HTC Prevailed In Opposition Over Its “HTC VIVE” Trademark

On October 31, 2025, Taiwan’s IP Office (“TIPO”) cancelled the contested “Htc” trademark, finding such trademark may cause confusion with HTC’s “HTC VIVE” trademark (Reg. No. 01803242, see below). 

The contested trademark, “Htc” (Reg. No. 02425673, see below), was filed by Highlight Tech Corp. (“Highlight”) on May 24, 2024, and granted on January 1, 2025. It was designated for use in goods in Class 9, including computer programs, downloadable applications, scanners, chips, semiconductors, wearable electronic devices, etc. HTC filed opposition on April 2, 2025, alleging that the registration for wearable electronic devices shall be cancelled in view of Articles 30.1.10, 30.1.11, or 30.1.12 of Trademark Act.

TIPO sided with HTC on October 31, 2025, cancelling “Htc” 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 it is identical or similar to another’s registered trademark, designated for use in identical or similar goods or services, and therefore may create confusion among the relevant consumers. 

2.    On similarity of trademark, TIPO noted that both the contested trademark and HTC’s “HTC VIVE” contain the same English letters “H”, “T”, and “C”, which constitute the dominant portion of the trademarks. Although the contested trademark includes an additional blue frame surrounding the letters, TIPO considered such differences minor. The contested trademark was deemed visually and verbally similar to HTC’s “HTC VIVE”.

3.    On similarity of designated products, HTC’s “HTC VIVE” was designated for smart glasses and wearable devices consisting of software and display, which are similar to the wearable electronic devices covered by the contested “Htc”. TIPO considered both products categories to provide similar functions for smart wearables.

4.    While both “Htc” and “HTC VIVE” are distinctive, TIPO noted that based on HTC’s extensive evidence of trademark use, including market share data, sales reports, TIPO’s prior determinations, awards, exhibitions, news reports, and media coverages, “HTC VIVE” is more recognizable among the relevant consumers. 

5.    In view of the above, given the similarity between the trademarks, the overlap of designated products, and the strong brand recognition established by “HTC VIVE” in the field of VR wearable devices, TIPO concluded that the contested trademark would create confusion with HTC’s well-known brand. The contested trademark was cancelled accordingly.

 

Source: https://cloud.tipo.gov.tw/S282/S282WV1/#/written-result-details/disposition?issueKey=doNRI%2BOlCc8UpvtJiaCEr7%2BshsbbRH5OA6Xx