# Trademark Similarity: F1X versus F1 and Other Marks

The comparison considers appearance, sound and meaning objectively, as a whole and through separate observation. The issue is whether use for the designated goods may cause consumers or traders to confuse their source.

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HOME / NEWS & INSIGHTS NEWS & INSIGHTS Trademark Similarity: F1X versus F1 and Other Marks The comparison considers appearance, sound and meaning objectively, as a whole and through separate observation. The issue is whether use for the designated goods may cause consumers or traders to confuse their source. Trademarks 2023.02.22 published IPLEX 3 min read 2009 Heo 8195 Trademark registration invalidation [Principles of Judgment] Similarity depends on whether the marks, assessed objectively and as a whole through appearance, pronunciation and concept, are likely to confuse consumers as to source. A shared element alone does not establish similarity if it is unlikely to be perceived separately or the overall impressions clearly avoid confusion. Earlier registered Trademark 1 The Earlier registered Trademark 2 Earlier-used mark Registered trademark Mark 1. Comparison with earlier registered marks 1 and 2 [Similarity of the marks] 1. Appearance The registered mark joins a slightly right-slanting “F”, “1” and “X”. Earlier mark 1 places a bold slanted “F” beside two comb-like devices, with the negative space suggesting “1”, and adds “Formula 1” below. Earlier mark 2 omits the lower wording. The composition, arrangement and stylization give the marks different appearances. 2. Concept The registered mark is a coined mark without a definite concept for consumers. Its concept cannot therefore be compared with those of the earlier marks. 3. Pronunciation The registered mark is pronounced “F-one-X”. Earlier mark 1 may be called “F-one” or “Formula One”, and earlier mark 2 “F-one”. Despite the shared sounds, the additional syllable distinguishes the registered mark sufficiently to avoid confusion. 2. Comparison with the earlier-used mark The registered mark consists of “F1X”, while the earlier-used mark consists of a bold “F1”. They differ in letter count and appearance, have no comparable concepts, and are pronounced differently as “F-one-X” and “F-one”. [Decisions] The registered mark is dissimilar to both the earlier registered marks and the earlier-used mark. Their different appearances and pronunciations avoid confusion, and no conceptual comparison is possible. 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 Case: PRO-PAD ↗ Older Trademark Similarity: AUTOMAGICALLY versus MAGIC AUTO ↗ 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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