# Trademark registration in Japan

> Trademarks in Japan are registered with the Japan Patent Office (JPO); the official application fee is JPY 3,400, and third parties can oppose within 2 months from publication of the registration in the trademark gazette. A registration lasts 10 years from the registration date and can be renewed. Japan can be designated through the Madrid System.

Source page: https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/japan
Facts checked against official sources: 2026-10-11

## Key facts
- **Trademark office:** Japan Patent Office (JPO)
- **Official fee:** JPY 3,400 — Application
- **Madrid Protocol:** Member since 2000
- **Opposition period:** 2 months from publication of the registration in the trademark gazette
- **Protection:** 10 years from the registration date, renewable
- **Multi-class applications:** Allowed
- **Foreign applicants:** Overseas residents cannot file directly with the JPO

## Official links
- Trademark office: https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/
- Official trademark search: https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/
- Law: Trademark Act (Act No. 127 of 1959), consolidated up to 21 May 2026 — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/23997

## Official fees (as of 2022-04)
- Application: JPY 3,400 — Base fee, plus JPY 8,600 per class
- Application, per class: JPY 8,600
- Registration fee, per class (10 years, lump sum): JPY 32,900
- Registration fee, per class (installment, 5 years): JPY 17,200
- Renewal fee, per class (10 years, lump sum): JPY 43,600
- Renewal fee, per class (installment, 5 years): JPY 22,800
- Opposition: JPY 3,000 — Plus JPY 8,000 per class opposed

## Steps
1. Search J-PlatPat for earlier identical or similar marks, checking the similar group codes of the intended goods and services.
2. File the application in Japanese with the JPO, through a Japan-domiciled representative if the applicant lives abroad.
3. The application is published in the Official Gazette and undergoes formality examination.
4. A JPO examiner conducts substantive examination; if reasons for refusal are notified, the applicant can respond with arguments or amendments.
5. After a decision of registration, pay the registration fee (10-year lump sum or 5-year installment) to complete registration.
6. The registered mark is published in the trademark gazette, and anyone may then file a post-registration opposition.

- **Examination:** JPO examiners examine every application for formalities and on absolute and relative grounds; no standard pendency is stated on the pages consulted.
- **Publication:** Applications are published in the Official Gazette after filing; registrations are published in the trademark gazette.
- **Opposition:** 2 months from publication of the registration in the trademark gazette (post-registration opposition)
- **Late renewal:** 6 months after expiry, with a surcharge equal to the renewal fee
- **Power of attorney:** Not required for filing a new application through a Japanese representative; a power of attorney is needed for certain later procedures.
- **Language:** Japanese for national filings (English is possible only via the Madrid system)
- **Use requirement:** a registration can be challenged after 3 years of non-use.

## Good to know
- Opposition in Japan is post-registration: third parties oppose after the mark is registered and published, not before.
- Registration and renewal fees can be paid for 10 years at once or in two 5-year installments.
- The JPO examines likelihood of confusion using 'similar group codes', so goods in different Nice classes can be treated as similar and goods in the same class as dissimilar.
- Since 1 April 2024, a later mark similar to an earlier registered mark can be registered with the earlier owner's consent where confusion is not likely.
- Japan has a Regional Collective Trademark system for marks combining a place name with a product or service name.

## FAQ
### How much does it cost to register a trademark in Japan?
The JPO charges JPY 3,400 plus JPY 8,600 per class to file, and JPY 32,900 per class to register for 10 years (or JPY 17,200 per class for a 5-year installment).

### Is Japan part of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. The Madrid Protocol entered into force for Japan on 14 March 2000.

### Can a foreign company file a trademark in Japan without a local attorney?
No. Overseas residents must appoint a representative domiciled in Japan, and national filings must be made in Japanese.

### When can a Japanese trademark be opposed?
Oppositions are filed after registration, within 2 months from publication of the registration in the trademark gazette.

### How long does a Japanese trademark last?
A registration lasts 10 years from the registration date and can be renewed every 10 years; late renewal is possible within 6 months after expiry with a surcharge.

### Can a Japanese trademark be cancelled for non-use?
Yes. A registration that has not been used in Japan for 3 years or more can be challenged in a non-use revocation action.

## Sources
- JPO – Fees (trademark): https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/system/process/tesuryo/hyou.html
- JPO – Procedures for Obtaining a Trademark Right: https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/system/trademark/gaiyo/trademark.html
- JPO – How to register a trademark in Japan (pamphlet): https://www.jpo.go.jp/resources/report/sonota-info/document/panhu/how_to_register_a_trademark_in_japan.pdf
- JPO – Trademark system overview: https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/system/trademark/gaiyo/index.html
- WIPO Lex – Trademark Act (Act No. 127 of 1959): https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/23997
- WIPO Lex – Madrid Protocol contracting parties: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/treaties/parties/8

Need a firm that files in Japan? Find one at https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/japan (TrademarksHub lists IP firms by country; featured placements are paid and labelled).
General information, not legal advice.