# Trademark Similarity: LUISE versus MS. LOUISE

The applied-for and earlier registered marks differ in appearance. The applied-for mark is a coined expression, so a meaningful conceptual comparison cannot be made.

Source: https://www.iplexlaw.co.kr/en/blog/810292

HOME / NEWS & INSIGHTS NEWS & INSIGHTS Trademark Similarity: LUISE versus MS. LOUISE The applied-for and earlier registered marks differ in appearance. The applied-for mark is a coined expression, so a meaningful conceptual comparison cannot be made. Trademarks 2023.03.10 published IPLEX 2 min read 2008 Heo 2619 Trademark refusal Earlier registered mark Applied for trademark Mark [Similarity of the marks] 1. Appearance and concept The applied-for and earlier registered marks differ in appearance. The applied-for mark is a coined expression, so a meaningful conceptual comparison cannot be made. 2. Pronunciation “LUISE” may be pronounced in Korean as “ruiseu” or “ruije”. In “MS. LOUISE”, the title “MS.” has weak distinctiveness and can be separated from “LOUISE”. The latter may be pronounced as “ruiseu”, “rui” or “ruije”, making the marks identical or similar in pronunciation. [Designated goods] The applied-for mark's skirts, cardigans and leather belts are identical to corresponding goods under the earlier mark. [Decisions] Although their appearances differ and their concepts are not comparable, the marks have identical or similar pronunciations. Use on identical or similar goods could therefore cause confusion as to source. The court found the marks similar. Because some designated goods are also identical, registration was refused. 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: UGLYDOLL ↗ Older Trademark Similarity: uniPOS versus POS ↗ 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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