姚洪军

    内容提要：美国商标法规定的认定获得显著性的最低标准是满5年连续地实质上独家使用，这个标准也在相关案件的处理中得到了较好的执行。我国虽然在认定获得显著性的终极标准上与美国一致，但是并没有规定出类似的具体最低标准。商标显著性的核心含义是控制者的唯一性，而知名度和开始使用时间的先后虽然与获得显著性有密切联系，但是都不能反映显著性的本质。同时，没有最短使用时间的限制条件，也不便于实务操作。因此，建议将认定获得显著性的最低标准规定为：满5年连续地独家控制。

    关 键 词：获得显著性   认定标准   中美比较

    Abstract: The criterion of determining acquired distinctiveness stipulated by U.S. trademark law is substantially exclusive and continuous use for five years, which have been well put into practice in the decision of related cases. China has similar ultimate standard for determining acquired distinctiveness, but with no specific criterion. The essence of distinctiveness is the uniqueness of trademark controller. Although the degree of fame and the sequence of starting time of use in commerce are closely related to acquired distinctiveness, they are not in the essence thereof. Moreover, it is hard for decision makers without the conditioning of a shortest period of use. Therefore, I suggest that China should set the criterion of determination of acquired distinctiveness as exclusive and continuous control for five years.

    Key Words:  acquired distinctiveness; criterion of determination; comparison between China and USA