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 brand.
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What is a Benrishi
Benrishi (弁理士) is the official Japanese title for a licensed intellectual property attorney. A Benrishi is qualified to represent clients in all proceedings before the Japan Patent Office (JPO) — including trademarks, patents, designs, and utility models.
Becoming a Benrishi in Japan requires:
- Passing Japan's national Benrishi examination — one of the most difficult professional exams in the country
- Completing a mandatory practical training programme
- Registering with the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA)
What a Benrishi does for trademark clients:
- Conducts preliminary clearance search
- Advises on Nice Class selection and filing strategy
- Prepares and submits the trademark application in Japanese
- Manages all communication with the JPO
- Responds to office actions within the required deadline
- Manages the registration fee payment
- Handles renewals, assignments, licenses, and opposition or cancellation proceedings
Japan Trademark Cost: Benrishi Fees
| Service | BrandAgent fee (excl. tax) |
|---|---|
| Preliminary trademark search | Free |
| Trademark filing (per class) | ¥25,000 |
| Registration (per class, after approval) | ¥25,000 |
| Office action response | ¥25,000 |
| JPO filing fee (1 class) — paid to JPO | ¥12,000 |
| JPO registration fee (10-year, 1 class) — paid to JPO | ¥32,900 |
| Total all-in (1 class, 10-year, est.) | ~¥94,900 + tax on attorney fees |
JPO fees are fixed by law. Benrishi fees vary by firm — always confirm the full cost structure before engaging.
Trademark Filing Process: Working with a Benrishi
- Initial consultation — Share your brand details, target classes, and Japan market plans. Your Benrishi conducts a free preliminary search
- Strategy advice — Benrishi advises on class selection, English vs katakana filing, and direct JPO vs Madrid Protocol
- Application preparation — Benrishi drafts the application in Japanese using JPO-approved goods/services descriptions
- Filing — Benrishi submits electronically to the JPO. You receive the filing date and application number
- Examination monitoring — Benrishi monitors progress and alerts you to any office actions or issues
- Office action response — If an objection is raised, Benrishi prepares and files a written response within the 3-month deadline
- Registration — Benrishi manages the registration fee payment and confirms certificate issuance
Planning to register a trademark in Japan?
BrandAgent provides full support for foreign companies.
- Trademark search
- Application filing
- JPO office action responses
- Registration
How to Choose the Right Benrishi
| Criteria | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Trademark specialisation | Dedicated trademark practice — not just general IP |
| English capability | Fluent written and spoken English for clear communication |
| Transparent pricing | Flat fees with all costs confirmed upfront in writing |
| Filing volume | High annual trademark filing volume — e.g. BrandAgent: 4,000+ filings |
| International client experience | Track record handling foreign company filings |
| Responsiveness | Fast response times — JPO deadlines do not wait |
Common Mistakes
- Using a general lawyer instead of a Benrishi — A Bengoshi (general lawyer) is not the same as a Benrishi. For JPO proceedings, a Benrishi with trademark experience is the correct specialist
- Choosing based on price alone — The cheapest firm may lack the experience to handle office actions effectively. A poorly handled refusal costs far more than the saving on filing fees
- No English communication capability — Misunderstandings in instructions can lead to incorrect applications. Always work with a firm that communicates clearly in English
- No written fee confirmation — Always get total costs — including potential office action fees — confirmed in writing before instructing any firm
- Switching attorneys mid-process — Changing Benrishi during an active examination or office action creates risk. Choose carefully from the start
FAQ
Is a Benrishi legally required for foreign trademark applicants in Japan?
Yes. Under Japanese trademark law, any applicant without a permanent address or business office in Japan must appoint a Benrishi (Japanese patent attorney) as their representative for all JPO proceedings. This is a legal requirement — not optional.
What is the difference between a Benrishi and a Bengoshi in Japan?
A Benrishi (弁理士) is a licensed IP attorney qualified to handle JPO proceedings — trademarks, patents, designs. A Bengoshi (弁護士) is a general lawyer handling civil, criminal, and commercial matters. For trademark registration and JPO proceedings, a Benrishi is the appropriate specialist.
How much does a Benrishi charge for Japan trademark filing?
Fees vary by firm. BrandAgent charges ¥25,000 (excl. tax) per class for trademark filing, ¥25,000 per class at registration, and ¥25,000 for an office action response. Always confirm the full fee structure — including JPO official fees — in writing before engaging any Benrishi.
Can BrandAgent act as my Benrishi for Japan trademark filings?
Yes. BrandAgent is a Japan-based IP firm with qualified Benrishi. We handle the entire trademark process in English — from free preliminary search to registration certificate. Contact us to start your filing.
Conclusion
A Benrishi is not optional for most foreign businesses filing trademarks in Japan — it is a legal requirement. Choose a firm with trademark specialisation, English capability, and transparent pricing.
- Benrishi = licensed Japanese IP attorney — required for foreign applicants
- Handles all JPO proceedings: filing, office actions, registration, renewals
- BrandAgent fees: ¥25,000 + tax per class at filing and at registration for trademark filing
- Total all-in (1 class, 10-year): approx. ¥94,900 + tax on attorney fees
Register Your Trademark in Japan
If you plan to enter the Japanese market, securing your trademark is essential. BrandAgent Patent Office has handled over 4,000 trademark filings.
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- Japan Trademark Attorney: What Foreign Businesses Need to Know (2026)
- How Much Does a Japanese Trademark Cost? Fees for Foreign Applicants (2026)
- How to Register a Trademark in Japan: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Applicants [2026]
- What Is Trademark Registration in Japan? How It Works, Benefits, Costs and Process for Foreign Applicants