{"id":128,"date":"2026-10-31T12:26:21","date_gmt":"2026-10-31T03:26:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-trademark-accelerated-examination\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T16:34:25","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T07:34:25","slug":"japan-trademark-accelerated-examination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-trademark-accelerated-examination\/","title":{"rendered":"Accelerated Trademark Examination in Japan: Requirements, Evidence, Pros and Cons"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">&#8220;We are launching on Amazon Japan next quarter \u2014 can the trademark be registered faster?&#8221; &#8220;Someone is already copying our brand in Japan. What can we do?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Under normal examination, it takes about 9\u201312 months to get a decision on a Japanese trademark application. If you qualify for <strong>accelerated examination<\/strong>, that can be shortened to about 2\u20133 months. In this article, Japanese Patent Attorney Toru Kano of BrandAgent explains how the system works, who can use it, what evidence you need, and the pitfalls to avoid.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">*Based on the JPO&#8217;s Guidelines for Accelerated Examination of Trademarks, including the revision effective October 1, 2025 (last updated: October 2026).<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"st-mybox st-mybox-class\" style=\"margin: 18px 0; padding: 16px; border: 2px solid #e5e7eb; border-radius: 10px; background: #fafafa;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>What you will learn<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 18px;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">What accelerated examination is and how fast it is<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The benefits for foreign brand owners<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The three eligibility categories<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">What evidence of use (or preparation for use) is required<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">How to apply, and the common pitfalls<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">What is accelerated examination?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rocket-g6f31fd258_1280.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"920\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Accelerated examination (<em>soki shinsa<\/em>) is a Japan Patent Office (JPO) program that examines a trademark application ahead of the normal queue. You submit a written &#8220;explanation of circumstances&#8221; together with evidence that you are using, or are well advanced in preparing to use, the mark.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The basic condition is the same for every category: <strong>the applicant (or a user under the applicant&#8217;s substantial control) must be actually using the mark, or have substantially prepared to use it, in Japan<\/strong>. Simply wanting a faster result is not enough.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">How fast is it?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rocket-g0371345cf_1280.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"920\" \/><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\" border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f5f5f5;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: left;\"><\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Time to a decision (guide)<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Normal examination<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">about 9\u201312 months<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f0f7ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Accelerated examination<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>about 2\u20133 months<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The result is either a decision to register or an Office Action. If an Office Action is issued, the response period and re-examination add time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Benefits of accelerated examination<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">No official fee<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The JPO charges nothing for the request. You pay only your attorney&#8217;s fee for preparing the explanation and evidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">You know sooner whether you can use the name<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">If the mark is refused, you find out early \u2014 before investing heavily in Japanese packaging, listings and advertising.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Faster action against copycats and marketplaces<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">A registered right lets you send warning letters and file infringement complaints on Amazon Japan, Rakuten and other platforms. A quicker registration can also help with brand programs that require a registered mark (check each platform&#8217;s current rules).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The three eligibility categories<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/audit-3929140_1920-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"920\" \/><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\" border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f5f5f5;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: left;\"><\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Requirement<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Category 1<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Used (or prepared for use) on <strong>some<\/strong> of the designated goods\/services, <strong>and<\/strong> there is urgency (see below)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Category 2<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Used (or prepared for use) on <strong>all<\/strong> of the designated goods\/services<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Category 3<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Used (or prepared for use) on <strong>some<\/strong> of the designated goods\/services, <strong>and<\/strong> every designated item uses standard JPO\/Nice wording<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Category 1: the five urgency cases<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">a) A third party is using the same or a similar mark without permission<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">b) You have received a warning from a third party about your use of the mark<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">c) A third party has asked you for a licence \u2014 or you have granted one<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">d) <strong>You have also filed the mark in another country or region<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">e) You plan to use the Japanese application as the basis for a Madrid international application<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Case d) is especially useful for foreign applicants: if you have already filed in China, Korea, the EU or elsewhere, and you use the mark in Japan on at least some of the goods, you can usually meet Category 1.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Why Category 3 is so convenient<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Category 3 needs no urgency. If every designated item is worded exactly as listed in the JPO&#8217;s examination standards or the Nice Classification, you only need to prove use on some of them. Standard wording also reduces objections about the goods\/services, which makes registration faster overall. The JPO&#8217;s &#8220;Goods and Services Support Tool&#8221; shows which wording qualifies. We check this for you when drafting the list.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">What evidence of use is required?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/sign-ga566145f0_1280.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"920\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The evidence must show three things together: <strong>the mark, the goods\/services, and who is using it<\/strong>. And it must show use <strong>in Japan<\/strong> \u2014 use only in your home country does not count.<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\" border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f5f5f5;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Already in use<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Preparing to use<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Photos of products bearing the mark<br \/>Catalogues and price lists<br \/>Screenshots of your Japanese website, Amazon\/Rakuten listing or SNS (a URL alone is not enough)<br \/>The Japanese seller information page<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Purchase orders and order confirmations for products or packaging showing the mark<br \/>Orders for signage or advertising<br \/>Press coverage of the upcoming launch<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">For &#8220;preparation,&#8221; the bar is high: internal design drafts alone do not qualify. The evidence must show that you have committed externally, such as a placed order.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">How to apply<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/to-register-257986_1280.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"920\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Step 1: File the trademark application<\/strong> \u2014 the request can be made at the same time or any time afterward. We recommend filing it together with the application.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Step 2: Prepare the explanation of circumstances<\/strong> \u2014 who uses the mark, on which designated goods\/services, since when, where (address or URL), a description of each piece of evidence, and for Category 1 the urgency facts. We draft it in Japanese from the information you send in English or Chinese.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Step 3: Submit it online<\/strong> \u2014 we file the explanation and evidence electronically with the JPO.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Step 4: Wait for the result<\/strong> \u2014 if the request is accepted, there is no separate notice; the next thing you receive is the decision or an Office Action. If it is not accepted, the JPO gives the reason, and you can re-submit once the requirements are met.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"st-mybox  has-title st-mybox-class\" style=\"background:#ffebee;border-color:#ef9a9a;border-width:2px;border-radius:5px;margin: 25px 0 25px 0;\"><p class=\"st-mybox-title\" style=\"color:#ef5350;font-weight:bold;text-shadow: #fff 3px 0px 0px, #fff 2.83487px 0.981584px 0px, #fff 2.35766px 1.85511px 0px, #fff 1.62091px 2.52441px 0px, #fff 0.705713px 2.91581px 0px, #fff -0.287171px 2.98622px 0px, #fff -1.24844px 2.72789px 0px, #fff -2.07227px 2.16926px 0px, #fff -2.66798px 1.37182px 0px, #fff -2.96998px 0.42336px 0px, #fff -2.94502px -0.571704px 0px, #fff -2.59586px -1.50383px 0px, #fff -1.96093px -2.27041px 0px, #fff -1.11013px -2.78704px 0px, #fff -0.137119px -2.99686px 0px, #fff 0.850987px -2.87677px 0px, #fff 1.74541px -2.43999px 0px, #fff 2.44769px -1.73459px 0px, #fff 2.88051px -0.838246px 0px;\"><i class=\"fa fa-check-circle st-css-no\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>Not eligible for accelerated examination<\/p><div class=\"st-in-mybox\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Madrid designations of Japan<\/strong> are currently excluded. If speed matters, file directly in Japan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Certain new types of marks (motion, hologram, colour, sound, position) and some three-dimensional marks<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Applications relying on the consent system (written consent from the owner of a similar earlier mark)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Drawbacks and common pitfalls<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rockets-4528194_1280.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"920\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Preparing evidence takes effort.<\/strong> Saying &#8220;we use it&#8221; is not enough; the documents must clearly show mark, goods and user.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>The mark must match exactly.<\/strong> If you file the mark in Latin letters but use it in Japan only in katakana (or with a different logo), it may not be accepted as use of the filed mark.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Category 2 requires evidence for every item.<\/strong> Items without evidence must be deleted first.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Do not narrow the goods too far just to qualify.<\/strong> Deleted items cannot be added back, and gaps in protection may hurt you later.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>No use in Japan yet?<\/strong> If you have no Japanese sales or orders at all, you will not qualify. Consider filing now under normal examination so your filing date is secured.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. Can anyone use accelerated examination?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. No. You must be using, or substantially preparing to use, the mark in Japan, fit one of the three categories, and prove it with evidence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. Is there an official fee?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. No. The JPO charges nothing for the request; only the attorney&#8217;s fee applies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. Can we request it for a Madrid designation of Japan?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. Not at present. Madrid designations are excluded, so file directly in Japan if you need speed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. Is a URL of our website enough as evidence?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. No. Screenshots showing the mark and the goods must be submitted.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. What if the request is not accepted?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. The JPO tells you why. Once the requirements are met, you can re-submit; the application itself continues under normal examination in the meantime.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Summary<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/trademark-scaled-1-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"920\" height=\"460\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"st-mybox  has-title st-mybox-class\" style=\"background:#f1f8e9;border-color:#a5d6a7;border-width:2px;border-radius:5px;margin: 25px 0 25px 0;\"><p class=\"st-mybox-title\" style=\"color:#4caf50;font-weight:bold;text-shadow: #fff 3px 0px 0px, #fff 2.83487px 0.981584px 0px, #fff 2.35766px 1.85511px 0px, #fff 1.62091px 2.52441px 0px, #fff 0.705713px 2.91581px 0px, #fff -0.287171px 2.98622px 0px, #fff -1.24844px 2.72789px 0px, #fff -2.07227px 2.16926px 0px, #fff -2.66798px 1.37182px 0px, #fff -2.96998px 0.42336px 0px, #fff -2.94502px -0.571704px 0px, #fff -2.59586px -1.50383px 0px, #fff -1.96093px -2.27041px 0px, #fff -1.11013px -2.78704px 0px, #fff -0.137119px -2.99686px 0px, #fff 0.850987px -2.87677px 0px, #fff 1.74541px -2.43999px 0px, #fff 2.44769px -1.73459px 0px, #fff 2.88051px -0.838246px 0px;\"><i class=\"fa fa-check-circle st-css-no\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>Key points<\/p><div class=\"st-in-mybox\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Accelerated examination shortens the wait from about 9\u201312 months to about 2\u20133 months, with no official fee.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">You must be using, or preparing to use, the mark in Japan, and fit one of three categories.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Foreign applicants who have filed abroad often qualify under Category 1 (d); standard wording opens Category 3.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Madrid designations are not eligible \u2014 file directly in Japan if speed matters.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">BrandAgent has filed more than 4,000 applications, and every case is handled personally by a licensed patent attorney.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"related-articles\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Related articles<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-trademark-fast-track-examination\/\">Japan&#8217;s Trademark Fast Track Examination: Is It Still Available? Fast Track vs. Accelerated Examination<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-trademark-registration-timeline\/\">How Long Does Trademark Registration Take in Japan? Timeline from Filing to Registration (2026)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-trademark-cost\/\">How Much Does a Japanese Trademark Cost? Fees for Foreign Applicants (2026)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan_trademark_examination\/\">Japanese Trademark Office Action (Notice of Reasons for Refusal): Common Grounds and How to Respond<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f0f7ff; border: 2px solid #0066cc; padding: 20px; margin: 24px 0; border-radius: 6px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Planning to protect your brand in Japan?<\/strong><br \/>\nTell us your mark and your products \u2014 we will reply with the classes you need and a fixed quote, free of charge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">BrandAgent Patent Office (Kyoto, Japan)<br \/>\nToru Kano, Japanese Patent Attorney<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color: #0066cc; font-weight: bold;\" href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en\/trademark_lp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Get a free quote for your Japanese trademark<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get a Japanese trademark decision in about 2\u20133 months instead of 9\u201312. A Japanese patent attorney explains accelerated examination: who qualifies, the three categories, required evidence of use in Japan, and common pitfalls for foreign applicants.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":331,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trademark"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=128"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":205,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128\/revisions\/205"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/331"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}