Brands play a significant role in many industries. In the world
of casual footwear, whether sneakers, trainers or tackies, it all
depends on where you're from, brands are hugely important with
many of the biggest and most recognisable brands in the world
operating in this space. So let's discuss some recent trade
mark issues involving your favourite footwear brands.
NEW BALANCE - Japan
In Japan, a Japanese individual applied to register the trade
mark NYAN BALANCE and device in class 25 for apparel and footwear.
As you will note from the representation below, the device
comprises a cat figure, one that some might feel bears a slight
resemblance to a tick or check. There is an explanatory note that
reads as follows: 'Nyan is known as the sound cats makes in
Japan. Because of it, ''nyan balance'' reminds us
of a combination of cat sounds and
''balance''.'
