Quick Answer
- A priority claim allows you to use an earlier home-country filing date for your Japan application
- Based on the Paris Convention — available if your home country is a member
- Priority window: 6 months from the home-country filing date
- Protects against third parties who file in Japan during the 6-month window
- You must file in Japan within 6 months — the priority right does not extend this deadline
A Japan trademark priority claim is a powerful tool for foreign businesses. If you have recently filed a trademark in your home country, you may be able to use that filing date as your effective date in Japan — protecting you against anyone who files a similar mark during the gap.
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What is a Japan Trademark Priority Claim
Under the Paris Convention, if you file a trademark application in one member country, you have a 6-month window to file in other member countries and claim the earlier filing date as your priority date in each of those countries.
Japan is a Paris Convention member. This means:
- File in the UK, US, EU, or any other Paris Convention member country
- Within 6 months, file the same mark in Japan with a priority claim
- Your Japan application is treated as if it was filed on the same date as your home-country application
- Any third party who files a similar mark in Japan during those 6 months loses priority to you
Priority claims are particularly valuable because Japan is first-to-file. A 6-month window of exposure to brand squatters and competitors is significant — priority gives you retrospective protection for that period.
Japan Trademark Cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Filing fee (1 class) — same as standard | ¥12,000 |
| Registration fee (10-year, 1 class) | ¥32,900 |
| Total JPO fees (1 class, 10-year) | ¥44,900 |
| BrandAgent attorney fees | ¥50,000 + tax (¥25,000 at filing + ¥25,000 at registration) |
| Priority claim — additional JPO fee | None |
There is no additional JPO fee for claiming priority. The cost of a priority filing is the same as a standard filing.
Trademark Priority Claim Process
- File in your home country — Submit your trademark application in your home country (UK, US, EU, etc.). Note the exact filing date — this is your priority date
- Count the 6-month window — Your Japan application must be filed within 6 months of the home-country filing date. The deadline is strict — no extensions are available
- Contact a Japanese attorney — Instruct BrandAgent or your chosen Benrishi to prepare the Japan application with a priority claim
- Provide priority documents — Supply a copy of your home-country application or registration certificate. A certified copy may be required
- File in Japan with priority claim — Your attorney files the Japan application stating the home-country filing date, country, and application number as the basis for the priority claim
- Submit certified copy — A certified copy of the home-country application must be filed within 3 months of the Japan filing date
- JPO examination proceeds — The JPO treats your application as if it was filed on the home-country date for priority purposes
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Timeline
| Stage | Deadline / Duration |
|---|---|
| Home-country filing date | Day 0 — priority clock starts |
| File in Japan with priority claim | Within 6 months of Day 0 |
| Submit certified copy of home application | Within 3 months of Japan filing date |
| JPO examination (Japan) | 6–12 months from Japan filing date |
| Total to Japan registration (uncontested) | ~10–14 months from Japan filing date |
Common Mistakes
- Missing the 6-month window — The priority deadline is absolute. If you file in Japan on day 181 or later, you lose the priority right entirely and your Japan filing date becomes your effective date
- Different mark or classes — The Japan application must cover the same mark and the same or narrower goods/services as the home-country application. Significant differences invalidate the priority claim
- Forgetting the certified copy — A certified copy of the home-country application must be submitted within 3 months of the Japan filing. Missing this deadline invalidates the priority claim
- Assuming priority replaces a clearance search — Priority protects your filing date — it does not guarantee registration. A clearance search for Japan is still essential before filing
- Not filing at all within 6 months — Some companies intend to use the priority window but delay too long. If no Japan filing is made within 6 months, the priority right expires — and brand squatters are free to file during that entire period
FAQ
What is the priority claim deadline for Japan?
6 months from the filing date of your home-country application. This deadline is absolute — no extensions are available under the Paris Convention. File your Japan application before this deadline to secure priority rights.
Which countries can I use as a priority base for Japan?
Any country that is a member of the Paris Convention — which includes the US, UK, EU member states, Australia, Canada, and most countries worldwide. Check with your attorney if you are unsure whether your home country qualifies.
Does claiming priority cost extra in Japan?
No. There is no additional JPO fee for claiming priority. The filing fee and registration fee are the same as for a standard application. Your attorney may charge a small additional fee for preparing and submitting the priority documents.
Can I claim priority if I filed via Madrid Protocol in my home country?
Priority claims are based on national or regional trademark applications or registrations — not on international registrations under Madrid. If you filed nationally in your home country before or alongside a Madrid application, you can use that national filing as the priority base for Japan.
Conclusion
A Japan trademark priority claim is a no-cost tool that gives your Japan application the benefit of your earlier home-country filing date. If you have recently filed elsewhere, act within 6 months — the window is strict and cannot be extended.
- 6-month window from your home-country filing date — no extensions
- No additional JPO fee for claiming priority
- Submit a certified copy of the home application within 3 months of the Japan filing
- Protects against third parties who file in Japan during the priority window
Register Your Trademark in Japan
If you plan to enter the Japanese market, securing your trademark is essential. BrandAgent Patent Office has handled over 4,000 trademark filings.
Related articles
- Japan Trademark Paris Convention: How to Use Your Home Filing Date in Japan (2026)
- Designating Japan via the Madrid System: Procedure, Refusals and Costs
- How to Register a Trademark in Japan: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Applicants [2026]
- How Long Does Trademark Registration Take in Japan? Timeline from Filing to Registration (2026)