Discover the risks and dangers of failing to register a trademark to understand the value and importance of trademark registration for your brand.
The Risks of Not Registering a Trademark
Japan Trademark Registration
Protect Your Brand in Japan Through a Simple Process Backed by Certified Local Attorneys
Simple steps to register your trademark
STEP 1
Comprehensive Trademark Study
Before filing your trademark in Japan, you must evaluate any issues that may arise during the registration process. Our Comprehensive Trademark Study not only lists similar trademarks (graphic and phonetic) that may conflict with yours but also provides you with an Attorney's opinion on the trademark registration possibilities and the class(es) that your goods/services belong to.
- Graphic and phonetic similarity trademark search report
- Trademark attorney's analysis and advice
- Trademark class recommendation
STEP 2
Trademark Application Filing
Specialized attorneys will file your trademark application in Japan and carry out all the necessary formalities to bring your application for approval and registration. As soon as your trademark is filed, we will send you a filing report that will include the application number and application date. Also, we will send you a scanned copy of the filed application.
- Process Handled by Experienced Trademark Attorneys
- Filing the Report & a Scanned Copy of the application
- Tracking the Registration Process Online
STEP 3
Trademark Registration Certificate
Once your trademark application is approved, our attorneys complete all the formalities necessary to obtain the registration certificate in Japan. After the certificate is issued, it is forwarded to your address along with a registration report specifying the registration number, registration date, and any special consideration that should be taken into account in Japan.
- Process Handled by Experienced Trademark Attorneys
- Delivery of Registration Certificate & Report
- Monitoring & Notification of Important Dates
Additional Services in Japan
Discover how our services help protect and strengthen your brand in Japan.
Trademark Search
Check if your trademark is available for registration with our easy-to-use search tool.
Search TrademarkTrademark Renewal
Renew your trademark to maintain uninterrupted protection for your brand.
Renew TrademarkDomain Registration
Safeguard your local domain with ease through our trusted partner, Register.Domains.
Search .JP DomainsFrom our Blog
National vs. International Trademark Registration
Discover how national and international trademark registration compare, the pros and cons of each, and which is right for you.
Commonly Asked Questions About Trademark Registration
Learn answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on trademark registrations to improve your trademark knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I previously filed my trademark in another country, can I claim priority in Japan?
Yes. If you filed your trademark in another country within the last 6 months, you can claim priority in Japan based on that earlier filing.
How long does it take for a trademark to be registered in Japan?
Typically, if there are no oppositions or objections, trademark registration in Japan takes about 6 months.
Do I need to provide a Power of Attorney?
Yes. A simple Power of Attorney is required. "Simple" means no notarization or legalization is needed.
What are the steps involved in the trademark application process in Japan after filing?
The process for a trademark application in Japan includes the following steps:
Examination – The trademark office reviews the application for:
- Deceptiveness
- Distinctiveness
- Clarity
- Classification
- Formalities
- Conflicts with existing registrations
- Violations of morals or public policy
- Unauthorized use of a stage name, pen name, or person's portrait
- Similarities …
What actions are necessary to meet the usage requirement for a trademark in Japan?
To meet the use requirement, the mark must be used within 3 years of its registration date and during any 3 consecutive years while it is valid. The use must be minimal and take place within this jurisdiction.
Do I need to use my trademark in Japan before applying for registration?
Yes. You must either be using the mark already or have a genuine plan to use it before you can apply for registration.
Who is eligible to challenge my trademark registration in Japan?
Anyone with an interest can challenge the trademark registration.
How many trademark applications should I submit in Japan?
The number of applications you should file depends on your mark's features, your budget, and the level of protection you want in Japan.
If your trademark includes unique text and design elements, and you want both protected, we suggest filing two trademark applications: one for the text (as a "Word Mark") …
How long is a registered trademark valid for in Japan once it has been approved?
Your registered trademark will be valid for 10 years from the date it is registered.
Can a registration in Japan be canceled?
You can cancel a registration for the following reasons:
- The mark insults someone's dignity
- It was registered in bad faith
- The mark is prohibited
- It is used in a misleading or deceptive way
- It includes a protected badge or emblem
- It goes against moral standards or public order
- It involves …
Should I register my trademark using local language characters in Japan?
Yes, to ensure wider and stronger protection in Japan, it's advisable to register your trademark in local characters.
If you only register the trademark in its original form (Latin characters), it might not fully protect its equivalent in the local language. This could allow others to use or register the same …
If I register my trademark in Japan, will it be protected in other countries like Japan?
No, registering your trademark in Japan only protects it within Japan's borders.
What is the duration of the opposition period in Japan?
The opposition period starts on the day the Official Gazette is published and lasts for two months from that date.
What rights do I have if I have a registered trademark in Japan?
In Japan, registering a trademark gives you rights, but even if a trademark isn't registered, it can still be protected if it's well-known.
What rights do you gain by registering a trademark in Japan?
Yes. In Japan, registering a trademark grants the owner these rights:
- The exclusive right to use the trademark
- The right to oppose any later applications that conflict with their trademark
- The right to request the cancellation of any later conflicting registrations
- The right to take legal action against anyone infringing …
Still have questions?