{"id":186,"date":"2026-11-01T15:28:39","date_gmt":"2026-11-01T06:28:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-trademark-infringement-warning-letter\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T16:33:11","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T07:33:11","slug":"japan-trademark-infringement-warning-letter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-trademark-infringement-warning-letter\/","title":{"rendered":"Accused of Trademark Infringement in Japan? What Overseas Sellers Should Check and Do"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">&#8220;A Japanese company says our brand name infringes their trademark.&#8221; &#8220;Amazon Japan removed our listing after a trademark complaint.&#8221; \u2014 For overseas sellers on Amazon, Rakuten or Yahoo! Shopping Japan, this message can arrive without warning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">In this article, Japanese Patent Attorney Toru Kano of BrandAgent explains what to check first, which defenses may be available under Japanese law, and how to respond without making things worse.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">First, stay calm and do not reply in a hurry<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">A warning letter or platform complaint does not automatically mean you are infringing. Before you stop selling, apologize or sign anything, check the following three points with a Japanese patent attorney.<\/span><\/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>Three things to check<\/p><div class=\"st-in-mybox\">\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: disc;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Does the other party&#8217;s Japanese trademark registration really exist and is it still valid?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Is your name or logo really similar, and for similar goods or services?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Do you have a defense, such as non-use of their mark or a ground for invalidation?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Point 1: Check the other party&#8217;s registration<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Look up the registration number on J-PlatPat, the JPO&#8217;s free database. A Japanese trademark right only exists once the mark is <strong>registered<\/strong> \u2014 a pending application cannot be enforced in the same way. Confirm:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">that the mark is registered (not just applied for, refused or cancelled);<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">that the registration has not expired;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">which goods and services it covers, and whether they overlap with what you sell.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Remember that trademark rights are territorial. A Japanese registration can be enforced against sales <strong>in Japan<\/strong>, including sales by overseas sellers to Japanese customers, but a Chinese or US registration of your own does not protect you in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Point 2: Check whether the marks are really similar<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">In Japan, similarity of marks is judged from three angles: appearance, pronunciation and meaning, considering how the marks are actually perceived in trade. The goods or services must also be identical or similar. Two marks that look alike on paper may be judged dissimilar, and vice versa \u2014 this is a judgment that needs professional experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Point 3: Check whether you have a defense<\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\" border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f5f5f5;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Possible defense<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">What it means<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Not similar<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">The marks, or the goods\/services, are not similar.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Non-use cancellation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">If the owner has not used the mark in Japan for 3 or more consecutive years for the relevant goods\/services, a non-use cancellation trial can be filed.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Invalidation trial<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">If the registration should never have been granted (for example, because it conflicts with an earlier mark), an invalidation trial may be possible. Some grounds have a time limit after registration.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Prior use right<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Use that started in good faith before the other party filed may be protected, but the requirements are strict (your mark must already have been well known among consumers in Japan at that time).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">If the complaint came through Amazon Japan or another marketplace<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Marketplaces usually act on complaints quickly and may remove listings before any court decision. Keep a copy of the complaint and the complainant&#8217;s contact details, check the cited registration as above, and respond through the marketplace&#8217;s official procedure. If the complaint is unfounded, a clear explanation from a Japanese patent attorney is often the fastest way to have listings restored.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Above all, the best prevention is to <strong>register your own brand in Japan before you start selling<\/strong>. A registered owner is in a much stronger position when a competitor files a complaint.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Response steps<\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\" border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f5f5f5;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Step<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">What to do<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">1. Preserve evidence<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Save the letter, e-mails or platform notices, and records of your own use (dates, listings, invoices).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">2. Consult an attorney<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Contact a Japanese patent attorney before replying.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">3. Check the registration<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Status, owner, goods\/services and use of the cited mark.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">4. Assess infringement<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Similarity and available defenses.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">5. Decide your response<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Reply and keep selling, rebrand for Japan, negotiate a license or coexistence, or attack the registration.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\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>What not to do<\/p><div class=\"st-in-mybox\">\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: disc;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Do not admit infringement or promise to stop immediately before checking the facts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Do not pay or accept demands in a panic.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Do not ignore the letter \u2014 silence can lead to a lawsuit or permanent removal of listings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. We did not know about their trademark. Are we still infringing?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. Infringement can exist regardless of whether you knew about the registration. However, your good faith may matter when damages are discussed. Seek advice before responding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. Our brand is registered in China. Doesn&#8217;t that protect us?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. No. Trademark rights are territorial. To be protected in Japan, you need a Japanese registration (directly or through a Madrid designation of Japan).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. Can we keep selling while we check?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. It depends on the risk. If infringement is likely, continuing to sell after a warning can increase your exposure. Decide together with a Japanese attorney.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Q. Can BrandAgent communicate in Chinese?<\/strong><br \/>\nA. Yes. We communicate in English and Chinese, and every case is handled personally by the patent attorney.<\/span><\/p>\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_infringement\/\">Accused of Trademark Infringement in Japan? How to Respond to a Warning Letter or an Amazon\/Rakuten Complaint<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-trademark-rights\/\">What Is a Trademark Right in Japan? When It Arises, Scope, Duration and Infringement<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/tiktok-shop-japan-trademark\/\">Do You Need a Japanese Trademark to Sell on TikTok Shop Japan? A Guide for Overseas Sellers<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan_trademark-non-use-cancellation\/\">Non-Use Cancellation Trials in Japan: Requirements, Procedure and When You Can Win<\/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>Received a Japanese trademark warning letter or an Amazon Japan infringement complaint? A Japanese patent attorney explains what to check, how to respond and what not to do.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":310,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-186","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\/186","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=186"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/186\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":217,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/186\/revisions\/217"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/310"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=186"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=186"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=186"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}