On August 27, 2026, Taiwan’s IP Office (“TIPO”) cancelled the contested trademark “M” based on a likelihood of confusion with Netflix’s iconic “N” trademark (Reg. No. 01845240, 01845375, 01846939, and 02480554, see below).
The contested trademark, “M” (Reg. No. 02496095, see below), was filed by Meow Media (“Meow”) on February 11, 2025, and registered on November 16, 2025. The mark covered services in Class 41, including entertainment services, video production, distribution of video recordings, screenplay writing, script adaptation, online video viewing services, providing non-downloadable video, etc. Netflix filed opposition on February 23, 2026, alleging that the registration of the contested trademark violated Articles 30.1.10 and 30.1.11 of Trademark Act.
TIPO ruled in Netflix’s favor on August 27, 2026 under 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 or
similar to other’s registered trademark, to be used in identical or similar services
or goods, and hence may cause confusion among the relevant public.
2.
On similarity, TIPO observed that
the contested “M” logo incorporated a folded-ribbon design, gradient coloring,
and a three-dimensional visual effect, anchored by a curved base across the
letter. Similarly, Netflix’s trademark features a red, three-dimensional and
folded-ribbon letter. Given these similar artistic elements and comparable
phonetic rhythms, TIPO found Meow’s “M” visually and phonetically similar to
Netflix’s “N”.
3.
The services designated by Meow’s
trademark, such as the entertainment service, distribution of video recordings,
and video productions, overlapped with those covered by Netflix’s trademark.
Both relate to digital media entertainment, content production, and audiovisual
streaming services.
4.
TIPO further noted that Netflix
has been the leading OTT streaming platform in Taiwan since 2022, and its
market share has kept growing due to its continuous and successful collaborations
with Taiwan’s movie industry, TAICCA, and extensive marketing in both online
and offline channels. TIPO therefore determined that consumers are more familiar
with Netflix’s “N”, entitling the senior mark to broader legal protection.
In view of the above, given the visual and
phonetic similarity between the trademarks, the overlap of the designated
services, and Netflix’s strong brand recognition, TIPO concluded that the
registration of the contested trademark may cause confusion with Netflix’s logo.
Accordingly, Meow’s “M” was cancelled.
