On January 2, 2026, Taiwan’s IP Office (“TIPO”) cancelled the trademark “Hipuller & device”, finding such trademark confusingly similar to Ford’s iconic pony logo (Reg. No. 02208164, see below).
On January 2, 2026, TIPO ruled in favor of Ford, cancelling the contested trademark based on Article 30.1.11 of Trademark Act:
1. Article 30.1.11 of Trademark Act provides that a mark shall not be registered if it is identical or similar to another’s well-known trademark, and is likely to cause confusion among the relevant consumers, or dilute the distinctiveness of the well-known trademark.
2. Based on records submitted by Ford, including decades of use of pony logo in its Mustang series, news reports by local media (such as U-Car, CARTURE, BusinessNext, Yahoo, HIGHMOTOR, and GOChoice), and its strong distributorship in Taiwan market, TIPO found that prior to the filing date of the contested trademark, Ford’s pony logo was already well-known among the relevant consumers.
3. On similarity, TIPO observed that although the contested trademark featured the word “Hipuller” above the design of a running horse, the horse design in both trademarks constituted the dominant portion, with highly similar contours, mane style, and running posture. As such, ordinary consumers would consider the contested trademark visually and conceptually similar to Ford’s pony logo.
4. On the strength of the trademark, TIPO noted that the pony logo is not a commonly used symbol, and that it has been famous due to Ford’s extensive use in Taiwan. Given that Kangfu did not submit any evidence to support the actual use of the contested trademark, TIPO opined that the consumers would be more familiar with Ford’s pony logo.
5. Moreover, hand tools, such as wrenches, may be used in automobile maintenance and repair. Consumers therefore may consider the designated products of the contested trademark as related to Ford’s automotive products.
In light of the well-known status of Ford’s pony logo, the similarity between the two trademarks, the strong brand recognition among the relevant consumers, and the relatedness between the designated products, TIPO concluded that the the contested trademark may create confusion with Ford’s famous pony logo. The registration of the contested trademark was cancelled accordingly.
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