clear meaning.

In light of the aforementioned findings, the Board has determined that the contested mark is not similar to any of the cited marks. Therefore, even if the goods in question are identical or similar to those of the cited marks, the contested mark shall not be subject to Article 4(1)(xi).

Given the low degree of similarity between the marks and the uncertain degree of recognition of the cited marks, the Board has no reason to believe that relevant consumers are likely to confuse a source of goods in question bearing the cited mark with BVLGARI. Therefore, the contested mark shall not be cancelled under Article 4(1)(xv).

Consequently, the Board did not align with BVLGARI and decided to dismiss the entire opposition against the contested mark.