Japan Trademark Registration

Our Trademark Attorneys in Japan will assist you throughout the Trademark Registration Process outlined below. Please notice that each step can be ordered independently:

Trademark Comprehensive Study

Step 1

Trademark Comprehensive Study

A report which includes a search of similar and identical trademarks along with our attorneys’ expert opinion about the registration probabilities of your trademark in Japan. This report is optional but highly recommended since it allows you to rule out any possible objections to your trademark in advance.

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Trademark Registration Request

Step 2

Trademark Registration Request

The filing and processing of the Trademark Registration Request before the Japanese Trademark Office, according to the legal procedures and requirements of this country with the objective of obtaining ownership of the trademark. Once we file the trademark we will send you a scanned copy of the filed application.

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Trademark Registration Certificate

Step 3

Trademark Registration Certificate

Once your trademark is approved for registration, you will need to request the Trademark Registration Certificate.

The Trademark Registration Certificate provides proof of ownership of the trademark. This service also includes our Trademark Watch service for ten years. The Watch service detects any conflicting trademark applications and informs you of potential infringements, thereby giving you the opportunity to file an opposition.

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  1. Is registration of a trademark mandatory in Japan?

    Registration is not mandatory, but if a trademark is registered, the trademark proprietor can be assured that he does not infringe any third party’s right, and thus can use the trademark safely. Further, if the trademark is registered, the registrant can prevent another party’s use or registration of any later identical or similar trademarks in respect of identical or similar goods and/or services.

  2. Which Intellectual Property rights are registrable?

    Distinctive word marks, devices, signs, three-dimensional shapes, and combinations thereof with or without color limitations are registrable. Service marks, collective marks, and defensive marks can also be registered.

  3. Can a trademark be registered for covering a commercial establishment which activity is focused in selling goods to consumers, for example retail stores? If so, how is the registration procedure? Are there any special requirements for it?

    Yes. Retail and wholesale services for each kind of products are admitted as registrable services. However, the Trademark Office may require evidences that the applicant actually provide such services.

  4. Is there any advantage in using a trademark before filing an application?

    Generally, no. There is no advantage in using the trademark before filing an application. An exception applies to well-known marks currently in use that may be entitled to protection even if not registered.

  5. How long does the registration process take?

    In the absence of objections and oppositions, the registration process takes between 10 to 15 months.

  6. Is there any requirement of use for registered trademarks? If so, what happens in case it is not used?

    A trademark must be used within three consecutive years of the registration date and for three consecutive years thereafter, otherwise the registration will become vulnerable to cancellation for nonuse.

  7. In the case of a registered mixed trademark (word + logo), is it possible to include in the logo, different or additional words from those mentioned in the word mark?

    No. In such case, the registered mark may be vulnerable to a non-use cancellation action.

  8. How can I know which is the due date for the renewal of a registered trademark?

    The term/renewal date of a registration is 10 years from the registration date.

  9. When should I pay the renewal fee of my registered trademark?

    A renewal must be filed during the six month period expiring with the renewal date.

  10. Is it possible to pay the renewal fee of a patent after the renewal due date has expired? If so, when should I pay?

    It is possible to renew for six months after the renewal date with payment of a fine.

  11. What documents are required for filing a trademark or renewal application?

    No documentation is required for renewal.

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