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Article 4(1)(xi) of the Japanese Trademark Act is one of the most common reasons trademarks are refused in Japan. A Japanese patent attorney explains how similarity is judged and how foreign applicants can respond.

Get a Japanese trademark decision in about 2–3 months instead of 9–12. A Japanese patent attorney explains accelerated examination: who qualifies, the three categories, required evidence of use in Japan, and common pitfalls for foreign applicants.

What a standard character mark is under Japanese trademark law, how it differs from a logo mark, its advantages and limits, and how overseas brand owners should choose — explained by a Japanese patent attorney.

A Japanese patent attorney explains trademark rights in Japan for foreign brand owners: when the right arises, what it protects, why designated goods matter, 10-year term and renewal, and what you can do against infringers.

Is trademark registration in Japan really necessary? A Japanese patent attorney explains the risks of not registering for overseas brands and e-commerce sellers: squatting, forced rebranding, warning letters and copycats.

Quick Answer A JPO-registered trademark is essential before granting any franchise rights in Japan Franchisees use your brand — without registration, you have no legal basis to control that use Register the trademark first, then grant a license (non-exclusive or exclusive) to the franchisee Register the license with the JPO to make it legally enforceable against third parties Register both English and katakana versions before your franchisee launches Japan trademark franchise protection is a critical first step for any foreign brand entering Japan through a franchise model. Granting franchise rights before registering your trademark exposes you to brand squatting, loss ...

Article 3 of the Japanese Trademark Act refuses marks that lack distinctiveness, such as descriptive words, common surnames and slogans. A Japanese patent attorney explains each category, acquired distinctiveness and how foreign applicants can respond.

Quick Answer Japan is a Paris Convention member — foreign applicants can claim a 6-month priority right File in Japan within 6 months of your home-country filing to claim that date as your Japan priority date No additional JPO fee for claiming Paris Convention priority The certified copy of your home application must be filed within 3 months of your Japan filing date Priority protects against third-party filings during the 6-month window — critical in Japan's first-to-file system Japan's Paris Convention priority system gives foreign businesses a 6-month window to file in Japan using their home-country filing date. In Japan's ...

Quick Answer The JPO (Japan Patent Office) is the government body that examines and registers all trademarks in Japan All trademark applications must be submitted to the JPO — there is no alternative route for national registration JPO fees are fixed by law and identical at every firm Filing fee: ¥12,000 for 1 class (¥3,400 + ¥8,600 per class) | Registration fee: ¥32,900 (10-year) per class Foreign applicants must appoint a Japanese trademark attorney (Benrishi) to deal with the JPO Understanding how the Japan Patent Office works helps foreign businesses navigate the trademark registration process more effectively — and set ...

Quick Answer A Benrishi (弁理士) is a licensed Japanese intellectual property attorney Foreign applicants without a Japan address are legally required to appoint a Benrishi A Benrishi handles all JPO proceedings: filing, office actions, appeals, registration BrandAgent's Benrishi fees: ¥25,000 + tax per class at filing and ¥25,000 + tax per class at registration Choose a Benrishi with trademark specialisation and English-language capability A Japan trademark Benrishi is not just recommended for foreign businesses — it is a legal requirement. This guide explains what a Benrishi does, why you need one, and how to choose the right firm for your ...