"AINU" trademark application criticized by Japan's indigenous people

An application by an individual in China to register a trademark using the name of Japan's indigenous Ainu people has been criticized for being an attempt to profit off their culture.Documents disclosed by the Japan Patent Office showed Wednesday that an application was lodged to trademark "AINU" for products such as smartphone cases or computer mice.The filing was made in March by an individual in Shenzhen, southeastern China.The application was pending as of Tuesday and the JPO only said it will make a decision based on trademark law.Related coverage:READ FULL ARTICLE