Nepal Tiger — Distinctive; Article 4(1)(xvi) Not Applicable / Tibet Tiger — Not Distinctive
Updated: 1 day ago
Article information
Article type: Case note
Category: Trademarks
Topics: Distinctiveness
First published on this website: 2026-11-01
Display and classification checked: November 2, 2026
Originally published on Ameblo: 2024-10-01 (Japan time). Full English translation.
[Trademark] 2023 (Gyo-Ke) 10115 <Shoji> “Nepal Tiger” — Distinctiveness satisfied (Article 3(1)(iii)); Article 4(1)(xvi) not applicable
Several websites describe “Tibetan carpets” shaped like tigers as “Tibetan Tiger Rugs” and the like, but none uses “Nepal Tiger.”
+ Nepal as a place name is not well known in Japan.
[Trademark] 2023 (Gyo-Ke) 10116 <Miyasaka> “Tibet Tiger” — No distinctiveness; Article 4(1)(xvi) applicable
It conveys the meaning of a tiger of Tibet.
There is no evidence that the place name Tibet is not well known.
Numerous “Tibetan carpets” shaped like tigers are sold as “Tibetan Tiger Rugs” and the like.
[Trademark] 2023 (Gyo-Ke) 10114 <Hibiku Shimizu> “Tibetan Tiger” — No distinctiveness
“Tibetan carpets” shaped like tigers are called “Tibetan Tiger Rugs” and the like.
⇒ A mark consisting solely of an indication describing characteristics such as the quality of Tibetan carpets (goods) shaped in the plan-view outline of a tiger seen from above.
Update history
The first-published date remains unchanged. Display maintenance, classification changes, related-article updates, and text corrections are recorded separately.
November 1, 2026: First published on this website.
November 2, 2026: Added article information, classification, topics, language navigation, related articles where the same case was confirmed, consultation guidance, and SEO. The original text and first-published date were preserved.
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