Trademark Infringement and Confusion: A Perspective Based on Consumer Cognition

Ruixin Wang

2025

Abstract

In trademark infringement adjudication, similarity is assessed through two lenses: physical re-semblance and cognitive confusion, with legal validity hinging on consumer misidentification. Trademarks with inherent distinctiveness receive robust protection against parasitic imitation, while descriptive marks face stricter confusion thresholds. Industry-specific factors dynamically shape infringement risks: rapid purchasing decisions in FMCG sectors reduce scrutiny, whereas brand reliant industries amplify vulnerability to subtle similarities. Judicial practice balances trademark protection with market freedom, safeguarding consumers’ cognitive stability against source misattribution while avoiding overprotection that stifles competition. This study proposes a dual framework integrating physical feature analysis and cognitive impact evaluation, reconciling consumer rights with market vitality. It advances a globally adaptable paradigm that harmonizes legal precision with economic pragmatism, ensuring trademark law evolves alongside commercial dynamics.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Wang R. (2025). Trademark Infringement and Confusion: A Perspective Based on Consumer Cognition. In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Politics, Law, and Social Science - Volume 1: ICPLSS; ISBN 978-989-758-785-6, SciTePress, pages 342-346. DOI: 10.5220/0014374800004859

in Bibtex Style

@conference{icplss25,
author={Ruixin Wang},
title={Trademark Infringement and Confusion: A Perspective Based on Consumer Cognition},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Politics, Law, and Social Science - Volume 1: ICPLSS},
year={2025},
pages={342-346},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0014374800004859},
isbn={978-989-758-785-6},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Politics, Law, and Social Science - Volume 1: ICPLSS
TI - Trademark Infringement and Confusion: A Perspective Based on Consumer Cognition
SN - 978-989-758-785-6
AU - Wang R.
PY - 2025
SP - 342
EP - 346
DO - 10.5220/0014374800004859
PB - SciTePress