2002 Heo 2051(dismissed)
Category | Cited mark | Applied-for mark |
Mark | ZINKA Jinga |  |
Designated Goods | TV receivers, audio (for home use), video receivers, recording equipment (not for film use), cassette players, computer monitors, etc. | Telephones, interphones, passive transmitters, vending machines, radio transmitters, radio receivers, television transmitters, television receivers, television satellite receivers, etc. |
[Similarity of the marks]
GINGANET consists of eight Roman letters tilted slightly to the right, with the fifth letter A extending slightly above the others. It is a coined word without an independent established meaning. NET abbreviates “network” and describes a characteristic or function of the designated communications, broadcasting and audiovisual equipment or parts, so it lacks distinctiveness for those goods. The dominant element is therefore GINGA, which the applicant acknowledged could be pronounced “Ginga” or “Jinga”. The cited mark’s Korean and Roman-letter elements can be viewed separately. When GINGA is pronounced “Jinga”, it coincides with the Korean element of the cited mark, making the marks identical or similar in pronunciation.
[Designated goods]
Both marks designate similar communications, broadcasting and audiovisual equipment. Use of the marks on those goods could cause consumers to believe that the manufacturer or seller is the same, creating confusion as to origin.
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