Taiwan’s IP Office Sided with Mercedes-Benz in its Trademark Opposition Against Kurabe’s Logo

In a trademark opposition initiated by Mercedes-Benz (“Benz”), Taiwan’s IP Office (“TIPO”) ruled in favor of the German automotive giant, finding the contested trademark confusingly similar to Benz’s iconic three-pointed star logos (Reg. No. 01535350 and 01766128, see below).

The contested trademark (Reg. no. 02327415, see below) was filed by a Japanese company Kurabe Industrial Co. Ltd. (“Kurabe”) on December 19, 2022, and granted on October 1, 2023. Such trademark was designated for use in products in Class 9 (e.g., automotive electronic wiring, electrical conductors, copper wires, cables, PCBs, etc.), Class 11 (e.g., lighting devices for vehicles, lighting fixtures, vehicle ventilation systems, vehicle heaters, etc.), and Class 17 (e.g., insulators, cable insulators, insulating materials, etc.). Benz filed an opposition on December 28, 2023, alleging violations of Articles 30.1.10 and 30.1.11 of Trademark Act.

On December 31, 2025, TIPO ruled in Benz’s favor based on Article 30.1.10 of Trademark Act, finding that:

1.        Article 30.1.10 of Trademark Act provides that a mark shall not be registered if such a mark is identical or similar to another’s registered trademark, and is used in identical or similar products or services, thereby creating a likelihood of confusion among the relevant consumers.

2.        On similarity, the contested trademark consisted of three lightning-like elements extending upward, down-right, and down-left from the center, surrounded by two rings. TIPO noted that Benz’s logos similarly featured a star design extending in the same directions from the center and enclosed by a ring. Hence, Kurabe’s trademark was found to be visually similar to Benz’s trademarks.

3.        As to the designated products, TIPO observed that both Benz’s and Kurabe’s trademarks covered cables, wires, lighting devices, insulators, and the related accessories, which serve similar functions or purposes. Therefore, the designated products were considered similar. 

4.        Based on the sales records, news reports, and Benz’s official webpages, TIPO found that Benz’s cited trademarks had been well-known in the automotive field and related product market. By contrast, Kurabe’s evidence was insufficient to demonstrate product sales or extensive trademark use in Taiwan. TIPO was unable to determine if Kurabe’s trademark was also known to the relevant consumers. 

5.        Considering the similarity between the trademarks, the relatedness of product categories, and the strong brand recognition established by Benz, TIPO concluded that the registration of the contested trademark would likely cause confusion. Hence, Kurabe’s trademark was cancelled accordingly.

 

Source: https://cloud.tipo.gov.tw/S282/S282WV1/#/written-result-details/disposition?issueKey=doNRI%2BOrA84drPvQUeCzDhBEO25bOqgslLS%2F