Samiko Sun
1. What does well-known trade mark status mean? What's the
difference between the protection offered by a well-known trade
mark and a normal one?
The well-known trademark status means that the mark has acquired
high reputation and influence among the public through extensive
and continuous use, and it has been recognized as well-known
trademark by the relevant public, based on which a broader scope of
protection could be given on a case-by-case basis.
Well-known trademark is offered a broader scope of protection,
which is not limited to the designated goods and services covered
by the registration. It means that the protection for a well-known
mark could be extended to the non-similar goods and services, even
though, sometimes, the gap among the goods and services is large,
the well-known mark would also be protected to prevent the possible
dilution of the well-known mark.
