Free Trade Mark Registration Advice Line


Japan Trademark
Trademark Search and Registration

 

Conducting a Japan Trademark Search

Although it is not compulsory to conduct a trade mark search it is recommended that a trade mark search be carried out in order to reduce the possibility of rejection. Please note trade marks filed or registered under different classification systems coexist in Japan, therefore it is you need to conduct a search using both the international classification system and should also carry out a search based on the similarity group code as adopted by the Japanese Patent Office (JPO).

Filing an Application

Anyone looking to file a trade mark in Japan is required to submit a request to the Commissioner of the JPO with the following details and documents:

  • The name and address of the applicant and, in the case of a legal entity, the name of an officer entitled to represent the applicant;
  • Details of the trade mark for which registration is sought;
  • The designated goods or designated services and the class of goods or services.

Application process

1.Examination stage

All trade mark applications in Japan are subject to a substantive examination to determine whether the mark satisfies the requirements for registration. A request for expedited examination is permissible in special circumstances, such as possible infringement of the trade mark or a pending application in a foreign country.

2.Publication stage

If the trade mark application satisfies the requirements for registration, a decision of registration is then reached and a notice of the decision is sent to the applicant or their representative. The applicant then has to pay the registration fee, after the registration fee has been paid the mark is then registered. After registration the trade mark is published in the Trade Mark Gazette for opposition. It is published for two months in which any person may file an opposition.

How long is the trade mark registered for?

The term of a trade mark right is 10 years from the date of registration and is renewable indefinitely.

If you have any more questions about trademark registration please see our FAQs or call us free on 0800 862 0370

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