"Our Japanese trademark was registered ten years ago — what do we need to do now?" "We changed agents. Who handles the renewal?"
A Japanese trademark does not last forever. It must be renewed every 10 years, and if the deadline is missed the right can be lost. In this article, Japanese Patent Attorney Toru Kano of BrandAgent explains when to renew, how much it costs, and how overseas owners can renew smoothly.
*Official fees are those in effect since the April 1, 2022 revision of the JPO fee schedule (last updated: October 2026).
What you will learn
- What trademark renewal is
- The difference between a renewal and the first registration fee
- The renewal window and the 6-month grace period
- Official renewal fees (5 or 10 years) and BrandAgent's fee
- Points to check before renewing
1. What is trademark renewal?
A Japanese trademark registration lasts 10 years from the date of registration. By filing a renewal application and paying the renewal fee, you extend the term by another 10 years. There is no limit on the number of renewals, so a mark you keep using can be protected indefinitely.
An owner without a domicile or business office in Japan cannot file the renewal directly with the Japan Patent Office (JPO); it must be filed through a representative in Japan — in practice, a Japanese patent attorney. This applies even if the original filing was made by a different firm: you can appoint any Japanese patent attorney for the renewal.
2. Renewal vs. the first registration fee (important)
These two payments are often confused, but they are separate procedures with different fees.
| Renewal application | First registration fee | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Every 10 years, around the expiry date | Once, after the decision to register |
| Purpose | Extends an existing right | Creates the right |
| Official fee per class | 10 yrs: JPY 43,600 5 yrs: JPY 22,800 |
10 yrs: JPY 32,900 5 yrs: JPY 17,200 |
| Legal basis | Trademark Act Art. 20 | Trademark Act Arts. 40–41 |
In short, the registration fee "creates" the trademark right, while the renewal "keeps it alive." Note that the renewal fee is higher than the first registration fee.
3. Renewal deadline: from when, until when?
Renewal deadlines
- Term: 10 years from the date of registration
- Renewal window: from 6 months before the expiry date until the expiry date
- Grace period: up to 6 months after expiry, with a surcharge (double the renewal fee)
Example: a mark registered on April 1, 2020 expires on March 31, 2030. The normal renewal window is October 1, 2029 to March 31, 2030. If you miss it, you can still renew until the end of September 2030 by paying double the fee — after that, the right is lost.
Do not rely on reminders
Do not assume you will be reminded before expiry. If your original Japanese agent has closed, changed, or simply does not contact you, nobody may remind you. Check the expiry date of each of your Japanese registrations yourself, or ask us to check it for you.
4. Renewal procedure step by step
- Step 1: Confirm the expiry date — from the registration certificate or the JPO database J-PlatPat. Send us the registration number and we will confirm it.
- Step 2: Review the registration — check that the owner's name and address are still correct, and decide whether to renew all classes. If the name or address has changed, a recordal of the change is usually filed first or at the same time.
- Step 3: File the renewal and pay the fee — we file the renewal application and pay the official fee for 5 or 10 years.
- Step 4: Renewal is recorded — the JPO records the renewal and the term is extended by 10 years.
What we need from you: the registration number, the owner's current name and address (in the original language and in English), the classes to renew, and a Power of Attorney if we are newly appointed (we prepare it for you).
5. Renewal costs (5 years / 10 years)
| 5 years | 10 years | |
|---|---|---|
| First registration fee (reference) | 17,200 | 32,900 |
| Renewal fee (JPY per class) | 22,800 | 43,600 |
| Difference | +5,600 | +10,700 |
The fee is multiplied by the number of classes renewed. With the 5-year option, the second 5 years (another JPY 22,800 per class) must be paid later; paying 10 years at once is cheaper overall.
BrandAgent's renewal fee
JPY 10,000 (excluding Japanese consumption tax, where applicable), plus the official fee above.
Example: 1 class, 10 years = JPY 43,600 + JPY 10,000 = JPY 53,600.
Payment by PayPal (in JPY) or bank transfer. Every case is handled personally by a licensed patent attorney.
6. Points to check before renewing
The deadline comes first
Missing the deadline risks losing the right altogether. If a lapsed mark is registered by someone else, getting it back can be very difficult. Contact us well before the expiry date — at least 2–3 months ahead is ideal for overseas owners, to allow time for instructions and payment.
You may be able to renew only the classes you need
Renewal fees are charged per class, so dropping classes you no longer need can reduce cost. However, a class kept for defensive reasons or future expansion may be worth keeping. Also remember that a mark not used in Japan for 3 or more consecutive years can be challenged in a non-use cancellation trial.
Check that your current business is still covered
Renewal does not change the registered goods/services. If your product range has grown — for example, from clothing into bags or cosmetics — the new products may not be covered, and a new application may be needed.
FAQ
- Q. When can we file the renewal?
A. From 6 months before the expiry date until the expiry date. - Q. Is the renewal fee the same as the registration fee?
A. No. The renewal fee is higher: JPY 43,600 per class for 10 years (vs. JPY 32,900), or JPY 22,800 for 5 years (vs. JPY 17,200). - Q. We missed the expiry date. Is it too late?
A. You can still renew within 6 months after expiry by paying double the renewal fee. After that, the right is lost. - Q. Can BrandAgent renew a mark that another firm filed?
A. Yes. Just send us the registration number and a Power of Attorney (we prepare it). - Q. 5 years or 10 years?
A. 10 years is cheaper overall and suits brands you will keep using. 5 years can make sense if your plans for Japan are uncertain.
Summary
Key points
- A Japanese trademark lasts 10 years and can be renewed any number of times.
- Renew from 6 months before expiry; a 6-month grace period is available at double the fee.
- Official renewal fee: JPY 43,600 per class (10 years) or JPY 22,800 (5 years).
- Foreign owners must renew through a Japanese patent attorney. BrandAgent's fee: JPY 10,000.
Related articles
- Missed a Japanese Trademark Renewal Deadline? The "Not Intentional" Relief System Explained
- Buying or Selling a Japanese Trademark: Assignment Procedure, Documents and Costs
- How Much Does a Japanese Trademark Cost? Fees for Foreign Applicants (2026)
- What Is a Trademark Right in Japan? When It Arises, Scope, Duration and Infringement
Planning to protect your brand in Japan?
Tell us your mark and your products — we will reply with the classes you need and a fixed quote, free of charge.
BrandAgent Patent Office (Kyoto, Japan)
Toru Kano, Japanese Patent Attorney