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Trademark Registration in Japan with Corpbiz- An Overview

Are you looking to protect your brand in the cut, copy, paste culture? If yes, getting trademark registration in Japan will fulfil all your brand protection needs. You don’t even have to book any flight/cruise tickets to visit any governmental office. Our authorized agents will do everything on your behalf.

Take advantage of the Japanese consumer markets in electronics, manufacturing, robotics, automobiles, machinery & equipment, green energy, fintech, and technology.

With Corpbiz expert-led support, as a foreign entrepreneur and company, you can:

  • Appoint a local agent.
  • Conduct a pre-trademark search.
  • Apply with mandatory documents.
  • File counterstatements in case of objections.
  • Oppose new trademark applications.
  • File rectification against registered trademarks.
  • Classify goods and services.
  • Monitor various trademark databases.
  • Legally enforce your exclusive rights by filing lawsuits and claiming damages.
Trademark Registration in Japan
Trademark  Registration Registration process in Japan

What is a Trademark in Japan?

A trademark is a unique expression that may consist of words, logos, shapes, letters, numbers, symbols, slogans, and patterns. The 5th largest economy in the world follows the “first-to-file” principle for trademark registration in Japan.

Benefits of Trademark Registration in Japan

From exclusive TM rights to brand recognition, there are several benefits of trademark registration in Japan, as explained below:

Benefits of Japan Trademark Registration
Asset Valuation

Asset Valuation

After trademark registration in Japan, you can market, sell, license, or franchise your brand, enhancing the value of your brand.

Customer Loyalty

Customer Loyalty

A registered trademark can help you gain loyal consumers in the market. Customers always prefer goods that are authentic and verified.

Legal Security

Legal Security

Once you’ve registered a trademark in Japan, you’re entitled to take action against anyone who infringes/attempts to violate your exclusive rights to the brand. This includes taking legal action and obtaining monetary damages.

Border Assistance

Border Assistance

A trademark owner can obtain border assistance from the Japanese Customs Authority after Japan TM registration to block and prevent the entry and exit of counterfeit products.

Access to Capital

Access to Capital

Investors are more likely to invest in your business if you’ve registered a trademark in Japan. Similarly, you can also apply for a loan, and your registered brand can serve as collateral.

Competitive Advantage

Competitive Advantage

With successful trademark registration in Japan, you can establish a strong competitive edge in the market.

Get Trademark Today

Requirements for Japan Trademark Registration

The basic requirements that all applicants must comply with for Japan trademark registration are described below:

  • The proposed mark must be unique.
  • It shouldn’t be descriptive or generic.
  • The applicant must conduct a thorough trademark search to avoid early-stage cancellation.
  • The mark shouldn’t be misleading, deceptively similar, or identical to already registered trademarks.
  • A local agent must be hired by all foreign applicants seeking trademark registration in Japan.
  • As a foreign applicant, you must submit a power of attorney (POA), authorizing your representative to act on your behalf.
  • If you’re filing through priority, you must submit your application within six months of your previous application in the corresponding foreign country.
  • All documents, including the application form, must be translated and submitted in Japanese.
  • Your proposed mark shouldn’t conflict with Japan’s law and order. It must not contain terms or logos with the country’s flags and emblems.

Checklist: Who Can Register a Trademark in Japan?

  • Limited companies and partnerships
  • Trusts and associations
  • General partnership firms and joint ventures
  • Service providers and professionals
  • Artists and sole proprietors
Checklist for Trademark Registration in Japan
Documents Needed for Trademark Registration in Japan

Documents Needed for Trademark Registration in Japan

The list of documents needed for trademark registration in Japan is as follows:

  • Application form with fees confirmation receipt.
  • A passport copy of the applicant.
  • Identification and address proof of the local representative/attorney.
  • A summary of the proposed mark.
  • A clear representation/image of the mark.
  • A list of goods and services as per the Nice Classification that you intend to cover under the proposed mark.
  • A signed copy of the power of attorney (POA).
  • A statement of priority, if applicable.
  • All document translation in Japanese.

Symbols for Trademark Registration in Japan

Given below are the recognized symbols for trademark registration in Japan-

TM Symbol ()

A TM symbol is used for unregistered products. It doesn’t provide any legal protection against copies and forged goods.

R Symbol (®)

This mark is used for registered goods/services. The universal symbol demonstrates the official registration of a brand with the Japan Patent Office. It provides legal protection against counterfeits and infringements.

How to Register a Trademark in Japan with Corpbiz?

Scroll down and learn how to register a trademark in Japan with Corpbiz’s assistance:

Contact Us

Contact Us

The first step is to contact us, and one of our consultants will discuss your marketing strategy for your brand registration during the 30-minute free consultation.

Appointment of Local Representative

Once you’ve signed up with us, we’ll help you appoint a local representative from our network of 100+ local agents as per the Japanese trademark law mandate for foreign applicants.

Classification of Goods and Services

We’ll help you sort your list of products and services that you want covered under the trademark as per the Nice Classification (1-45). Each class has a separate fee.

Pre-Trademark Search

Our specialized IPR consultant will assist you in conducting a trademark search with the Japan Patent Office’s TM search database to prevent you from applying for identical/similar trademarks.

Application Filing

Your appointed local agent will apply for a trademark with mandatory documents, including identifications, TM’s graphic representation, a list of goods and services, and a power of attorney, all in Japanese translation.

Initial Examination

The Japan Patent Office will formally examine your application to check if your application is complete without any mistakes and that the fees are duly paid as prescribed.

Extensive Evaluation

Once your application has been passed through the formal examination, the authorities will check if your TM is distinct, doesn’t conflict with an earlier registered trademark, or doesn’t conflict with the Japanese laws.

Office Action (if applicable)

In case the authority finds any discrepancies in your application, then they will contact us, and our attorneys will take necessary actions to take corrective measures after taking your explicit consent.

Publication in the Gazette

After examination, the trademark authority will register your trademark, then publish it on their official gazette to allow third-party objections for two months.

Opposition (if any)

If a third party objects to your trademark registration, then our lawyers will send a counterstatement to the patent office within the timeline as prescribed in the notice of opposition.

Issuance of Certificate of Registration

If there’s no objection filed against you within the prescribed deadline, then the Japan Patent Office will grant a certificate of trademark registration in Japan.

Common Classes for Japan Trademark Registration

Check out the commonly registered classes for Japan trademark registration as described below:

Class 3

Cosmetic & Cleaning Preparation

  • Bleaching powder, including detergents and liquid washes
  • Eyeliner, lipsticks, and foundations
  • Cleansing and deep conditioning products for beauty care

Class 5

Pharmaceutical

  • Prescription medicines
  • Disinfectants & antiseptics
  • Baby food, formula, & diapers
  • Dietary food and supplements

Class 9

Electronics & Software

  • Smartphones, watches, and tablets
  • Laptops and computer systems
  • Semiconductors
  • SaaS mobile apps

Class 25

Clothing & Footwear

  • All types of inner and outer wear
  • Hats, caps, winter caps, beanies, and helmets
  • Shoes, heels, and slippers

Class 35

Advertising and Business Management

  • Marketing firms and research companies
  • Business outsourcing consultancies

Class 41

Entertainment & Education

  • E-learning platforms
  • Motion pictures, TV shows, or related entertainment
  • Mobile-based music apps and streaming services

Class 43

Restaurant & Hotels

  • Food services-dine-in and take-out
  • Temporary hostels, resorts, and hotels

Class 44

Medical and Beauty Care

  • Healthcare diagnoses & services
  • Aromatherapy
  • Chiropractic
  • Mental & physical health counselling
  • Spa & sauna services

Businesses That Must Register a Trademark in Japan

All businesses that want to protect their brand must register a trademark in Japan.

Top Industries for Japan Trademark Registration

  • Pharmaceutical
  • Health Care
  • Manufacturing
  • Robotics
  • Automotive
  • E-commerce
  • Fintech
  • Tech
  • Food & Beverages
  • Cosmetics
  • Fashion

Top Businesses for Trademark Registration in Japan

  • Online Pharma & Medication Home Delivery
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Medical Equipment Manufacturing
  • Consumer Goods Production
  • Car and Spare Parts Manufacturing
  • Online Marketplaces
  • Digital Lending & Payment Aggregator Platforms
  • Semiconductors Manufacturing
  • Restaurants & Online Food Delivery
  • Beauty & Personal Care Companies
  • High-End Skin Care Product Stores
  • Fashion Houses & Online Shopping

Types of Trademarks for Japan TM Registration

From words, letters, images, and logos, there are different types of trademarks for Japan TM registration, as explained below:

Word

Characters- Words/Numbers

You can register foreign or Japanese characters, words, letters, numbers, and slogans as a trademark in Japan.

Logo

Devices & Symbols

You can register a trademark in Japan for Images, logos, and symbols.

Logo

Combination

A combination of text and graphical elements, including words and logos, can be registered as a Japanese TM.

Motion

3D Shape

A three-dimensional shape of a product and packaging can be registered as a trademark with the Japan Patent Office (JPO).

Logo

Color

You can apply a color or a combination thereof for Japan TM registration. Applicants can trademark a specific tone/color shade.

Color

Acoustic Sound/Melodies

This category includes ringtones, jingles, musical notes, songs, or related melody elements.

Sound

Motion

This type of trademark includes moving images and movements like video clips.

Features of Trademark Registration in Japan

Explore the key features of trademark registration in Japan, including brand recognition, legal protection, exclusive rights, and validity:

Features of Trademark Registration in Japan
  • A Japan TM registration is valid for 10 years from the date of registration and can be indefinitely renewed for subsequent 10-year periods.
  • A Japanese trademark application is filed through a local agent for foreign applicants without a residence in the country.
  • The applications are processed on a “first-to-file” basis, meaning the first person to file for a trademark will get priority.
  • The timeline for opposing a Japan trademark registration is 8 weeks from the official publication in the gazette.
  • The Japanese trademark law mandates the use of a registered mark for three consecutive years from registration. Non-usage may trigger cancellation of your registration.
  • Trademark renewals in Japan are carried out during the last six months of the current 10-year validity.
  • The TM law provides a six-month extension window for late renewals post-expiration of the registration at an additional surcharge.
  • Most commonly registered TMs are word, logos, combined, shape, or color TMs.

Compliance After Japan Trademark Registration with Corpbiz

Fulfill your compliance obligations after Japan trademark registration with Corpbiz’s assistance:

Trademark Monitoring

Trademark Monitoring

We provide continuous watch services, including monitoring trademark databases, social media, online domains, and digital marketplaces to protect your brand identity.

Renewal of Registration

Renewal of Registration

Our associates will send you regular notifications for trademark renewal during the last six months of your 10-year ongoing registration.

Lawsuit filing & Legal Notices

Lawsuit filing & Legal Notices

Our IPR attorneys will send legal notices in case anybody infringes your Japan TM registration as the first stage of our legal enforcement. In case the dispute is not resolved amicably through mediation/arbitration, then we’ll file a lawsuit in the appropriate court.

Agreement Drafting

Agreement Drafting

After trademark registration in Japan, if you wish to license or transfer your exclusive rights to the brand, then we’ll draft a licensing or assignment agreement on your behalf.

Mandatory Usage Monitor

Mandatory Usage Monitor

To avoid revocation of your Japan TM registration, we’ll assist you in maintaining the constant usage of your registered brand. We’ll help you record sales invoices, packaging materials, and promotional activities.

Compliance With JPO

Compliance With JPO

If you transfer the ownership to a third party or update the list of goods and services under the TM, then we’ll help you inform the Japan Patent Office (JPO).

Opposing New Applications

Opposing New Applications

To legally enforce your Japan trademark registration, we’ll oppose newly-published TMs that are deceptively similar/identical to your registered mark.

Rectification Filing

Rectification Filing

If it comes to our attention that a mark should never have been registered as it violates your registered TM, then we’ll apply for rectification/cancellation of the said mark.

International TM Registration

International TM Registration

Using your trademark registration in Japan, we’ll help you apply for global TM registration in 120+ foreign jurisdictions via the Madrid Protocol.

Renewal of Trademark Registration in Japan

You must apply for the renewal of trademark registration in Japan before the last six months of your ongoing validity.

  • The renewal fees for the registration of one class of goods/services are USD 180.
  • The late renewal during the 6-month extension will attract an additional surcharge of USD 180 if you fail to renew it before the expiration of your original validity.
  • We’ll submit a power of attorney, the details of your local agent, your identification, and a copy of the original registration certificate on your behalf.
Registered trademark in The Japan

Why Trust Corpbiz for Trademark Registration in Japan?

10+ Years of Experience

10+ Years of Experience

We have over a decade of experience in providing IP protection and trademark registration solutions.

Completely Remote- 100+ Local Agents

Completely Remote- 100+ Local Agents

You don’t need to visit any governmental offices for trademark registration in Japan. Our local agents will take care of all the formalities on your behalf.

Expert Legal Guidance: 200+ Attorneys

Expert Legal Guidance: 200+ Attorneys

Our expert team of over 200 attorneys will assist you in every legal matter, starting from sending notices, filing lawsuits, renewing your TM, and overall legal enforcement of your IPR.

24 Hour Customer Support

24 Hour Customer Support

Our executives work 24*7 to provide uninterrupted support to all our clients. Call anytime from anywhere.

Easy EMI Available

Easy EMI Available

We provide money-saving EMI facilities with leading banks at best interest rates- avail our services now and pay later with EMI.

No Extra Charges

No Extra Charges

We don’t have any hidden charges for our services. You pay what you see on our platform for Japan trademark registration services.

Frequently Asked Questions on Trademark Registration in Japan

The advantages of Japan trademark registration are as follows:
  • It grants you exclusive rights to your brand, so nobody else can use it.
  • You can easily use your brand identity to obtain credit and access to capital.
  • A registered brand can help you gain customers’ confidence and achieve a competitive edge in the market.
  • You can seek legal remedies, including destruction of counterfeit goods, injunctions, monetary damages, and profit proceeds.

The Japan Patent Office is the primary authority that governs and oversees the Japan TM registration.

The fee structure for registering a trademark in Japan is as follows:
  • Application: USD 80
  • Registration: USD 230

The validity of a Japan trademark registration is 10 years from official registration. It can be renewed for a subsequent 10 years upon application.

The various categories of trademarks in Japan are as follows:
  • Word
  • Letter
  • Symbols
  • Slogans
  • Images/logos
  • Combination (word and logo)
  • Sound
  • Color
  • Motion
  • Pattern
  • Position
  • Collective
  • Certification

Yes, there are no restrictions for foreigners seeking Japan TM registration, provided you hire a local agent with residence in the country. Our network of 100+ agents will help you register a trademark with ease.

The procedure for TM registration is as follows:
  • Start by searching your trademark with the Japan trademark search database.
  • Then classify the products and services that you need covered under the trademark.
  • Followed by application submission with mandatory documents.
  • The authority will examine your application to verify basic details and check the registrability of the proposed mark.
  • Once the application is approved, it is then published in the agency’s gazette.
  • The opposition window is open for 8 weeks for the public to oppose your mark.
  • If no objection is filed, then the authority will issue the certificate of registration.
  • You must draft a trademark agreement.

The usual timeframe is 6 to 8 months if no objection is filed against a trademark registration in Japan.

You can claim priority if you already have an application in a foreign country within the six months. Submit the number and jurisdiction of registration along with your Japan TM application.

All foreign applicants, including Indians, must provide a signed copy of a power of attorney (POA) through their local agent.

The following can’t be registered as a trademark in Japan:
  • Generic or descriptive terms.
  • Anything immoral or offensive to the Japanese laws and order.
  • You can’t register anything remotely identical or similar to an already registered trademark.
  • Any logo or text elements that consist of official Japanese flags and emblems.

No, Japan follows the “first-to-file” principle for registering trademarks, so you don’t have to prove any prior use in trade during the application process.

Registered trademark must be used for three continuous years after registration to avoid cancellation by the Japan trademark authority upon application by a third party.

The Japanese trademark law provides a 6-month grace period to renew TMs after the expiration of the ongoing validity.

The Japan Patent Office provides an 8-week window to invite third-party objections for new publications.

Yes, under Japanese trademark law, you can file a single application to register multiple classes of goods/services.

About the Author


NE
Neha Dawra

Legal Researcher

Written by Neha Dawra. Last updated on May 30 2026, 04:43 AM

Neha Dawra has 4+ years of experience in legal research and intellectual property advisory. Her expertise lies in analyzing IP laws, drafting structured legal content, and simplifying complex registration procedures into clear, simple insights.

 

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