FOR COMPANIES
Copyright, trademarks and AI
Protect your brand, avoid infringing others, and use AI with confidence in Japan.
Yusuke Abe, attorney
Admitted in Japan and New York · English & Japanese
- You want to register a trademark in Japan
- You received or need to send an infringement claim
- You need rules for using generative AI
JAPANESE LAW
Three things to know
- 01
Copyright needs no registration
Copyright arises when a work is created, without any formality.
Copyright Act, Arts. 17(2) and 51(1)
- 02
AI training is generally allowed
Use for information analysis (AI training is one example) is generally permitted to the extent necessary, unless it unreasonably prejudices the copyright holder.
Copyright Act, Art. 30-4
- 03
Trademarks: register first
A trademark right arises on registration, and the first to file generally wins.
Trademark Act, Arts. 18(1) and 8(1)
General information as of November 2026. Your situation may differ — please ask us.
HOW WE HELP
What we can do
- Trademark searches and filings in Japan
- Infringement claims and responses
- Generative AI use policies
- Licensing and content agreements
Yusuke Abe
Representative attorney
- Admitted in Japan (2018) and New York (2024)
- Anderson Mori & Tomotsune; Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (Thailand)
- LL.M., Fordham University · Marshall Suzuki Law Group, San Francisco
- Fundamentals of M&A Practice, 3rd ed. (Shojihomu, 2025)
HOW IT WORKS
Three steps
- 01
Book a time
Pick a slot online, or send a short note through the form.
- 02
30 minutes, free
Online or in Otemachi, Tokyo — in English. No need to be in Japan.
- 03
Written estimate first
Approach and fees in writing. We start only once you agree.
FAQ
Quick answers
Can a lawyer file a trademark in Japan?
Yes. A Japanese attorney may also do the work of a patent attorney, from search to filing and enforcement.
We received a warning letter. What now?
Talk to us before you reply. The first response shapes everything after it.
Is AI-generated content safe to use?
It depends on how you use it and what it resembles. We help you set practical rules.
CONTACT
Tell us what is happening
The first 30 minutes are free — in Japanese or English, online or in person.
Book a free consultation