# Trademark Similarity: uniPOS versus POS

The applied-for trademark and service mark “uniPOS” combine “uni” and “POS” as a single expression. “POS,” short for “Point of Sale,” lacks distinctiveness in the relevant context. The combined mark was therefore found dissimilar to the earlier registered service mark “POS.”

Source: https://www.iplexlaw.co.kr/en/blog/809693

HOME / NEWS & INSIGHTS NEWS & INSIGHTS Trademark Similarity: uniPOS versus POS The applied-for trademark and service mark “uniPOS” combine “uni” and “POS” as a single expression. “POS,” short for “Point of Sale,” lacks distinctiveness in the relevant context. The combined mark was therefore found dissimilar to the earlier registered service mark “POS.” Trademarks 2023.03.09 published IPLEX 3 min read 2000 Heo 1634 Judgment [Trademark refusal] [Judgment] The applied-for trademark and service mark “uniPOS” combine “uni” and “POS” as a single expression. “POS,” short for “Point of Sale,” lacks distinctiveness in the relevant context. The combined mark was therefore found dissimilar to the earlier registered service mark “POS.” [Principles of Judgment] Similarity is assessed objectively and as a whole through appearance, pronunciation and concept, considering the marks as encountered separately. Similarity in one aspect does not establish overall similarity where the other aspects clearly avoid confusion; conversely, differences do not preclude similarity where consumers may still be confused. Cited service mark Applied-for trademark and service mark Mark POS uniPOS [Analysis of the applied-for trademark and service mark] 1. Appearance “uniPOS” is a single coined expression. The lowercase “uni” and uppercase “POS” do not, by themselves, justify separating it. Its Korean pronunciation is a relatively short four syllables. “uni” is a prefix meaning “one” or “single” that combines with another word, so separating the mark into “uni” and “POS” would be unnatural. 2. Pronunciation and concept Dictionaries and trade usage recognize “POS” as an abbreviation for point of sale. Many marks containing “POS” were registered for relevant computers, terminals and management services. The court therefore found “POS” insufficiently distinctive to be the dominant element and unlikely to be used alone to refer to “uniPOS”. [Decisions] “uniPOS” is pronounced in Korean as “yuniposeu”, while “POS” is pronounced “poseu” or “pi-o-eseu”. Their appearances and concepts are also dissimilar. The court found the marks dissimilar overall and unlikely to cause confusion even on identical or similar services. 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: LUISE versus MS. LOUISE ↗ Older Trademark Similarity Case: M Plus ↗ 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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