What Is Trademark Registration?
Trademark registration is the process of filing an application with Japan's Patent Office (JPO) to obtain exclusive rights to use a brand name, logo, or mark in connection with specific goods or services. Once a trademark is registered, the holder can exclusively use the mark within the scope of the designated goods and services and prevent unauthorized use by third parties.
Trademark rights last for 10 years from the date of registration and can be renewed indefinitely. Trademark registration is a vital step in protecting your brand and maintaining business credibility.
The Trademark Registration Process (4 Steps)
Trademark registration in Japan follows four main steps.
Step 1: Preliminary Search
Before filing, search for identical or similar existing trademarks using the JPO's free database, J-PlatPat (Japan Platform for Patent Information).
| Search Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation search | Check for trademarks with the same or similar pronunciation |
| Appearance search | Check for visually similar trademarks |
| Concept search | Check for trademarks with similar meaning or concept |
| Class confirmation | Determine which classes your goods or services fall under |
> Tip: While J-PlatPat searches are free, assessing similarity requires specialized knowledge. Consider consulting a patent attorney (benrishi) if unsure.
Step 2: Filing the Application
Prepare and submit a trademark application to the JPO. The application must include:
- The trademark (the word, logo, or figurative mark to be registered)
- Designated goods/services (the goods or services the mark will be used for)
- Class(es) (classification numbers based on the International Classification)
- Applicant information (name, address)
Applications can be filed on paper or electronically (online) — details below.
Step 3: Examination
The JPO examiner reviews the application against approximately 20 registration requirements. Key examination criteria include:
- Whether the mark has distinctiveness (not a generic name or quality description)
- Whether it is similar to prior registered trademarks
- Whether it violates public order or morality
- Whether it constitutes bad-faith use of another party's well-known mark
If no issues are found, a decision of registration is issued. If there are problems, the JPO sends a notice of reasons for refusal, and the applicant may respond with arguments or amendments.
Step 4: Payment of Registration Fees
After receiving the decision of registration, the applicant must pay the registration fee within 30 days. Once paid, the trademark right is officially registered and a trademark registration certificate is issued.
Fee Schedule
The official JPO fees (revenue stamps) for trademark registration are as follows (as of April 2026).
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | ¥3,400 + ¥8,600 × number of classes | ¥12,000 for 1 class |
| Registration fee (10 years) | ¥32,900 × number of classes | Lump-sum payment |
| Registration fee (5 years) | ¥17,200 × number of classes | Split payment (first half) |
| Renewal fee (10 years) | ¥43,600 × number of classes | Within 6 months before expiration |
| Renewal fee (5 years) | ¥22,800 × number of classes | Split payment (first half) |
| Digitization fee | ¥2,400 + ¥800 × number of pages | Paper applications only |
Cost Examples by Number of Classes (JPO Fees Only)
| Classes | Application Fee | Registration (10 yr) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 class | ¥12,000 | ¥32,900 | ¥44,900 |
| 2 classes | ¥20,600 | ¥65,800 | ¥86,400 |
| 3 classes | ¥29,200 | ¥98,700 | ¥127,900 |
> Note: If you hire a patent attorney, their professional fees will be additional (see comparison below).
How to File Online
Electronic filing (internet application) is the standard method for submitting trademark applications to the JPO.
Requirements for Electronic Filing
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Computer | Windows recommended (for JPO software compatibility) |
| Internet connection | Broadband connection |
| Electronic certificate | My Number Card or commercial registration-based certificate |
| Internet Filing Software | Provided free by the JPO (download required) |
Filing Procedure
- Obtain an electronic certificate (My Number Card or commercial registration-based certificate)
- Install the Internet Filing Software (download from the JPO website)
- Register as an applicant (first-time only, through the filing software)
- Prepare and submit the application (create and send the application through the software)
> Note: Paper filing remains available but incurs an additional digitization fee. In recent years, online trademark registration services such as Cotobox and Toreru have emerged, offering simplified filing options.
Examination Timeline
| Method | Estimated Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard examination | Approx. 6-10 months | Average first action period was 6.9 months in 2024 |
| Accelerated examination | Approx. 2 months | Requires submission of a statement of circumstances (no fee) |
| Fast Track examination | Approx. 6 months | Suspended since April 2023 (resumption date TBD) |
Eligibility for Accelerated Examination
Accelerated examination is available when any of the following conditions are met:
- The applicant is already using (or preparing to use) the trademark
- The applicant has received a warning of infringement from a third party
- An international application has been filed under the Madrid Protocol
To apply, submit a "Statement of Circumstances for Accelerated Examination." There is no fee.
DIY Filing vs. Hiring a Patent Attorney
| Factor | DIY Filing | Patent Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (1 class) | Approx. ¥44,900 (stamps only) | Approx. ¥120,000-170,000 (stamps + fees) |
| Effort | Handle all research, drafting, and procedures yourself | Attorney handles everything from search to registration |
| Expertise | Uncertainty in class selection and similarity assessment | Proper scope of rights designed by a professional |
| Refusal response | Drafting arguments can be challenging | Experienced, accurate responses |
| Time commitment | Several days to weeks for research and drafting | After initial consultation, the attorney takes over |
| Risk | Possible filing errors or inadequate scope | Higher certainty of successful registration |
Which Should You Choose?
DIY filing suits you if: - You are a sole proprietor or startup wanting to minimize costs - Your trademark is simple text only, with one clear class - Your J-PlatPat search confirmed no similar trademarks exist
Hire a patent attorney if: - Brand protection is critical to your business - You need to file across multiple classes - Similar trademarks may exist - You are concerned about responding to refusal notices
2026 Updates
International Classification 13-2026 (Effective January 1, 2026)
The Trademark Act Enforcement Regulations were amended effective January 1, 2026, adopting International Classification Edition 13-2026. Key changes include:
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| Eyeglasses reclassified | Moved from Class 9 to Class 10 |
| Examination standards updated | Similar goods/services examination standards fully revised |
> Practical note: For applications filed from January 1, 2026, eyeglass-related goods must be designated under Class 10. Applications still listing Class 9 will require amendment.
Fast Track Examination Suspended
As noted above, the Fast Track examination system has been suspended since April 2023, with no announced resumption date. Applicants seeking faster results should use the Accelerated Examination system instead.
JPO Status Report 2026
The JPO has published its 2026 Status Report, highlighting ongoing efforts to speed up and improve the quality of trademark examinations.
Common Pitfalls
1. Insufficient Preliminary Research
Filing without searching J-PlatPat and being rejected due to an existing similar trademark. Application fees are non-refundable, making preliminary research essential.
2. Incorrect Class Selection
Choosing the wrong class, resulting in inadequate coverage of your goods or services. Conversely, selecting unnecessary classes inflates costs.
3. Filing a Non-Distinctive Trademark
Trademarks that are merely generic names (e.g., "Delicious Apple" for fruit) or direct descriptions of quality or purpose will be refused for lack of distinctiveness.
4. Missing the Registration Fee Deadline
Failing to pay the registration fee within 30 days after the decision of registration results in the application being dismissed — even after passing examination.
5. Non-Use After Registration
If a registered trademark is not used for three or more consecutive years without justification, a third party may file a trial for cancellation due to non-use.
6. Forgetting to Renew
Trademark rights last 10 years. Failure to file for renewal before expiration means the rights lapse. The renewal window opens six months before the expiration date.
Summary
Trademark registration is an essential legal procedure for protecting your brand. The process follows four steps — preliminary search, application, examination, and registration — with JPO fees starting at ¥44,900 for one class.
In 2026, the adoption of the revised International Classification has changed certain class assignments, requiring applicants to verify the latest classification rules. Thorough preliminary research, proper class selection, and deadline management are the keys to a smooth registration process.
Whether to file on your own or through a patent attorney depends on the importance and complexity of your trademark. In either case, a J-PlatPat search before filing is indispensable. If you have questions about trademark registration, consult a lawyer or patent attorney with expertise in intellectual property.
