Trademark

Someone registered your brand in Japan? A Japanese patent attorney explains the trademark invalidation trial at the JPO: typical cases, grounds, who can file, the 5-year limit, partial invalidation, and how it compares with opposition and non-use cancellation.

Selling on Amazon.co.jp? Brand Registry in Japan generally requires a Japanese trademark. A Japanese patent attorney explains the trademark requirements, how to file from overseas, costs and the fastest route.

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.

How many months does a Japanese trademark take? A Japanese patent attorney explains the timeline from filing to registration, what causes delays, and how foreign applicants can get registered faster.

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.