Trademark

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 ...

An unused Japanese trademark is blocking your brand? A Japanese patent attorney explains non-use cancellation trials in Japan: the 3-year rule, proof of use, official fees and practical tips for foreign companies.

Quick Answer Japan uses a first-to-file system — the first applicant wins trademark rights, regardless of prior use Prior use of a brand outside Japan provides no trademark rights in Japan Brand squatters actively monitor foreign companies and file in Japan ahead of them File your Japan trademark application before any public announcement or product launch Filing fee: ¥12,000 for 1 class (¥3,400 + ¥8,600 per class) | Total all-in (1 class): approx. ¥94,900 + tax on attorney fees Japan's trademark first-to-file rule is the single most important fact for any foreign business entering the Japanese market. It means that ...

Quick Answer Japanese consumers automatically transliterate foreign brand names into katakana An English trademark does NOT protect the katakana version — you must file separately A competitor or squatter can register your katakana brand name before you Register both the English mark AND the katakana version from the start Each version requires a separate JPO application — same fees apply Japan trademark katakana registration is one of the most commonly overlooked steps by foreign businesses entering Japan. Your English trademark does not automatically cover how Japanese consumers write and search for your brand. Need help registering your trademark in Japan ...

Quick Answer A JPO-registered trademark is required to file brand protection requests on Japanese e-commerce platforms Key platforms: Rakuten Ichiba, Amazon Japan, Yahoo! Japan Shopping, Mercari Without registration, counterfeit and copycat listings are very difficult to remove Japan is first-to-file — register before listing your products on any Japanese platform Filing fee: ¥12,000 for 1 class (¥3,400 + ¥8,600 per class) | Total all-in (1 class): approx. ¥94,900 + tax on attorney fees Japan trademark e-commerce protection is essential for any foreign brand selling on Japanese online marketplaces. Without a registered trademark, counterfeiters and copycats can list products using your ...

Quick Answer A trademark watch service monitors the JPO register for new filings similar to your mark Alerts you within the 2-month opposition window — the only time you can act to block a conflicting mark Essential for any registered trademark owner in Japan Available through your Japanese trademark attorney or specialist IP watch providers Ongoing monitoring costs far less than the legal fees for a missed opposition A Japan trademark watch service is your early warning system. Without monitoring, a competitor or squatter can register a similar mark — and by the time you discover it, the 2-month window ...

Quick Answer Japan trademark disputes arise from conflicting registrations, infringement, or bad-faith filings Main resolution routes: opposition, invalidation trial, civil litigation, or negotiated settlement A Japanese trademark attorney is required for all formal dispute proceedings The most common and cost-effective first step is a cease and desist letter Prevention — filing early with a thorough clearance search — is the best dispute strategy Japan trademark disputes can block your market entry, damage your brand, and lead to costly legal proceedings. Understanding the options available — and acting quickly — makes a decisive difference to the outcome. Need help with a ...

Quick Answer Japan provides special protection for well-known marks — even without JPO registration A well-known mark can block registration of similar marks across all classes Recognition must be established in Japan specifically — overseas fame alone is insufficient Registration is still strongly recommended — unregistered well-known status is difficult and expensive to prove A Japanese trademark attorney is required to assert well-known mark status before the JPO Japan trademark well-known mark protection offers an additional layer of brand defence — but it is not a substitute for registration. This guide explains what qualifies, how protection works, and why filing ...