18.07.2009
A Kanji Test Is Causing Problems
Japanese learners all over the world know the Kanji Aptitude Test of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation. The test was developed to enhance the capability of reading and writing kanji (Chinese characters used in the Japanese language). This test (in Japanese: 日本漢字能力検定試験 Nihon Kanji Nōryoku Kentei Shiken) is also known under the abbreviation “kanken” (漢検 - “kan test”, meaning “kanji test”).
On June 17, a competitor of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation in the kanji test sector filed the trademark application “shinkanken” (新漢検). “Shinkanken” means “new kanji test”.
The Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation thinks there is a risk the names might easily be confused by consumers and asked the competitor not to use the name “shinkanken”.
One will have to wait and see how the conflict will play out. Interestingly, the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation did not protect “kanken” as a trademark. Nevertheless, the conflict was mentioned in the Japanese media, since the Kanji Aptitude Test of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation enjoys excellent reputation.
Keywords for this post:
Japan, Marken, trademarks
