The series achieved extreme popularity, which continues to grow Demon Hunter caused the Shueisha publishing house to apply for recognition of the protagonists’ characteristic designs as a registered trademark after a first attempt in June 2020, and this application was rejected by the Japanese Patent Office.
The work of Koyoharu Gotoge was undoubtedly one of the biggest surprises in the anime and manga industry in recent years, and after the enormous success that the animated version and especially the film Demon Slayer: Mugen Train achieved, Shueisha made this request again prevent the sale and distribution of unofficial goods, Copies of original products that may confuse fans and hinder the distribution of official material.
While Shueisha has actually managed to gain registered brand recognition with some other patterns, the pattern on the clothing of the protagonist Tanjiro was not one of them. The “Rejection decision“From the Japanese Patent Office it says: “The trademark of this application corresponds to the so-called checkerboard pattern, in which black and green squares are placed alternately and repeatedly, and is intended to fulfill this function in order to identify one’s own and other products.”
The document further indicates that there is a dark line on the outside of Tanjiro’s dress squares, but it is not easy to see. Aside from that, the features of the pattern are similar to a commonly used decorative scheme, and known what makes this type of patent impossible. Shueisha still has three months to make a new appeal, but has already received brand recognition for the patterns of clothing from Giyū Tomioka, Shinobu Kocho and Kyōjurō Rengoku.
What do you think of this JPO decision? Let us know what you think in the comments below. In conclusion, we would like to remind you that the miniatures of the series katanas are for sale and we leave you alone Statements by the new Japanese Prime Minister about wages in the anime industry.
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