Global Trademark Protection Strategy and Analysis in the Home Appliance Sector

Time:2025-05-21

Source:Kangxin Partners, P. C.

Author:

Type:Trademark


Jurisdiction:China,Korea,WIPO,United States of America,European Union...

Publication Date:2025-05-21

Technical Field:{{fyxType}}

In the highly competitive home appliance market, trademark protection is not only the cornerstone of brand building but also a key factor in maintaining market share and consumer loyalty.


Trademark protection in the home appliance sector involves multiple international and regional databases. Class 11 trademarks primarily cover equipment related to lighting, heating, cooling, sanitation, and other similar devices. By utilizing the Kangxin IP Platform (eservice.kangxin.com), companies can efficiently access relevant trademark data across various countries and regions.


By comparing statistical reports from different databases, we can observe significant differences in trademark approval, registration, and protection regulations across countries and regions. This requires companies to adopt flexible and diversified strategies when planning their global trademark portfolio.

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Trademark Application Trends for Class 11 in Mainland China Over the Last Decade


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 Trademark Application Trends for Class 11 in the U.S., Europe, Japan, Korea, and Madrid Over the Last Decade


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Top Trademark Applicants for Class 11 in Mainland China Over the Last Decade

In China, the number of trademark registrations in the home appliance sector is substantial, with brands such as Midea, Haier, and Gree ranking among the top in terms of trademark registrations. According to search results from the Kangxin IP Platform, these brands have made extensive registrations across various product and service categories. Specifically, in Class 11, these brands not only registered their main trademarks but also registered numerous sub-brands to cover different product lines.


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Top Trademark Applicants for Class 11 with the U.S. Trademark Office Over the Last Decade

In the United States, the trademark search process is more complex, especially when dealing with graphic trademarks. However, the AI technology of the Kangxin IP Platform has significantly simplified this process, enabling image-based searches to improve search efficiency and accuracy. In the U.S. market, brands like Siemens and Samsung have a high number of registrations in Class 11, reflecting their strong competitive presence in the American home appliance market.


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Top Trademark Applicants for Class 11 with the EU Trademark Office Over the Last Decade

The European Union's trademark protection system is comprehensive, covering all member countries. Search results indicate that in the EU market, brands like Haier and Midea lead in trademark registrations in Class 11. These brands not only have a strong brand foundation in the European market but have also solidified their market position through trademark registrations.

 

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Top Trademark Applicants for Class 11 with the Japan Trademark Office Over the Last Decade

In the Japanese market, Panasonic and Toshiba are prominent in terms of trademark registrations in Class 11. These brands have a high level of brand recognition and market share in Japan, and their trademark protection strategies reflect their focus on the Japanese market.

 

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Top Trademark Applicants for Class 11 with the Korean Trademark Office Over the Last Decade

In the Korean market, brands like Samsung and LG dominate trademark registrations in Class 11. These brands not only hold a leading position in the domestic market but have also built a strong global brand image through their trademark strategies.


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Top Trademark Applicants for Class 11 with the Madrid Trademark Office Over the Last Decade

In Madrid, Haier and Midea also rank among the top trademark applicants in Class 11. After a brand applies for a basic trademark in Madrid, it can apply for international registration of the trademark through the Madrid System. Through international trademark registrations, these brands have not only protected their brand rights globally but have also supported their global market expansion.


Analysis of Trademark Layouts of Well-Known Brands (Example: Mainland China)

Midea's trademark strategy is particularly comprehensive, especially in the Chinese market, where it ranks high in terms of trademark registrations. Midea has made extensive registrations in Class 11 and across other product and service categories. Additionally, Midea has implemented an international trademark strategy to establish a powerful brand presence globally.

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Midea's Trademark Application Statistics Over the Last Decade


Hisense, a leading brand in the home appliance sector, also has a forward-thinking trademark strategy. In the Chinese market, Hisense ranks high in terms of trademark registrations, particularly in categories related to TVs, refrigerators, and air conditioners. Hisense has also made widespread registrations in other product categories to protect its brand image comprehensively. Furthermore, Hisense has established a strong global brand presence through its international trademark strategy, becoming one of the most trusted home appliance brands worldwide.

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Hisense's Trademark Application Statistics Over the Last Decade


Vatti's trademark layout is also widespread and deep, particularly in the Chinese kitchen appliance market, where its trademark registration numbers are significant, showcasing its strong brand power. Vatti has made comprehensive registrations in Class 11 (for kitchen appliances and related equipment) and also covers several other product and service categories closely related to kitchen life, such as household goods and home appliances. Furthermore, Vatti is actively pursuing international trademark registrations to enhance its global brand awareness and influence, taking its high-end smart kitchen appliance brand to the world.

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Vatti's Trademark Application Statistics Over the Last Decade


Early layout of brand trademarks

After the launch of Xiaomi's SU7 car, it achieved great success. Xiaomi Motors released its second car at the end of 2024, named "Xiaomi YU7". However, according to trademark data, a company in Jinan applied for a series of trademarks such as "TU7", "WU7", "YU7", "XU7", "QU7", and "7U7" in September 2024. Although these trademarks have not been approved for registration as of the date of publication of the article, the preemptive registration of trademarks will also have a certain impact on Xiaomi Motors' brand planning. Therefore, according to the brand business plan, it is necessary to lay out trademarks in advance and comprehensively.


Through an analysis of the trademark layouts of these well-known brands, we can summarize the following key insights:

  • Early Layout: Early layout can effectively prevent others from maliciously registering and protect the company's brand image and commercial interests.

  • Comprehensive Layout: Leading brands prioritize broad registration and protection globally to cover different product lines and regional markets.

  • Focus on Core Categories: They emphasize key categories such as Class 11 to solidify their market position in specific areas.

  • Flexibility: Brands adopt flexible and diverse trademark strategies based on the different registration regulations and market demands of various countries and regions.

  • Ongoing Maintenance: Brands regularly maintain and update their registered trademarks to ensure their validity and legality.

  • Strengthening International Cooperation: Through international trademark registration and cooperation, brands enhance their global market recognition and competitiveness.


Trademark protection is a crucial component of brand development in the home appliance sector. By using efficient search tools like the Kangxin IP Platform, companies can gain a comprehensive understanding of global trademark protection trends and market dynamics, allowing them to develop scientific and strategic trademark layouts.