# Trademark Similarity Case: SNOW PERFUME

A trademark identifies commercial origin and helps prevent confusion. The comparison therefore ordinarily considers the mark as a whole, including its appearance, sound and meaning.

Source: https://www.iplexlaw.co.kr/en/blog/929608

HOME / NEWS & INSIGHTS NEWS & INSIGHTS Trademark Similarity Case: SNOW PERFUME A trademark identifies commercial origin and helps prevent confusion. The comparison therefore ordinarily considers the mark as a whole, including its appearance, sound and meaning. Trademarks 2023.10.12 published IPLEX 3 min read 2006 Heo 5225 Judgment [Trademark registration invalidation] [Assessment of the marks as a whole] Marks are generally compared as a whole. A distinctive dominant element may assist that comparison, but should not replace the overall assessment with artificial dissection. Registered trademark Comparison of trademarks [Similarity of the marks] (1) the appearance. The registered trademark is a combination of the letters SNOW and PERFUME, and the comparison marks are also a combination of the two words Ice and Snow. In contrast to the two trademarks, the appearance of the two trademarks is different. (2) Pronunciation and concept The words in both marks are separable, but PERFUME, SNOW and ICE are descriptive or weak for the goods concerned. The shared SNOW element therefore cannot be isolated as a distinctive dominant feature. 3) Overall assessment The complete combinations must be compared. SNOW PERFUME and Ice Snow differ in appearance and pronunciation, and their combinations convey different impressions: perfume associated with snow versus ice and snow. [Decisions] The marks were dissimilar overall and unlikely to cause source confusion even on identical or similar goods. 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: TIMEWISE, Wise Brown and WISER ↗ Older Trademark Similarity Case: Whotel ↗ 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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