TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Local media reported on Tuesday (Dec. 11) that a well-known Japanese convenience store chain, Lawson, has registered two trademarks in Taiwan, “Lawson” and “Lawson Station.”

The news is fueling speculation that the franchise known for 24-hour operations and signature fast food items such as fried chicken and onigiri will soon establish a presence in Taiwan. The company would be entering a domestic market that is already considered heavily saturated with convenience stores, per UDN.

The first Lawson was founded in Japan in 1975. The 24-hour convenience store quickly became one of Japan's top three, alongside 7-Eleven and Family Mart, operating more than 14,000 branches in Japan along with overseas branches.

Lawson distinguishes itself by offering more ready-to-eat food options and prepared meals, along with drinks and other goods. Lawson introduced fried chicken products such as nuggets and drumsticks in 1986, becoming a popular snack for both Japanese office workers as well as tourists.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs Intellectual Property Office, the Japanese company Lawson Inc. completed the registration of two trademarks on Aug. 30, paving the way for the chain’s entrance into Taiwan.

Due to fierce competition in the domestic convenience store market, there are rumors that Lawson could enter Taiwan through merger or acquisition of an existing brand rather than traditional franchise expansion.