# Trademark Similarity: RABVAC versus LAVAC

Comparison of the earlier registered mark and the applied-for mark for veterinary medicines and vaccines, including products for dogs, cats and horses.

Source: https://www.iplexlaw.co.kr/en/blog/789445

HOME / NEWS & INSIGHTS NEWS & INSIGHTS Trademark Similarity: RABVAC versus LAVAC Comparison of the earlier registered mark and the applied-for mark for veterinary medicines and vaccines, including products for dogs, cats and horses. Trademarks 2023.02.02 published IPLEX 2 min read 2004 Heo 6422 Trademark refusal Earlier registered mark Applied for trademark Mark Designated Goods Veterinary Medicine Dog/cat/horse vaccines, animal pharmaceuticals [Comparison of the marks] 1. Whether the sign is similar RABVAC has six Roman letters and LAVAC five. Both are coined terms whose concepts are difficult for ordinary consumers to identify. They share A and VAC but differ in length and the initial R/L. In Korean, RABVAC would be pronounced “rab-bak” or “raeb-bak”, and LAVAC “ra-bak” or “rae-bak”. Both have only two syllables, making it unnatural to omit a weak element and pronounce only the distinctive part. Even where abbreviation is possible, the full pronunciation remains relevant; similarity in any one possible pronunciation can establish similarity (Supreme Court, July 27, 2001, 99Hu796). There was no evidence that specialist or careful purchasers of veterinary medicines would omit VAC. The marks were therefore phonetically similar. 2. Designated Goods. Both marks cover veterinary pharmaceuticals. The dog, cat and horse vaccines also have similar characteristics, producers, distribution channels and consumers. [Decisions] The marks and their designated goods 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 Similarity: ELIN versus Eryn Brinie ↗ Older Trademark Similarity: SERA versus Ceragem ↗ 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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