Japan Patent Office
Trademark registration in Japan
Everything you need to register your brand. 7 steps, 12–14 mo average timeline.
Registration steps
Use J-PlatPat. Search in English AND Japanese katakana/hiragana.
Katakana conflict can block registration.
Draft in Japanese. Foreign applicants need a benrishi (attorney).
Stick to pre-approved descriptions — custom ones are often rejected.
Electronic filing or Madrid Protocol. ¥3,400 base + ¥8,600/class.
Madrid Protocol is cost-effective for multi-country filings.
JPO examines absolute and relative grounds thoroughly.
Generic English words in certain industries are regularly refused.
40 days domestic, 3 months foreign to respond.
Accelerated Examination reduces time to 2–3 months if already using mark.
Pay ¥16,400/class registration fee. Published in Gazette.
Split payments are convenient but cost more total.
Opposition within 2 months. Renewal every 10 years.
Maintain usage records even though renewal doesn’t require proof.
Need professional help?
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jpo.go.jp