Trademark Registration in Japan
Overview of Trademark Protection in Japan
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) is responsible for overseeing trademark registrations in Japan, granting businesses exclusive rights nationwide with a single application. As a member of the Madrid Protocol, Japan offers a streamlined process for businesses to designate their trademark in an International Registration (IR) through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), providing an efficient solution for securing trademark protection in multiple countries.
A national trademark in Japan offers comprehensive legal protection, distinguishing it from regional or unregistered trademarks. For businesses seeking to establish or expand their presence in the Japanese market, securing a trademark provides robust safeguards for your brand, ensuring it is protected from infringement across the country.
Whether you’re a start-up or an established enterprise, registering your trademark in Japan ensures that you maintain full rights to your brand, while benefiting from strong legal enforcement under Japan’s well-established intellectual property laws. With Japan being one of the world’s largest economies and a leader in technology and innovation, securing a trademark in Japan not only protects your intellectual property locally but also positions your business for success in the broader Asian market.
Aspect
Details
Official Trademark Office
Japan Patent Office (JPO)
Relevant Law
The Trademark Act of 1959
Countries Covered
South Africa
Registration Period
10 years (renewable)
Renewal Requirement
Every 10 years
Trademark Examination
The application process includes a classification, and formalities check alongside an examination on both absolute and relative grounds. The absolute grounds assessment primarily evaluates whether the mark is distinctive enough to differentiate your goods and/or services from those of others.
Additionally, under relative grounds, the JPO will assess whether your mark is likely to deceive, cause confusion, or conflict with any identical or similar prior registrations.
Opposition Period
2 months after publication
Use Requirement
Must be used within 3 years of registration to maintain validity
Average Registration Time
7-12 months if no refusals or objections occur
Unique Aspects
– Japan is a member of the International MADRID Trademark System (WIPO).
– Japan offers the possibility to use the multiple-class filing system, making it possible to apply for broader protection under a single trademark application
– Previously, a Payment of the Second Part of the Individual Fee for Japan was required for an International Registration or subsequent application. However, as of April 1st, 2023, this is no longer necessary
Fixed registration prices. No surprises.
We simplifying legal hurdles—transparency and fair pricing always come first.
The National Registration fee, starts at:
Basis fee Japan
EUR 1200
Additional class
EUR 600
Trademark registration prices are per trademark and always include the local official authority fee and Trademarkhost services like…
- Identical check
- trademark assessment
- Risk analysis
- Strategy advice
- Classification analysis and specification
- Filling of Applications up to and including registration
- Certificate of registration
- First advice refusal and/or opposition
VAT: For EU members all prices are exclusive of VAT.
Aprox. Prices: These are indicative, non-binding, starting prices and the final cost may vary depending on your specific situation, including the number of classes, and any changes to official fees set by the relevant government authority.
International Registration system: If you are considering using the Madrid International Trademark System, please note that costs per country are typically lower compared to filing directly through national procedures. We’re happy to check whether this option is suitable for your specific case — just get in touch with us for a tailored quote.
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