Trademark

When foreign applicants need a power of attorney in Japan, JPO rules on seals and signatures, and the documents for trademark, patent and design filings.

A Japanese trademark unused for 3 years can be cancelled. What counts as use and how to keep dated evidence for online and Amazon Japan sales, with a checklist.

How foreign brand owners can stop counterfeit imports at Japan Customs: who can apply, documents and identification points, the recognition procedure, and the October 2022 rule on fakes sent to individuals.

How to update the owner's name or address on a Japanese trademark (pending vs registered), official costs, documents, and how it differs from a transfer.

How a Japanese trademark registration helps brand owners selling on Rakuten Ichiba, Yahoo! Shopping and Qoo10 Japan: IP infringement reports, takedowns of copycats, and what a trademark cannot stop.

How Japanese examiners and consumers read Chinese characters and pinyin, how similarity is judged by appearance, sound and meaning, and how many Japanese trademark applications a Chinese brand needs.

Selling on TikTok Shop Japan? A Japanese patent attorney explains brand qualification, infringement complaints, the link with Amazon Japan, and how to register a Japanese trademark from overseas.

A Japanese patent attorney explains the difference between trademarks, patents, design rights and copyright in Japan, and which one an overseas brand should secure first.

Received a Japanese trademark warning letter or an Amazon Japan infringement complaint? A Japanese patent attorney explains what to check, how to respond and what not to do.

How does the Japan Patent Office decide whether two trademarks are similar? A Japanese patent attorney explains the three tests — appearance, pronunciation (sound) and concept — plus similar goods, with examples relevant to Chinese and English brand names.