On December 23, 2025, Taiwan’s IP Office (“TIPO”) sided with BEIERSDORF AG (“BEIERSDORF”) in a trademark opposition proceeding, cancelling the contested trademark “nVEDA” in view of potential confusion with the well-known “NEVIA” (Reg. No.00039212, 00384064, 01316235, 01790601, 01521516, and 02252012, see below).
The contested trademark, “nVEDA” (Reg. No. 02377486, see below), was filed on July 10, 2023, and granted on May 16, 2024. The trademark covered goods in Class 3 (e.g., cosmetics, lipsticks, mouthwash, shampoo, skincare lotion, fragrances, etc.), and services in Class 44 (e.g., skin care, hairstyling, haircut, makeup, spas, hair salon, etc.). BEIERSDORF filed an opposition on August 8, 2024, alleging that registration of the contested trademark violated Articles 30.1.10 and 30.1.11 of Trademark Act.
1. The contested trademark comprised the stylized letters “nVEDA”, with the words “waxing & spa” in a smaller font. Since “waxing & spa” is descriptive for cosmetics and skin care services, consumers would focus primarily on “nVEDA”. Given that both “nVEDA” and “NIVEA” contain five letters, and share the same first and last letters, ordinary consumers would likely view “nVEDA” visually and phonetically similar to “NIVEA”.
2. On the designated products and services, TIPO noted that “NIVEA” also covered products and services such as essential oils, perfumes, sunscreens, deodorants, cosmetics, and beauty care, which overlap with those designated by “nVEDA”.
3. In terms of the brand recognition, TIPO observed that based on sales records, marketing materials, advertising, and TIPO’s and court’s prior rulings, BEIERSDORF’s “NIVEA” has become well-known in the cosmetics field. By contrast, there was no evidence supporting the actual use of “nEVDA”. Consumes are therefore more familiar with BEIERSDORF’s “NIVEA”.
In view of the similarity between the trademarks, the overlap in designated products, and the strong brand recognition of “NIVEA” in Taiwan, TIPO concluded that registration of “nVEDA” would create consumer confusion with “NIVEA”. The contested trademark was cancelled accordingly.
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