{"id":41,"date":"2026-03-13T08:53:04","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T23:53:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/?p=41"},"modified":"2026-11-02T16:35:53","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T07:35:53","slug":"japan_trademark_symbol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan_trademark_symbol\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan Trademark Symbol: \u2122 and \u00ae Rules for Foreign Businesses (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Answer<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>\u00ae (registered trademark symbol) can only be used after your mark is officially registered with the JPO<\/li>\r\n<li>\u2122 (trademark symbol) has no legal standing in Japan \u2014 it is not commonly used<\/li>\r\n<li>Japan uses its own registered trademark symbol: \u767b\u9332\u5546\u6a19 or \u00ae<\/li>\r\n<li>Using \u00ae before registration is granted is a criminal offence in Japan<\/li>\r\n<li>Register first \u2014 then display \u00ae on your products, packaging, and marketing<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japan trademark symbol rules are stricter than in many Western countries. Using the wrong symbol \u2014 or using \u00ae before registration \u2014 can expose your business to legal penalties. This guide explains what you need to know.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Need help registering your trademark in Japan?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BrandAgent Patent Office has handled over 4,000 trademark applications for domestic and international clients.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>English support<\/li>\r\n<li>Transparent pricing<\/li>\r\n<li>Experienced Japanese patent attorney<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en\/trademark_lp\/\"><strong>\u2192 Start Your Japan Trademark Filing<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the Japan Trademark Symbol<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japan recognises two official ways to indicate a registered trademark:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>\u00ae (circled R)<\/strong> \u2014 Internationally recognised symbol for a registered trademark. Legal to use in Japan after JPO registration is granted<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>\u767b\u9332\u5546\u6a19<\/strong> \u2014 The Japanese characters for &#8220;registered trademark.&#8221; Used on Japanese-language packaging and advertising<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u2122 symbol:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>\u2122 has no legal meaning or protection under Japanese trademark law<\/li>\r\n<li>It is not commonly used in Japan<\/li>\r\n<li>Using \u2122 does not indicate pending or registered status in Japan<\/li>\r\n<li>Foreign companies sometimes use it out of habit \u2014 but it provides no legal benefit in Japan<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Japan Trademark Cost<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Item<\/th><th>Cost<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Filing fee (1 class)<\/td><td>\u00a512,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Registration fee (10-year, 1 class)<\/td><td>\u00a532,900<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total JPO fees (1 class, 10-year)<\/td><td>\u00a544,900<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>BrandAgent attorney fees<\/td><td>\u00a550,000 + tax (\u00a525,000 at filing + \u00a525,000 at registration)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total all-in (est.)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>~\u00a594,900 + tax on attorney fees<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trademark Filing Process<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>File your trademark application<\/strong> \u2014 Submit to the JPO via your Japanese trademark attorney. Do not use \u00ae during this stage<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>JPO examination<\/strong> \u2014 6\u201312 months. Your mark is pending \u2014 \u00ae cannot be used yet<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Notice of allowance received<\/strong> \u2014 Your application is approved. \u00ae still cannot be used until registration is complete<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Pay registration fee<\/strong> \u2014 Within 30 days of notice of allowance<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Registration certificate issued<\/strong> \u2014 From this date, you may legally use \u00ae or \u767b\u9332\u5546\u6a19 on your products, packaging, and marketing materials<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Update all materials<\/strong> \u2014 Add \u00ae or \u767b\u9332\u5546\u6a19 to packaging, advertising, website, and product labels in Japan<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Planning to register a trademark in Japan?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BrandAgent provides full support for foreign companies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>Trademark search<\/li>\r\n<li>Application filing<\/li>\r\n<li>JPO office action responses<\/li>\r\n<li>Registration<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en\/trademark_lp\/\"><strong>\u2192 Learn More<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Timeline<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Stage<\/th><th>Duration<\/th><th>Symbol permitted?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Application filed \u2014 pending<\/td><td>Day 1<\/td><td>No \u00ae<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>JPO examination<\/td><td>6\u201312 months<\/td><td>No \u00ae<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Notice of allowance<\/td><td>~10\u201313 months<\/td><td>No \u00ae<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Registration certificate issued<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>~10\u201314 months<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>\u2714 \u00ae permitted<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Mistakes<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Using \u00ae before registration<\/strong> \u2014 In Japan, displaying \u00ae on an unregistered mark is a criminal offence under the Unfair Competition Prevention Act. Penalties include fines and imprisonment<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Assuming \u2122 provides protection<\/strong> \u2014 \u2122 has no legal meaning in Japan. It does not indicate pending status or provide any enforceable rights<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Forgetting \u767b\u9332\u5546\u6a19 on Japanese materials<\/strong> \u2014 For Japanese-language packaging and advertising, use \u767b\u9332\u5546\u6a19 alongside or instead of \u00ae to communicate registered status clearly to Japanese consumers<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Not updating materials after registration<\/strong> \u2014 Once registered, update all Japan-facing materials promptly. Displaying \u00ae signals your enforceable rights to potential infringers<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Using \u00ae for unregistered classes<\/strong> \u2014 \u00ae only applies to the specific goods\/services covered by your registration. Do not use it for products or services outside your registered classes<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I use \u00ae in Japan before my trademark is registered?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Using \u00ae before JPO registration is granted is a criminal offence in Japan. Wait until you receive your registration certificate before displaying \u00ae on any products, packaging, or marketing materials.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is \u2122 recognised in Japan?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. The \u2122 symbol has no legal meaning under Japanese trademark law. It does not indicate pending application status or confer any enforceable rights. There is no equivalent symbol recognised by the JPO for unregistered marks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does \u767b\u9332\u5546\u6a19 mean?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u767b\u9332\u5546\u6a19 (t\u014droku sh\u014dhy\u014d) means &#8220;registered trademark&#8221; in Japanese. It is the Japanese equivalent of \u00ae and is commonly used on Japanese-language product packaging, advertising, and business materials to indicate a JPO-registered mark.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need to use \u00ae on my products in Japan?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Displaying \u00ae or \u767b\u9332\u5546\u6a19 deters infringers, signals your legal rights to competitors, and supports enforcement actions if infringement occurs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japan trademark symbol rules are clear \u2014 and the consequences of using \u00ae incorrectly are serious. Register first, then display.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>\u00ae can only be used after JPO registration is granted<\/li>\r\n<li>Using \u00ae before registration is a criminal offence in Japan<\/li>\r\n<li>\u2122 has no legal meaning in Japan<\/li>\r\n<li>Use \u767b\u9332\u5546\u6a19 on Japanese-language materials alongside \u00ae<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Register Your Trademark in Japan<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you plan to enter the Japanese market, securing your trademark is essential. BrandAgent Patent Office has handled over 4,000 trademark filings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en\/trademark_lp\/\"><strong>\u2192 Start Your Filing Today<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\n\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-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\/japan_trademark_registration\/\">What Is Trademark Registration in Japan? How It Works, Benefits, Costs and Process for Foreign Applicants<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-standard-character-mark\/\">Standard Character Marks in Japan: Word Mark vs. Logo Mark and How to Choose<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-logo-trademark\/\">Registering a Logo Trademark in Japan: Word, Symbol or Combined Mark?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Quick Answer \u00ae (registered trademark symbol) can only be used after your mark is officially registered with the JPO \u2122 (trademark symbol) has no legal standing in Japan \u2014 it is not commonly used Japan uses its own registered trademark symbol: \u767b\u9332\u5546\u6a19 or \u00ae Using \u00ae before registration is granted is a criminal offence in Japan Register first \u2014 then display \u00ae on your products, packaging, and marketing Japan trademark symbol rules are stricter than in many Western countries. Using the wrong symbol \u2014 or using \u00ae before registration \u2014 can expose your business to legal penalties. This guide explains &#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":356,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41","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\/41","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=41"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":235,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41\/revisions\/235"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/356"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}