Revisiting the Japanese Unfair Competition Law: post-Bellure

Discusses the European Court of Justice ruling in L'Oreal SA v Bellure NV (C-487/07) on the protection of a well-known luxury brand against infringement by the sale of products described as similar by reference to comparison lists, compares the protection of well-known brands under the Japanese Unfair Competition Prevention Act 1934, reviews Japanese case law, and examines whether the owners of famous trade marks should qualify for a higher level of protection in Japan.