Logo Trademark Registration in Japan: Why It Matters, Costs, and Common Mistakes

Updated: February 2026

A logo is often the most recognizable part of your brand. Registering it as a trademark helps with
brand protection and deterring imitators.
However, logo filings are easy to “mis-design”: costs and protection scope change depending on
what exactly you file (word only / symbol only / combined mark).

1. What counts as a “logo” trademark?

In practice, “logo” trademarks usually fall into three categories:

• Word mark (text only — your brand name)
• Device/symbol mark (a graphic or icon only)
• Combined mark (text + symbol together)

Understanding this matters because protection scope and cost can change depending on which version you register.

2. Why register a logo? (Benefits)

• Deters imitation and helps brand protection
• Makes enforcement easier in many situations (warnings/negotiation)
• Builds credibility for partners, ads, and marketplaces
• Supports licensing and partnerships (clear rights)

3. Process: How logo trademark filing works

1. Decide what to file (word / symbol / combined)
2. Clearance search (recommended, especially for logos)
3. Choose classes and wording of goods/services
4. File with the JPO
5. Examination (Office Actions may occur)
6. Registration after payment of official fees

Note: For symbol-heavy logos, searches may require additional approaches (e.g., design similarity considerations).
This is one reason many clients ask for professional review before filing.

4. Costs: how fees are calculated

Costs consist of official fees and (if you hire a professional) professional fees.
Official fees mainly depend on:

• Number of classes
• Payment term (5-year vs 10-year)
• How many versions you file (word / symbol / combined — multiple filings can increase cost)

For a detailed table of official fees (1–2 classes), see:
Japan Trademark Cost Guide

5. Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Which should you register first?

• If the name matters most → start with a word mark
• If the symbol is the key identifier → consider a device/symbol mark
• If you always use them together → consider a combined mark

In many cases, filing the word mark first provides strong baseline protection, and you can add logo filings later.

6. FAQ

• Q. Do I need to register both the word mark and the logo?
  A. Not always. It depends on how you use the brand and what you need to protect. A strategy can reduce cost while keeping coverage practical.
• Q. Is logo searching difficult?
  A. It can be, especially for symbol-heavy designs. A professional clearance review often reduces refusal risk.
• Q. Can I change my logo later?
  A. If you file a combined logo mark, changes can affect protection. This is why many start with a word mark first.