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Masaki Mikami

is the founder of MARKS IP Law Firm, a Japanese law firm providing big-firm level of service with the nimbleness and individualized attention and responsiveness that boutique firms are known for. He is a seasoned IP attorney with extensive experience in trademark law practice, and provides trademark legal services to individuals and businesses. Mr. Masaki is a qualified IP attorney in Japan, and is registered to practice as IP litigator since 2004.

Recent Articles by Masaki Mikami

Mattel fais in Japanese trademark opposition to block ‘Salon BARBIES’

In a recent trademark opposition, the Opposition Board of the Japan Patent Office (JPO) dismissed an opposition by Mattel, Inc. – maker of the world-famous Barbie doll – who claimed “Salon BARBIES” is likely to cause confusion or association with famous Barbie doll when used on restaurant and fan club services.

Apple failed to block Swatch’s attempt to acquire the trademark for Steve Jobs’ catchphrase ‘one more thing’

The Swiss watchmaker Swatch’s effort to acquire the trademark for “SWATCH ONE MORE THING” has run in to opposition from Apple, which argues the phrase ‘one more thing’ is closely associated with the software giant’s founder Steve Jobs. During Apple press events, Jobs was known to precede new product announcements and introductions with the phrase “there is one more thing” in his keynote addresses. The “one more thing” prelude became a fixture at Apple events… Immediately after the JPO granted protection to the trademark, Apple filed an opposition in May 19, 2015 on the grounds that the trademark violates the main paragraph of Article 3(1) as well as 4(1)(vii), 4(1)(x), 4(1)(xv), and 4(1)(xix) of Japanese Trademark Law.