[Trademarks] IP High Court, Reiwa 6 (Ne) 10007, “Jimny Fan” <Judge Miyasaka>
更新日：3 日前
Article information
Article type: Case note
Categories: Trademarks
Issues: Trademark similarity
Published on website: 2026-10-08
Display and classification checked: 2026-10-08
[Trademarks] IP High Court, Reiwa 6 (Ne) 10007, “Jimny Fan” <Judge Miyasaka>
* The mark cannot be assessed by separating its components. The concepts differ. Distinct market spheres have been established.
⇒ The marks are dissimilar.
(Excerpt from the judgment, translated)
The designated goods of the applied-for mark, as amended, are the extremely niche goods in Class 16, “information magazines concerning parts and accessories used to modify off-road vehicles.” As found above regarding actual trade conditions, no automobile manufacturer, including Suzuki, publishes such magazines itself or through affiliated dealers. Nor is it plausible that traders and consumers encountering the amended goods bearing the applied-for mark would perceive an automobile manufacturer, including Suzuki, or an affiliated dealer as the publisher (or a possible publisher).
Moreover, although Suzuki was fully aware that the plaintiff had published the magazine under the same title as the applied-for mark for over ten years, it had never sent the plaintiff a warning or complaint alleging confusion with the Jimny mark. Instead, it supported publication, including by paying the plaintiff to place advertisements for the Jimny in the magazine. ...
Suzuki's business under the Jimny mark may include related merchandise and ancillary services as well as the off-road vehicle itself. In practice, however, the business of providing “information magazines concerning parts and accessories used to modify off-road vehicles” is conducted by third parties with no direct connection to Suzuki or its affiliated dealers. Distinct market spheres that do not conflict with Suzuki's business have therefore been established.
Figures: see the original article.
Original article (2025-10-13):
Originally posted on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7513415678138265600/
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Consultation guide by purpose: https://www.takaishihideki.com/en/single-post/consultation-guide-en
Update history
The update history records only changes actually published, with dates.
2026-10-08: First publication of the LinkedIn original; display, classification, and consultation link set.
2026-10-08: Updated issue tags and classification.
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Original AMEBLO article
