Japan Trademark Registration

Japan is a first-to-file country meaning that in order to obtain trademark rights one needs to register a trademark first. As soon as you register your trademark, it will become eligible for protection under Japanese trademark-related laws. A trademark is not considered to be your property unless it is officially registered in Japan.

If you plan to have business exposure in Japan, a Japanese trademark should be filed as soon as possible.

Important highlights of the Japanese registration process:

  • A Japanese trademark is accepted for Amazon Brand Registry purposes, although it’s not the quickest trademark registration process.
  • First-to-file country just like China and Mexico.
  • Registration is valid for 10 years starting from the day of registration (not from application like in many other countries).
  • In Japan, there are government filing fees and government registration fees (grant fees).
  • Use before registration is not required.
  • An owner of a registered trademark can require a person who is infringing on a registered trademark to discontinue the infringement, and demand compensation for damage.

We can help you with your Japan trademark search. We have a designated Japanese attorney to take care of all your legal needs in Japan from obtain a trademark clearance in Japan to trademark registration.

Select a plan to start your Trademark Registration in Japan

Prices are in USD for Japan

SAIL THROUGH

$495

Covers filing your application and reporting the progress all the way to registration. Single class. This is our entry-level package.

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ALL IN

$875

Covers full Japan trademark registration, including reporting and responding to non-substantive examiner’s objections. Single class. Re-filing guarantee.

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Prices depend on the country. Please check individual country page for exact prices for each package.

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Details About Pricing Packages

What’s included:

Preparation and filing of your application and reporting the progress all the way to registration.

Single class application. Multi-class applications are allowed in Japan. Our professional fees for the 2nd class will be $355.

What’s not included:

Government fees, responding to examiner’s objections (office actions), opposition proceedings, free re-filing and additional extras that you get with the “ALL IN” package.

If an office action is received, you will be notified and provided with an estimate to respond based on our hourly rate. Where possible, we will try to give you a flat fee.

When to choose:

If your funds are limited and if our free Japan trademark search didn’t uncover any obstacles to registration.

When it’s better to choose another package:

If our search showed that there may be an objection that may need to be addressed.

If your trademark may be problematic and re-filing may be required.

We usually recommend the ALL IN package in Japan as objections there are quite common.

If you would like a re-filing guarantee.

What’s included:

Covers everything that is included in “SAIL THROUGH” package plus reporting and responding to non-substantive (procedural) office actions and free re-filing if your mark is refused by Japanese Trademarks Office.

Free re-filing will be done on our “SAIL THROUGH” package conditions – you will be responsible for government fees but we will waive professional fees. Check out our FAQ section for re-filing details.

Single class application. Multi-class applications are allowed in Japan. Our professional fees for the 2nd class will be $450.

Free extras:

Unlimited consultations with us about your trademark (average value of $250).

What’s not included:

Government fees, substantive office actions, opposition proceedings and additional free extras that you get with “BELLS AND WHISTLES” package.

When to choose:

Most popular – this package gives you peace of mind and predictability of the budget. This is the package we recommend for Japan.

Why is it a better choice than “SAIL THROUGH” package:

We will deal with non-substantive office actions for free.  In addition, if your trademark is refused, you will have an option to file for a different trademark and our professional fees will be waived!

File with confidence:

If your trademark is refused,

We’ll file another – fee excused.

At this moment, we do not offer BELLS AND WHISTLES Package in Japan.

Government fees are not included in our packages and are extra

govfees

Government fees in Japan:

Japanese government filing fee is 12 000 YEN (US$115) for the 1st class and 8600 YEN (US$80) for each additional class.

Japanese government grant of registration fee is 28 0000 YEN (US$270) per class.

Japanese government renewal fees are 38 800 YEN (US$360) per class.

Upgrades

Upgrade 1

$380

Upgrade “SAIL THROUGH” package to “ALL IN” Package.

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Frequently Asked Questions

On what grounds may a trademark be refused in Japan?
Trademark applications in Japan are examined to make sure they are distinctive and to make sure there are no similar prior filed or registered trademarks (this is similar to US, Canadian and Australian trademark law procedures).
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Please describe trademark registration process in Japan.
Trademark registration process in Japan is as follows: A trademark is filed and serial number is assigned. Trademark is accepted if minimum requirements are met (formalities). Trademark is published for opposition purposes the 1st time. Opposition period is 2 months. Substantive examination is undertaken. Examination results become available 8 months after the filing. If an objection is issued, a response may be filed within 3 months of having received the refusal. If mark successfully undergoes substantive examination, trademark will be allowed. Applicant has to pay registration fees (official grant fees) withing 30 days of allowance and trademark will register. After registration, it will be published for opposition purposes for the 2nd time in trademark gazette. If there are no oppositions within a 2-month period, trademark will remain valid. If there is an opposition, then registrant must defend the trademark by submitting arguments.
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What types of trademarks can be protected in Japan?
In Japan, trademarks can be categorized as follows: 1) work marks (Japanese characters and alphabetical characters) 2) Trademarks that consist of symbols or images. 3) Combined marks consisting of words and images 4) 3D trademarks Most commonly filed trademarks are 1, 2 and 3.
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Do you provide a free trademark search in Japan?
We provide a free basic trademark search. We strongly recommend to conduct a trademark clearance search. The cost of such a search is $100.
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Can you file a trademark application yourself in Japan?
Foreign applicants must be represented by a registered Japanese trademark attorney.
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Are multi-class applications allowed in Japan?
Yes, Multiple class applications are possible in Japan.
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Is trademark use required for trademark registration in Japan?
While use is not required for trademark registration, a trademark in Japan may be cancelled on the basis of non-use it there has been no use for more than 3 years, if such request is submitted by an interested party and with the payment of a corresponding fee.
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How long is a trademark opposition period in Japan?
A trademark opposition in Japan may be filed by an interested party within two months from the date of its publication. Trademarks are published twice, first time right after filing and second time after registration.
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How long is a Japanese trademark valid for?
A trademark in Japan is valid for 10 years from the registration date (not from the application date like in many other countries). It can be renewed every ten years by paying a renewal fee.
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What are the filing requirements for a Japanese trademark?
We need the following information in order to prepare a trademark application in Japan.
  • The full legal name of the applicant (either your company or your personal name)
  • The full address of the applicant.
  • The trademark name. If you are filing for a logo, we need to see the logo.
  • The products which you sell or plan to sell under your trademark (provide a list).
  • The services which you offer or plan to offer under your trademark (provide a list).
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Is power of attorney required in order to file a trademark in Japan?
A power of attorney is not necessary for trademark filing.
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