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Filing a Trademark in Japan

Trademark

Filing a Trademark in Japan: Process, Costs and Pitfalls for Foreign Applicants

2026/11/2  

What a Japanese trademark application is, the 8 steps from filing to registration, official and attorney fees, Office Actions, accelerated examination and common mistakes — explained for overseas brand owners by a Japanese patent attorney.

Buying or Selling a Japanese Trademark

Trademark

Buying or Selling a Japanese Trademark: Assignment Procedure, Documents and Costs

2026/11/2  

How to transfer a Japanese trademark registration or pending application between companies, including overseas buyers and sellers: why a contract is not enough, the JPO recordal procedure, required documents, registration tax and practical checks.

Japan Trademark License

Trademark

Japan Trademark License: A Complete Guide for Foreign Businesses (2026)

2026/11/2  

Quick Answer A Japan trademark license allows a third party to use your registered mark under agreed conditions Two types: exclusive license and non-exclusive license Licenses should be registered with the JPO to be enforceable against third parties The trademark owner must remain registered — the license does not transfer ownership A Japanese trademark attorney is recommended for drafting and registering license agreements A Japan trademark license is a commercial tool that lets you monetise your registered mark — or work with a local distributor, franchisee, or partner — while keeping ownership of the brand. Need help with Japan trademark ...

Japan Trademark Cancellation

Trademark

Japan Trademark Cancellation: What Foreign Businesses Need to Know (2026)

2026/11/2  

Quick Answer A registered trademark in Japan can be cancelled by a third party after 3 years of non-use Cancellation can also be filed on grounds of invalidity or bad faith registration A Japanese trademark attorney is required to file or defend a cancellation action The best defence is genuine use — keep records of use in Japan at all times Cancellation proceedings are handled by the JPO's Trial and Appeal Division Japan trademark cancellation is a tool used by competitors to remove registrations that block their own filings — or to clear marks that are no longer in active ...

Designating Japan via the Madrid System

Trademark

Designating Japan via the Madrid System: Procedure, Refusals and Costs

2026/11/2  

Extending your international trademark registration to Japan? A Japanese patent attorney explains how a Madrid designation of Japan is examined, how to respond to a JPO provisional refusal, central attack, costs and when direct filing is better.

Japan Trademark Squatting

Trademark

Japan Trademark Squatting: How to Protect Your Brand Before It's Too Late (2026)

2026/11/2  

Quick Answer Japan is a first-to-file country — whoever files first wins rights, regardless of prior use Trademark squatters actively monitor foreign brands and file in Japan ahead of the legitimate owner The only reliable defence is filing your trademark in Japan before you go public Reclaiming a squatted mark is expensive, slow, and not guaranteed BrandAgent can file your application quickly — often within 1–2 weeks Japan trademark squatting is a real and growing risk for foreign businesses. Squatters file registrations for well-known foreign brands ahead of the legitimate owners — then demand payment to transfer or simply block ...

Japan Trademark Symbol

Trademark

Japan Trademark Symbol: ™ and ® Rules for Foreign Businesses (2026)

2026/11/2  

Quick Answer ® (registered trademark symbol) can only be used after your mark is officially registered with the JPO ™ (trademark symbol) has no legal standing in Japan — it is not commonly used Japan uses its own registered trademark symbol: 登録商標 or ® Using ® before registration is granted is a criminal offence in Japan Register first — then display ® on your products, packaging, and marketing Japan trademark symbol rules are stricter than in many Western countries. Using the wrong symbol — or using ® before registration — can expose your business to legal penalties. This guide explains ...

Japan Trademark Filing Fee

Trademark

Japan Trademark Filing Fee: Complete Cost Breakdown for Foreign Businesses (2026)

2026/11/2  

Quick Answer Filing fee: ¥12,000 for 1 class; +¥8,600 per additional class Registration fee (10-year): ¥32,900 per class Total JPO fees (1 class, 10-year): ¥44,900 Attorney fees (BrandAgent): ¥25,000 + tax at filing + ¥25,000 + tax at registration (per class) All JPO fees are fixed by law — they are the same at every firm Japan trademark filing fee is one of the first things foreign businesses ask about before entering the Japanese market. This guide breaks down every official JPO cost and explains what you actually pay — and when. Need help filing a trademark in Japan? BrandAgent ...

Accused of Trademark Infringement in Japan?

Trademark

Accused of Trademark Infringement in Japan? How to Respond to a Warning Letter or an Amazon/Rakuten Complaint

2026/11/2  

Received a trademark warning letter or an Amazon Japan / Rakuten infringement complaint? A Japanese patent attorney explains what to check first, when it is (and isn't) infringement, and your practical options.

Japan Trademark Attorney

Trademark

Japan Trademark Attorney: What Foreign Businesses Need to Know (2026)

2026/11/2  

Quick Answer Foreign applicants without a Japan address are legally required to appoint a Japanese trademark attorney The official title is Benrishi (弁理士) — a licensed IP professional Your attorney handles filing, office actions, and registration on your behalf Attorney fees vary by firm — BrandAgent charges ¥25,000 + tax per class for trademark filing and ¥25,000 + tax per class at registration Always choose an attorney with proven trademark experience and English support A Japan trademark attorney is not optional for most foreign companies — it is a legal requirement. This guide explains what a Japanese trademark attorney does, ...

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