🇯🇵 Japan · Trademark & IP
Trademark registration, patents, copyright, official IP offices, and filing costs.
Quick answer
Japanese trademarks are registered with the Japan Patent Office (JPO). You search the register, file an application classifying goods/services under Nice, and the JPO substantively examines both absolute and relative grounds. After you pay the registration fee the mark registers, with a two-month post-registration opposition window. A Japanese trademark lasts 10 years and is renewable.
Trademarks, patents and designs are registered with the Japan Patent Office (JPO). Japan is a first-to-file jurisdiction.
- Trademarks, patents and designs are filed with the JPO.
- Japan is first-to-file, so early application is important.
- International protection can be extended via WIPO's Madrid (trademarks) and PCT (patents) systems.
Step-by-step
- 1
Search the register
Search the JPO database (J-PlatPat) for conflicting or similar marks before filing.
- 2
File the application
File with the JPO, describing the mark and classifying the goods/services under the Nice Classification.
- 3
Substantive examination
The JPO examines both absolute and relative grounds — including conflicts with earlier marks — and may issue office actions.
- 4
Registration and post-grant opposition
After you pay the registration fee, the mark registers; third parties then have two months to file an opposition.
- 5
Renewal and other IP
A Japanese trademark lasts 10 years and is renewable; protect inventions with JPO patents, appearance with designs, and works via automatic copyright.
- 6
Enforce and go international
Enforce your rights against infringers and use the Madrid Protocol to extend trademark protection abroad.
Checklist
- J-PlatPat register search
- Application (Nice classes + mark)
- Substantive exam (absolute + relative grounds)
- Registration fee + 2-month post-grant opposition
- Registration (10 years) + renewal
- Patents + designs (JPO) + automatic copyright
- Enforcement strategy
- Madrid Protocol for international
Official authorities
- Japan Patent Office (JPO)
Trademarks, patents and designs.
Frequently asked questions
Does Japan examine earlier marks?
Yes — the JPO conducts a full substantive examination including relative grounds, so conflicting earlier marks can block registration.
When can others oppose?
In Japan opposition is post-registration — third parties have two months after registration is published to challenge the mark.
Is copyright registered in Japan?
No — copyright arises automatically on creation; registration with the Agency for Cultural Affairs is optional and mainly evidentiary.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Prime Minister's Office of Japan — Official site of Japan's Prime Minister — cabinet policies, press conferences, policy statements
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Japan visa applications, overseas safety info, consular services, and diplomatic policy
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Residence status, work visas, permanent residency, and naturalization in Japan
- National Tax Agency (Japan) — Income tax, corporate tax, consumption tax filing and e-Tax online submission