In December 2004, our company represented Yao Ming (opposer) and filed an opposition against Ji Junqiang (the opposed party) for his application of no. 3419286 “YAORIYUE” trademark used on his type 28 products, including “physical activity equipment, and grips for rackets”. The opposed party failed to provide a response within the prescribed term. 

The opposer’s reason for opposition was that the opposer, Yao Ming, was a famous basketball player of our country and waswell-known all over the world. The Chinese characters of opposed trademark “YAORIYUE” could be easily assumed as the name “Yao Ming” by customers. If the trademark under opposition were registered on the type 28 products including “physical activity equipment, and grips for rackets”, it would be likely that the customers would associate the opposer with the product of the opposed party, and that negative social impact would be incurred. 

The Trademark Office made the (2009) no. 00319 trademark opposition ruling after the trial, on January 14th 2009. According to the content of Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China in the item 8, paragraph 1 of article 10, and article 33, the office ruled that the opposer’s ground for opposition was tenable, and that the no. 3419286 “YAORIYUE” trademark would not be accepted for registration.