Trademark Registration & Brand Protection in Japan
Planning to use a brand name or logo in Japan? Check the trademark before arranging your application.
Check Your Brand Before Entering Japan
If you plan to sell products, run an online store or open a shop in Japan, include your brand name and logo in the planning process. A trademark registered in Taiwan does not automatically provide trademark rights in Japan.
We help organise brand information, identify the goods and services involved, and arrange trademark searches, applications and follow-up examination work.
Why do you need to apply for a trademark in Japan?
Using a brand name or registering a company does not mean you have obtained Japanese trademark rights. Japan follows a first-to-file principle, so a trademark search and application assessment can help clarify your plans before you invest in packaging, a website or sales channels.
What to Prepare for an Enquiry
The proposed brand name or logo file.
The products or services you plan to offer in Japan.
Countries or regions where you have already applied for the trademark.
Your planned launch or market entry date.
If you are unsure of the goods and services categories, start with a plain description of your business.
Trademark Registration Process in Japan
STEP 1｜Confirm the trademark
Confirm the trademark elements, including the brand name and logo.
STEP 2｜Trademark search in Japan
Confirm whether identical or similar trademarks already exist.
STEP 3｜Select goods and service categories
Select the appropriate categories based on your actual business activities.
STEP 4｜File the trademark application
The application is filed with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) through a Japanese patent attorney.
STEP 5｜Examination by the Japan Patent Office (JPO)
Undergo examination, and respond to any Office Actions (reasons for refusal) when necessary.
STEP 6｜Trademark registration
Obtain trademark rights in Japan upon completing the registration procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Japan?
The cost of applying a trademark in Japan varies, depending on the number of goods and service categories, the number of trademarks, and whether additional procedures such as responding to an Office Action are required. Fees charged by the patent attorney and the official fees of the Japan Patent Office are calculated separately, so a quotation must be based on the actual application details.
Do I still need to apply for a trademark in Japan if my trademark in Taiwan is already registered?
A separate assessment is required. Trademark rights registered in Taiwan are generally effective only within Taiwan, and do not automatically grant protection in Japan. If you intend to use and protect the same brand in Japan, it is advisable to apply another trademark in Japan.
Is trademark registration mandatory after establishing a company in Japan?
Not necessarily. Trademark registration is not a mandatory legal requirement for all companies established in Japan. However, if the company has its own brand, product name, or logo and plans to operate long‑term in Japan, it is advisable to evaluate whether trademark protection is necessary.