# Trademark Similarity Case: Lee Woo-il’s Cartoon

The court examines the words, graphics and symbols displayed in each mark to assess whether their overall visual impressions could cause confusion as indicators of origin.

Source: https://www.iplexlaw.co.kr/en/blog/780316

HOME / NEWS & INSIGHTS NEWS & INSIGHTS Trademark Similarity Case: Lee Woo-il’s Cartoon The court examines the words, graphics and symbols displayed in each mark to assess whether their overall visual impressions could cause confusion as indicators of origin. Trademarks 2023.01.16 published IPLEX 2 min read 2008 Heo 8433 Trademark registration invalidation [General principles of similarity assessment] The court examines the words, graphics and symbols displayed in each mark to assess whether their overall visual impressions could cause confusion as indicators of origin. Earlier registered mark Designated Goods: Suitcases Mark Registered trademark Designated Goods: Suitcases Mark [Similarity of the marks] 1. The marks The registered mark combines strawberry and girl devices, while the earlier mark combines snake and girl devices. The earlier girl character has a relatively large face, three strands of hair, and a hairpin with three strawberries. It was created around 1998 and used on bags, clothing and other goods. In each mark, the girl is visually prominent despite the accompanying strawberry or snake device. Consumers may therefore perceive the marks through the girl character. The registered girl character likewise has a large face, three protruding strands of hair and a three-strawberry hairpin. These shared features create a similar overall appearance. Both may be perceived or referred to as a girl or strawberry girl, giving them the same pronunciation and concept. 2. Designated Goods The registered mark is similar to the earlier mark. 3. Conclusion The marks are similar. Read the Korean source This article reflects the information available when it was published. Contact us to discuss your circumstances. Discuss this topic ↗ All articles Related service: Designs & trade marks ↗ Related service: IP disputes & appeals ↗ TALK TO IPLEX Discuss your IP questions We consider your technology and business needs together. ↗ Contact us Newer Trademark Complaint over “News Factory”: TBS and Kim Eo-jun ↗ Older Trademark Similarity Case: Ganji ↗ Related insights Trademarks 2026.10.01 TikTok for confectionery: dilution can prevent registration in Korea Korean Patent Court case 2025Heo10379 explains why different goods and later commercial success did not overcome the reputation and distinctiveness of TikTok. ↗ Read article Trademarks 2026.09.30 Can Fear of a Trade Mark Dispute Justify Non-Use? Korean Supreme Court decision 2024후10504 separates an intention to launch from actual use and objective obstacles beyond the owner’s control. ↗ Read article Trademarks 2026.09.29 An App Name: A Mark for Software or for the Service It Delivers? The 010PAY decision, 2025허10405, considers actual transactions, revenue and the proper subject of Korean trade mark scope proceedings. ↗ Read article

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