In an unprecedented move, ten trademarks which belong to a local owner were canceled by the Registrar. Originally the trademarks belong to “The Walt Disney Company” and enjoy a worldwide fame. The Registrar’s decision was based on Article 8 relating to marks which may not be registered as trademarks. clause 12 provides for the following:
“A trademark which is identical or similar to, or constitutes a translation of, a well-known trademark for use on similar or identical goods to those for which that one is well-known and whose use would cause confusion with the well-known mark, or for use on different goods in such a way as to prejudice the interests of the owner of the well-known mark and lead to believing that there is a connection between its owner and those goods, as well as the marks which are similar or identical to the honorary badges, flags, and other insignia, as well as the names and abbreviations relating to international or regional organizations or those that offend our Arab and Islamic age-old values.”
The cancellation decision by the registrar was appealed up to the Supreme Court of Justice. The appeal was ruled out in support of the Registrar’s decision which enhances confidence in the Jordanian Intellectual Property Laws.