SINGTEL can continue using the name 'mio' for its pay-TV and broadband services following a recent High Court decision to dismiss a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by a Taiwan-based company.

While the court has yet to release the reasons for the decision, Justice Lai Siu Chiu dismissed the case of Mitac International Corporation on Monday (dec01) and ordered the firm to pay SingTel's legal fees.

Mitac, which has sold technology products here since 2002 under its 'mio' brand, had wanted the telco to stop using the word. Mitac also sought to overturn several 'mio' trademarks registered by Singtel.

The trial was held for five days last week. The judge is expected to issue a written judgment at a later date.

'Mitac is disappointed with the court's decision and looks forward to receiving its reasons,' the company said in a statement.

'Mitac is in consultation with its lawyers with a view to filing an appeal.'

Mitac is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and has offices in countries including China, Japan and the United States, as well as in Europe. Its goods are sold worldwide.

It had registered two different 'mio' trademarks in Singapore, in 2003 and 2005.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.