# Trademark Similarity: Summary of a Court Decision

For the cited provision of Article 7(1) of the Trademark Act, similarity of goods is assessed according to ordinary trading perceptions. Relevant factors include quality, shape, purpose, production and sales channels, and the range of consumers.

Source: https://www.iplexlaw.co.kr/en/blog/970594

HOME / NEWS & INSIGHTS NEWS & INSIGHTS Trademark Similarity: Summary of a Court Decision For the cited provision of Article 7(1) of the Trademark Act, similarity of goods is assessed according to ordinary trading perceptions. Relevant factors include quality, shape, purpose, production and sales channels, and the range of consumers. Trademarks 2023.12.18 published IPLEX 3 min read 2002 Heo 1645(dismissed) [Related Law] For the cited provision of Article 7(1) of the Trademark Act, similarity of goods is assessed according to ordinary trading perceptions. Relevant factors include quality, shape, purpose, production and sales channels, and the range of consumers. Category Cited mark Applied-for mark Mark DIGIRITE Designated Goods Laser Direct Imaging System Diodes, semiconductors, wafers, integrated circuits, transistors, print circuits, etc. [Similarity of the marks] The applied-for mark includes DIGILITE with an inserted graphic: The graphic is close to the surrounding letters and about the size of one letter, so consumers would read the word as a whole. DIGILITE and the cited DIGIRITE would both be pronounced “Dijiraiteu” in Korean, making the marks similar. [Designated goods] ① The designated diodes, semiconductors, wafers, integrated circuits, thermistors, transistors and printed circuits are semiconductor-related goods. Integrated and printed circuits are used on circuit boards, while laser direct imaging systems are used in their manufacture. ② Samsung Electronics produced and sold both semiconductor manufacturing equipment, such as die bonders, and circuit-board inspection systems. ③ The evidence also described a distributor supplying semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, including Japanese assembly and precision-cleaning systems, to Korean electronics companies. Although the goods differed in physical characteristics, their uses were connected through printed-circuit-board production. The evidence of overlapping manufacturers, suppliers and customers supported a finding of 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 AI Times Column: Transformer Patents and Potential Infringement in AI Services ↗ Older Trademark Similarity Case: CARTE BLUE ↗ 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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