Areas of Practice

Trademark

In Japan, an application can file application for trademark and service mark. 3-D trademark can be registered, but trademark consisting of sound or smell cannot be registered. The applicant can file the trademark for a plurality of classes of goods at the same time. Unlike the US system, "use" of the trademark is not a condition for trademark registration in Japan. Therefore, applicants can register a trademark for future use.

Trademark having no specific features in font is registered as "standard font" that is printing font. If distinctive, trademark with decorative font is also included in the range of "standard font" right. The registered trademark is effective only for the designated class of goods.

The registered trademark can be renewed every 10 years by the appropriate procedure for renewal. The trademark right owner can assign the registered trademark to a 3rd party by a simple procedure, independent from the business itself.

For more information about Japan Trademark Law, please visit JAPAN PATENT OFFICE website.