SMLT Art: Factors to consider when encountering a similar trademark registration in China

SMLT Art is a Lithuanian SME that produces high quality fine art paper products. In 2024, the SME was informed by a Chinese trademark agency that a Chinese company was trying to register a similar trademark in China. The Chinese trademark had been preliminarily published w ith a fast-approaching opposition deadline. Considering that the trademark filed by the Chinese company, SMLT (word mark) was very similar to the SME’s stylized trademark SMLT ART, the Chinese trademark agency recommended that the SME file an opposition to prevent the registration of the similar trademark, warning that otherwise the Chinese applicant would successfully obtain the exclusive right in China.