Recently, a client received a final decision approving their trademark registration after an opposition—delaying issuance by over a year. Lao Yang from Putui Intellectual Property views this outcome positively, as registration was ultimately secured.
Normally, if no opposition is filed during the three-month preliminary announcement period, registration certificates are issued within one month. Oppositions prolong the process and may partially or fully block registration. Names resembling well-known trademarks often face opposition—sometimes triggered by sharing even a single character. Major brands frequently oppose new applications containing any element of their marks.
However, robust rebuttal arguments can increase registration chances. In this case:
The opposed trademark received well-known status protection,
Its goods differed significantly from the opposer’s core industry,
Its text was distinct and did not imitate the opposer’s mark.
An opposition during the announcement period indirectly indicates the trademark’s public appeal and memorability. Still, Lao Yang advises avoiding names similar to well-known marks in relevant industries during applications.