Brand Damage Caused by Trademark Infringement and Similar Trademarks
First written in FY2018. 2 of 4 entries say "Restated". Latest entry: FY2023.
The whole theme swung hardest in 2023: 1 of 7 companies on the "Worse" side.
14 other companies' latest entry also says "Restated".
- FY2023RestatedAnnual report
「As a rule, for new business formats expected to be expanded across multiple locations, the Group has external experts verify whether any third-party trademark rights are being infringed before acquiring the relevant trademark rights.」
The Group continues its brand protection policy of verification by external experts and the acquisition of trademark rights in Japan and overseas. - FY2021RestatedAnnual report
「As a rule, for new business formats expected to be expanded across multiple locations, the Group has external experts verify whether any third-party trademark rights are being infringed before acquiring the relevant trademark rights. Overseas, in addition to obtaining trademark rights in the regions and countries covered by franchise agreements, the Group’s policy is to protect its brands by obtaining trademark rights in advance in countries deemed necessary in preparation for future overseas expansion.」
The Group continues its brand protection policy of obtaining trademark rights in Japan and overseas after verification by experts. - FY2019MitigatedAnnual report
「As a rule, for new business formats expected to be expanded across multiple locations, the Group has external experts verify whether any third-party trademark rights are being infringed before acquiring the relevant trademark rights. Overseas, in addition to obtaining trademark rights in the regions and countries covered by franchise agreements, the Group’s policy is to protect its brands by obtaining trademark rights in advance in countries deemed necessary in preparation for future overseas expansion.」
The disclosure identifies verification by external experts and the acquisition of trademark rights in Japan and overseas as measures to address trademark and brand risks. - FY2018First statedAnnual report
「However, our group's performance may be affected if its brand is damaged by the use of similar trademarks by competitors or other parties; if a third party seeks invalidation of our group's trademark registration, damages or an injunction against trademark use and such claims are upheld; or if it is discovered for any reason that a trademark used by our group infringes a registered trademark owned by a third party, resulting in an injunction against use of the trademark, payment of damages or other costs.」
The disclosure explicitly identifies similar trademarks, claims relating to trademark registration, and the possibility of brand damage, claims for damages and injunctions against use arising from infringement of third-party trademark rights.