Swiss luxury watch brand “IWC” prevailed in trademark opposition against “DWC ETERNITY”

On October 24, 2024, Taiwan’s IP Office (“TIPO”) ruled in the favor of RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA (“RICHEMONT”), finding the contested trademark “DWC ETERNITY” should be canceled for likelihood of confusion with RICHEMONT’s well-known “IWC” (no. 00035143 and no. 00916674, see below).

The application for the contested trademark, “DWC ETERNITY” (no. 02275511, see below), was filed on July 15, 2022, and granted on January 16, 2023, designated for use in goods under class 14, including jewelry, watches, bracelets, watch boxes, etc. RICHEMONT filed opposition on April 14, 2023, citing violations of Articles 30.1.10, 30.1.11, and 30.1.12 of Trademark Act.

 

TIPO ruled in favor of RICHEMONT based on Article 30.1.11, determining that:

1.    Article 30.1.11 of Trademark Act provides that a mark shall not be registered if such a mark is “identical with or similar to another person’s well-known trademark or mark, and hence there exists a likelihood of confusion on the relevant public or a likelihood of dilution of the distinctiveness or reputation of the said well-known trademark or mark”.

2.    Based on the evidence provided by RICHEMONT, including the records of global trademark registrations of “IWC”, the continuous coverage and exposure of “IWC” watches in reputable publications like “VOGUE”, “PRESTIGE”, and TIPO’s own prior determination, TIPO opines that as of the filing date of the contested trademark, RICHEMONT’s “IWC” has become well-known among the relevant consumers.

3.    In terms of similarity, while the contested trademark consists of “ETERNITY” and “DWC”, TIPO finds ordinary consumers would regard “DWC” as the dominant portion. In this context, “DWC” and “IWC” indeed share visual and phonetic similarities. Overall, the contested trademark, in its entirety, is still visually and verbally similar to RICHEMONT’s “IWC”.

4.    Additionally, TIPO notes that the contested trademark is applied for use in goods that are similar or closely related to those covered by RICHEMONT’s well-known “IWC” trademark, such as watches and the relevant accessories. For example, it is common for luxury watches to be adorned with jewelry and marketed as fashionable products.  

5.    Given that “DWC ETERNITY” is similar to “IWC” and used in similar watch products, that “IWC” is highly distinctive and well-known, that “IWC” is more recognizable among the relevant consumers, TIPO concludes that the registration of “DWC ETERNITY” may cause confusion with RICHEMONT’s famous “IWC” trademark. 

In view of the above, the contested trademark was canceled by TIPO accordingly. 

Source: https://cloud.tipo.gov.tw/S282/OS0/OS0401_SCN3.jsp?issueNo=XpJ13RyT4bk5OZ0k5aWMyVjJ0WDhEN3c1TVpUZz09&l6=zh_TW&isReadBulletinen_US=&isReadBulletinzh_TW=true

Appeal Committee Reverses TIPO Ruling in Louis Vuitton's 'LV' Trademark Battle

On October 23, 2024, LOUIS VUITTON MALLETIER (“LOUIS VUITTON”), the registrant of trademark No. 01922370 (see below), successfully persuaded the Petitions and Appeals Committee (“Appeal Committee”) to vacate an unfavorable decision by Taiwan’s IP Office (“TIPO”).

 

The dispute arose out of LOUIS VUITTON’s opposition against trademark No. 02274728 (see below), which was filed on June 17, 2022 and granted on January 1, 2023, designated for use with goods in class 3 (i.e., cosmetics and skin care) and services in class 35 (i.e., advertising). LOUIS VUITTON filed opposition on March 21, 2023, citing violations of Article 30.1.10 and 30.1.11 of Trademark Act.

 

TIPO ruled against LOUIS VUITTON, with the key reason being TIPO’s finding that the contested trademark was dissimilar to LOUIS VUITTON’s famous “LV” logo. LOUIS VUITTON subsequently challenged TIPO’s unfavorable decision before the Appeal Committee.

 

On October 23, 2024, Appeal Committee ruled in LOUIS VUITTON’s favor, determining that TIPO erred in finding the contested trademark dissimilar to LOUIS VUITTON’s famous “LV” logo.

 

In its ruling, the Appeal Committee noted that:

1.    While the contested trademark contains additional texts like “Vitoria&Jane” and “唯真”, the most dominant part is the overlapping characters “V” and “J”.

2.    After closely examining the style “V” and “J” are designed and displayed, the Appeal Committee noted that the two letters “V” and “J”, just like the “L” and “V” in LOUIS VUITTON’s famous logo, overlap. Besides, the letter “J” in the contested trademark is particularly tilted at an angle, although in the opposite direction, resembling the visual impression of the letter “L”.

3.    As such, the Appeal Committee came to the conclusion that the “V” and “J” in the contested trademark would still form visual impression that is similar to “L” and “V”. In its entirety, ordinary consumers would consider the contested trademark similar to LOUIS VUITTON’s well-known “LV” trademark.

 

Based on the finding of similarity, the Appeal Committee determined that the similarity between the contested trademark and the “LV” logo may lead to likelihood of confusion among the consumers. TIPO’s original decision was therefore vacated and the whole case was remanded accordingly.

 

Source:

TIPO’s decision: https://cloud.tipo.gov.tw/S282/OS0/OS0401_SCN3.jsp?issueNo=XpJ13RyT4WTIrcENtSEhNYlIzaGpXRWZrVGd5dz09&l6=zh_TW&isReadBulletinen_US=true&isReadBulletinzh_TW=true

Appeal Committee’s ruling:

https://cloud.tipo.gov.tw/S282/SS0/SS0201_SCN3.jsp?approNo=G01120109&docDate=113/10/24&type=1&l6=zh_TW&isReadBulletinen_US=true&isReadBulletinzh_TW=true 

Louis Vuitton scored a win in trademark opposition for its famous “LV” logo

 On September 25, 2024, fashion giant Louis Vuitton (“LV”) successfully persuaded Taiwan’s IP Office (“TIPO”) to cancel a registered trademark deemed too similar to LV’s iconic logo “LV” (no. 00827212, see below).

 

The contested trademark, no. 02357789 (see below), was filed on April 28, 2023, and granted on February 16, 2024, designated for use in goods in class 25, including clothing, T-shirts, shoes, scarves, socks, gloves, etc. LV filed opposition on May 15, 2024, citing violations of Article 30.1.10 and 30.1.11 of Trademark Act.

 

TIPO ruled in favor of LV on ground of Article 30.1.10 of Trademark Act:

1.    Article 30.1.10 of Trademark Act provides that a mark shall not be registered if such a mark is identical with or similar to another person’s registered trademark or earlier filed trademark and to be applied for goods or services identical with or similar to those for which the registered trademark is protected or the earlier filed trademark is designated, and hence there exists a likelihood of confusion on relevant consumers.

2.    In this case, TIPO noted that the disputed trademark comprises large letters “L” and “M”, and smaller text reading “LUYI MI” and “Always with you.” Due to the significant contrast in the sizes of the letters, consumers would consider “L” and “M” as the dominant portion of the disputed trademark. Further, given that part of the letter “M” was blocked by the “LUYI MI” text block, consumers could easily interpret the disputed trademark as featuring “L” and “V”, instead of “L” and “M”. Therefore, TIPO concluded that the disputed trademark visually similar with LV’s cited trademark.

3.    As to the designated use of goods, TIPO found the products designated by the disputed trademark were similar with those designated by LV’s cited trademark. For example, LV’s trademark was similarly applied for use in products like clothing, shirts, socks, hats, and pants, which share similar functions and purposes, such as warmth and aesthetical appeal.

4.    Moreover, based on evidence of use, TIPO found LV’s logo has been well recognized by the relevant consumers. By contrast, there was no evidence submitted by the registrant of the disputed trademark to support the strength of the disputed trademark. As such, TIPO was of the view that consumers in Taiwan would be more familiar with LV’s logo.

5.    In view of the similarity between LV’s logo and the disputed trademark, the overlap of designated products, the high distinctiveness of “LV”, and consumers’ familiarity with "LV", TIPO concluded that the disputed trademark would cause confusion with the cited "LV" trademark. As a result, the registration of the disputed trademark was canceled accordingly.

 

Source: https://cloud.tipo.gov.tw/S282/OS0/OS0401_SCN3.jsp?issueNo=XpJ13RyT4dnJ6aFh3N2RTVE1JSVhZYzEzWlF6UT09&l6=zh_TW&isReadBulletinen_US=&isReadBulletinzh_TW=true

GoPro Inc. prevailed in its trademark opposition against “GPRO-TECH”

On September 25, 2024, the global leader of action camera, GoPro Inc., successfully challenged the registration of trademark “GPRO-TECH & device” by convincing Taiwan’s IP Office (“TIPO”) that the disputed trademark would cause confusion with its iconic brand “GOPRO” (no. 01918925, see below).

The disputed trademark, “GPRO-TECH & device” (no.02221626, see below), was filed by TIANCHEN INNOVATIVE MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. (“Tianchen”) on November 17, 2021, and granted May 16, 2022, designated for use in goods under class 25, including various kinds of apparel and accessories, such as underwear, heating clothing, feather coat, shirts, scarves, gloves, socks, hats, etc. GoPro Inc. filed opposition on August 8, 2022, citing violations of Article 30.1.10, and Article 30.1.11 of Trademark Act.

TIPO sided with GoPro Inc. on ground of Article 30.1.10 of Trademark Act based on the following reasons:

1.      Article 30.1.10 of Trademark Act provides that a mark shall not be registered if such a mark is identical with or similar to another person’s registered trademark or earlier filed trademark and to be applied for goods or services identical with or similar to those for which the registered trademark is protected or the earlier filed trademark is designated, and hence there exists a likelihood of confusion on relevant consumers.

2.      Here, consumers with ordinary degree of care are likely to consider GoPro Inc.’s “GOPRO” similar with Tianchen ‘s “GPRO-TECH & device”. The “Tech” element and the graphic in Tianchen’s disputed trademark have low distinctiveness, and consumers are more likely to view “GPRO” as the dominant part of the disputed trademark. Since “GPRO” starts with “G” and ends with “PRO,” it bears strong resemblance to GoPro’s “GOPRO”.

3.      In terms of the designated use of goods, GoPro Inc.’s “GOPRO” similarly covers apparel items, such as pajamas, shirts, coats, neckties, hats, scarves, etc. These products serve similar purposes to the goods designated by Tianchen’s disputed trademark.

4.      As to the strength of the trademark, upon further examination, TIPO finds GoPro Inc. currently is the only registrant of trademark for apparel product that starts with “G” and ends as “PRO”. As such, “GOPRO” is highly unique, and should be distinctive among the relevant consumers in Taiwan.  

5.      In view of the above, given that the degree of similarity between GoPro Inc.’s “GOPRO” and Tianchen’s “GPRO-TECH & device” is high, that both trademarks are applied for use in similar clothing products, and that “GOPRO” is highly distinctive, TIPO concludes that registration of “GPRO-TECH & device” may cause confusion with “GOPRO” among the relevant consumers. As a result, the registration of Tianchen’s disputed trademark is canceled accordingly.

 

Source: https://cloud.tipo.gov.tw/S282/OS0/OS0401_SCN3.jsp?issueNo=XpJ13RyT4ZFFpTkpXdmQ1Ry9UT2hFamhCNjkzQT09&l6=zh_TW&isReadBulletinen_US=&isReadBulletinzh_TW=true

Elon Musk’s SpaceX prevailed in opposition proceeding against “SPACE” trademark

On September 20, 2024, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (“SPACEX”), the space technology company founded by Elon Musk, successfully convinced Taiwan’s Intellectual Property Office (“TIPO”) to cancel the registration of trademark no. 02332938 due to a likelihood of confusion with SPACEX’s own trademark, “SPACEX” (no. 01913159, see below).

 

The disputed trademark, “SPACE” (no. 02332938, see below), was filed by Dentall Co., Ltd. (“Dentall”) on March 17, 2023, and granted on November 1, 2023, designated for use in services under class 38, including telecommunications, mobile phone communication transmission, online information transmission, computer transmission of images and messages, etc. SPACEX filed opposition on January 26, 2024, citing violations of Article 30.1.10, 30.1.11, and 30.1.12 of Trademark Act.

 

TIPO found for SPACEX based on Article 30.1.10 of Trademark Act, reasoning that:

1.      Article 30.1.10 of Trademark Act provides that a mark shall not be registered if such a mark is “identical with or similar to another person’s registered trademark or earlier filed trademark and to be applied for goods or services identical with or similar to those for which the registered trademark is protected or the earlier filed trademark is designated, and hence there exists a likelihood of confusion on relevant consumers”.

2.      The disputed trademark uses the same word “space”, with minor difference in terms of its stylization, and the lack of letter “X”. Ordinary consumers would find “SPACE” visually, verbally, and conceptually similar with “SPACEX”.

3.      As to the designated use of services, both the disputed trademark and “SPACEX” cover services involving transmission of text, messages, images, or other data through magnetic, wireless, or internet signals. As such, TIPO opined Dentall’s “SPACE” was used in services that were similar with or related to those designated by "SPACEX".

4.      Based on the evidence of trademark use between 2018 and 2022, including news reports about SPACEX’s launch of rocket, its “Starlink” service, and SPACEX’s business relationships with Taiwanese’s suppliers for its parts and accessories, TIPO concluded that relevant consumers in Taiwan would be more familiar with the “SPACEX” trademark.

5.      In view of the above, given the similarity between “SPACE” and “SPACEX”, the overlap in the designated services, and the fact that Taiwan’s consumers are more familiar with “SPACEX” due to its established fame and services, TIPO determined that Dentall’s “SPACE” trademark would likely cause confusion among consumers. Therefore, registration of “SPACE” was canceled under Article 30.1.10 of the Trademark Act.

 

Source:

https://cloud.tipo.gov.tw/S282/OS0/OS0401_SCN3.jsp?issueNo=XpJ13RyT4c3hPWDRIa2g5OFBLaDlDWXd0YXZGZz09&l6=zh_TW&isReadBulletinen_US=&isReadBulletinzh_TW=true

Apple successfully invalidated a trademark imitating its MagSafe ring

On August 27, 2024, Taiwan’s IP Office (“TIPO”) sided with tech giant Apple Inc. (“Apple”), canceling a trademark registration that imitated Apple’s iconic white ring used in its MagSafe technology.

In 2020, when announcing its wireless charging technology MagSafe, Apple also released smartphone case with a white ring that could guide users in placing their iPhones more accurately, ensuring optimal charging efficiency (See below).

                                                         

On February 15, 2023, a Taiwanese filed trademark application that features two circular rings (see below), designated for use in goods under class 9, including headphone, earbuds, wireless headsets, smartphone cases, mobile phone cases, charger, mobile phone charger, etc. The application was granted on November 1, 2023 (no. 02331397). Apple filed invalidation action on May 14, 2024, citing violations of Article 29.1.1 and Article 29.1.3 of Trademark Act.

                                                        

On August 27, 2024, TIPO found in Apple’s favor, determining that the disputed trademark shall be canceled on the ground of Article 29.1.1:

1.      Article 29.1.1 of Trademark Act provides that a trademark shall not be registered if it consists “exclusively of a description of the quality, intended purpose, material, place of origin, or relevant characteristics of the designated goods or services”.

2.      Here, based on the evidence submitted by Apple, including its 2020 press release for MagSafe, the photos of the iPhone products, smartphone cases, and wireless chargers on Apple’s website, and smartphone cases sold by other third-party vendors compatible with Apple’s MagSafe technology, TIPO noted that the white ring on the back of iPhone cases has been widely adopted to guide users to position their iPhones correctly for charging.

3.      Hence, TIPO was convinced that when seeing the disputed trademark used on the designated smartphone products, consumers would perceive it as a functional indicator showing where to place their smartphones to have optimal charging efficiency, rather than as a sign indicating the source of product or service. Consumers would view the mark as descriptive of the product’s function or characteristic.

4.      Given that the disputed trademark consists of purely descriptive elements and lacks distinctiveness, TIPO concluded that such trademark shall be canceled per Article 29.1.1 of Trademark Act.

Source: 

1. TIPO's determination: https://cloud.tipo.gov.tw/S282/OS0/OS0401_SCN3.jsp?issueNo=XpJ13RyT4dDhSTDVUK281UFkwVysrbGdxcU1tQT09&l6=zh_TW&isReadBulletinen_US=&isReadBulletinzh_TW=true

2. Apple's iPhone 12 case: https://www.apple.com/tw_smb_101387/shop/product/MHLM3FE/A/iphone-12-12-pro-magsafe-%E9%80%8F%E6%98%8E%E4%BF%9D%E8%AD%B7%E6%AE%BC 

Apple prevailed in trademark opposition for its “Pages” App icon

On August 29, 2024, Taiwan’s IP Office (“TIPO”) granted Apple Inc.’s (“Apple”) request to cancel trademark no. 02287852, finding the registered trademark is too similar with Apple’s registered icons for its “Pages” App (no. 01709495, and no. 01970147, see below).

 

The disputed trademark (no. 02287852, see below) was filed by BEIJING XIPULIN TRADING CO. LTD (“XIPULIN”) on July 1, 2022, and granted on April 1, 2023, designated for use in goods under class 9, such as laptop, computer software, computer hardware, downloadable mobile phone application, tablet computer, smartphones, headphones, cameras, etc. Apple filed opposition on June 30, 2023, alleging violations of Article 30.1.10, 30.1.11, and 30.1.12 of Trademark Act.

 

On August 20, 2024, TIPO found in Apple’s favor based on Article 30.1.10 of Trademark Act:

1.      Article 30.1.10 of Trademark Act provides that a mark shall not be registered if such a mark is “identical with or similar to another person’s registered trademark or earlier filed trademark and to be applied for goods or services identical with or similar to those for which the registered trademark is protected or the earlier filed trademark is designated, and hence there exists a likelihood of confusion on relevant consumers”.

2.      On similarity, TIPO notes that both XIPULIN’s and Apple’s trademarks feature a pen of white color, a square of yellow or orange color that encircles the pen, and the tip of the pen is headed toward lower-left of such square. While XIPULIN argued that in its trademark the pen is thicker, has no pen cap, and the page is flipping, TIPO posits that such variations are insufficient to create distinction from Apple’s icon. TIPO considers ordinary consumers would find XIPULIN’s and Apple’s trademarks visually and conceptually similar with each other.

3.      As to the designated use of goods, TIPO also finds the two trademarks are used for similar products. For example, Apple’s no. 01709495 trademark is applied for use in computer, disk, internet equipment, light pen, computer software, etc., and Apple’s no. 01970147 is applied for use in laptop, computer, mobile phone, smart watch, etc. These products are of similar nature, function, and share related purposes with the products designated by XIPULIN’s trademark.

4.      TIPO further notes that Apple’s aforesaid trademarks are highly distinctive, and have been well recognized by the relevant consumers due to its popular “Pages” app. The “Pages” app was first released to Apple’s user in 2013, and made available for other non-Apple users since 2015 for free. Based on the records of news reports and media coverages, TIPO is convinced that Apple’s cited trademarks are more famous and consumers are more familiar with these trademarks.

5.      In view of the above, considering the high similarity between XIPULIN’s and Apple’s trademarks, the similarity between the designated use of goods, the fact that Apple’s trademarks are highly distinctive and have established great recognizability among the relevant consumers, TIPO concludes that the registration of XIPULIN’s trademark may cause confusion with Apple’s above cited trademarks.

Accordingly, TIPO determines that the disputed trademark shall be canceled per Article 30.1.10 of Trademark Act.

Source: https://cloud.tipo.gov.tw/S282/OS0/OS0401_SCN3.jsp?issueNo=XpJ13RyT4bndMSHFRbGJlL3ZLaDlDWXd0YXZGZz09&l6=zh_TW&isReadBulletinen_US=&isReadBulletinzh_TW=true