4710
JYP Entertainmenthas successfully defended the trademark rights of its character brand ‘SKZOO,‘associated with its groupStray Kids.
IPTABjustified its decision by stating thatSKis a well-known trademark, andSKZOOcould be mistakenly associated withSK Group.
The board argued that consumers might assume a special business relationship betweenJYPandSK Groupdue to the similarity in trademarks.
The court concluded that consumers were unlikely to confuse the origins of the two brands.
Furthermore, the ruling declaredKIPO’s rejection decision unlawful and ordered the cancellation of IPTABs previous decision.
Legal experts emphasize that brand recognition played a crucial role in the court’s decision.
This decision suggests that companies can strengthen their trademark applications by consistently using distinctive pronunciations before filing."
The established recognition ofSKZOOplayed a decisive role in the final ruling."
