SINGTEL can continue using the name 'mio' for its pay-TV and broadband services following a 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 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. It 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. It is considering whether to file an appeal.

Mitac is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and has offices in countries like 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. The registration covers computers, personal digital assistants, cellphones and LCD television sets, among others.

In January last year, SingTel began using 'mio' to brand its pay-TV, phone and broadband services. Mitac claimed that SingTel's stylised 'mio' marks were almost identical to the ones it used on electronic items. The company said the similarities have the potential to confuse consumers.

SingTel denied infringing on Mitac's trademarks, arguing that shoppers were not likely to be confused. SingTel says it offers services, and not electronics, under its 'mio' trademarks.