Trademark

Quick Answer A priority claim allows you to use an earlier home-country filing date for your Japan application Based on the Paris Convention — available if your home country is a member Priority window: 6 months from the home-country filing date Protects against third parties who file in Japan during the 6-month window You must file in Japan within 6 months — the priority right does not extend this deadline A Japan trademark priority claim is a powerful tool for foreign businesses. If you have recently filed a trademark in your home country, you may be able to use that ...

Received an Office Action from the Japan Patent Office? A Japanese patent attorney explains the common refusal grounds, the response deadline for overseas applicants, written arguments vs. amendments, and what happens if you do not respond.

Quick Answer Japan uses the Nice Classification system — 45 classes total Classes 1–34 cover goods; Classes 35–45 cover services Each class adds ¥8,600 to your filing fee and ¥32,900 to your 10-year registration fee You cannot add classes after filing — choose correctly from the start Unused classes are vulnerable to cancellation after 3 years of non-use in Japan Japan trademark Nice Classes define where your brand protection begins and ends. Choosing the wrong classes — too few or too many — is one of the most common and costly mistakes foreign businesses make when filing in Japan. Not ...

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.

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...