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Betty Pig Application in the Philippines May Raise Some Issues?
21 June 2022
A recent review of trademark application filings before the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) reveals two applications filed for the mark “Betty Pig”. Application No. 4/2022/513528 is a composite mark consisting of the stylized “Betty Pig” logo. While the other application, Application No. 4/2022/513530, is a device consisting of what looks like a piglet cartoon character in diapers. Both applications belong to the same applicant and cover diapers and disposable diapers under Class 5.
Incidentally, both marks bear a high degree of similarity with the logo and central character of the children’s animation series Peppa Pig.
"Without preempting the examination which will be done by the trademark examiner who will be assigned to the applications, it is interesting to note that the Philippine law on trademarks prohibits the registration of a mark if it is identical to a registered mark or nearly resembles the same so as to deceive or cause confusion," says Arjel De Guzman, a founding director at Optmarks. "A brief review of the IPOPHL’s trademark register would reveal the existence of marks earlier registered including “PEPPA PIG” (Reg. No. 1223534); “PEPPA” (1221401); and the device depicting Peppa Pig’s central character (1220700). Offhand, these marks could easily pose as hindrances to the approval of the “Betty Pig” marks. In addition, it may also be argued that the Peppa Pig and its formative marks including the design, style, and likeness of its logo and characters are well-known marks. Philippine trademark laws protect well-known marks regardless if they are registered in the Philippines or not."
He adds, "Allow me to say that the examination proceedings for these applications will likely be far from a smooth one."
Excel Dyquiangco
