Quick Answer
- Foreign applicants without a Japan address are legally required to appoint a Japanese trademark attorney
- The official title is Benrishi (弁理士) — a licensed IP professional
- Your attorney handles filing, office actions, and registration on your behalf
- Attorney fees vary by firm — BrandAgent charges ¥25,000 + tax per class for trademark filing and ¥25,000 + tax per class at registration
- Always choose an attorney with proven trademark experience and English support
A Japan trademark attorney is not optional for most foreign companies — it is a legal requirement. This guide explains what a Japanese trademark attorney does, how much they cost, and how to choose the right one.
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What is a Japan Trademark Attorney
In Japan, the official title for a licensed intellectual property professional is Benrishi (弁理士). A Benrishi is qualified to handle all proceedings before the Japan Patent Office (JPO) — including trademark, patent, and design filings.
What a Japan trademark attorney does for you:
- Conducts preliminary trademark search on J-PlatPat
- Advises on Nice Class selection and mark strategy
- Prepares and submits the application in Japanese
- Manages communication with the JPO on your behalf
- Responds to office actions and refusals within required deadlines
- Handles the registration fee payment process
- Manages renewal, assignment, and licensing proceedings
Why foreign companies need a Japan trademark attorney:
- Legal requirement — Under Japanese law, applicants without a Japan address must appoint a local representative
- Language barrier — All JPO proceedings are conducted in Japanese
- Similarity standards — Japan's similarity rules are strict and require specialist knowledge
- Tight deadlines — Office action response windows (3 months) cannot be missed without losing your application
Japan Trademark Cost: Attorney 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 |
Attorney fees vary by firm. Some firms charge by the hour; others use flat rates. Always confirm the full fee structure — including office action costs — before engaging.
Trademark Filing Process: Working with Your Attorney
- Initial consultation — Share your brand name, logo, and business description. Your attorney conducts a preliminary search
- Strategy discussion — Attorney advises on classes, mark versions (English and katakana), and filing route (direct JPO vs Madrid)
- Application preparation — Attorney drafts the application in Japanese and confirms details with you before filing
- Filing — Attorney submits to the JPO electronically. You receive confirmation of the filing date and application number
- Examination updates — Attorney monitors progress and notifies you of any office actions or issues
- Office action response — If the JPO raises objections, attorney prepares and files a written response within 3 months
- Registration — Attorney 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
Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation and search | 1–3 business days |
| Application preparation and filing | 1–2 weeks |
| JPO examination | 6–12 months |
| Office action response (if needed) | Within 3 months of notice |
| Total to registration (uncontested) | 10–14 months |
How to Choose a Japan Trademark Attorney
- Trademark specialisation — Choose a Benrishi with specific trademark filing experience, not just general IP work
- English language capability — Essential for clear communication and avoiding misunderstandings in your instructions
- Transparent fees — Flat-rate pricing is easier to budget than hourly billing. Confirm all fees upfront including office action costs
- Filing volume and track record — Ask about the number of trademark filings handled annually and experience with foreign clients
- Responsiveness — Tight JPO deadlines mean slow communication can cost you your application
FAQ
Do I need a Japanese trademark attorney?
Yes, if you have no permanent address or business office in Japan. This is a legal requirement under Japanese trademark law. Your attorney acts as your representative for all JPO procedures.
How much does a Japan trademark attorney cost?
Attorney fees vary by firm. BrandAgent charges ¥25,000 (excl. tax) per class for filing, ¥25,000 per class at registration, and ¥25,000 for an office action response. Always confirm the full cost structure — including JPO official fees — before proceeding.
What is the difference between a Benrishi and a lawyer in Japan?
A Benrishi (弁理士) is a licensed IP attorney qualified to represent clients before the JPO. A lawyer (弁護士, Bengoshi) handles general legal matters. For trademark registration proceedings, a Benrishi is the correct specialist.
Can BrandAgent handle trademark filing for my company in Japan?
Yes. BrandAgent is a Japan-based trademark attorney firm specialising in supporting foreign businesses. We manage the entire process in English — from free preliminary search to final registration certificate.
Conclusion
A Japan trademark attorney is a legal requirement for most foreign companies — and the right choice for anyone serious about protecting their brand in Japan.
- Foreign applicants without a Japan address must appoint a Benrishi
- Your attorney manages filing, office actions, and registration
- BrandAgent charges ¥25,000 + tax per class for trademark filing and ¥25,000 + tax per class at registration (English support included)
- Choose an attorney with proven trademark experience and transparent pricing
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.
Related articles
- Japan Trademark Benrishi: What Is a Benrishi and Do You Need One? (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]
- Japanese Trademark Office Action (Notice of Reasons for Refusal): Common Grounds and How to Respond