In Japan, trademark rights are valid for ten years after registration, and an application for renewal is required to maintain the rights thereafter.

This guide explains when to renew, how to file, how much it costs, and what to do if you’ve missed a deadline.

1) Introduction

Renewing a Japan trademark is how you keep your brand protected after the first 10-year term. In Japan, a registration does not expire automatically into the public domain if you act on time—it can be renewed every 10 years, again and again. The key is knowing when you can renew, how to file with the Japan Patent Office (JPO), and how much it costs.

If you own a trademark in Japan (or plan to), this guide walks through the renewal window including the 6-month grace period, government fees for lump-sum vs split (5+5 years) payments, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Please not foreign owners must work through a Japanese patent attorney (Benrishi), and the JPO does not send reminders, so calendar control is essential.

Use the steps below to decide your payment method, confirm owner/class data, and file a timely renewal that keeps your Japan trademark valid and enforceable.

2) Renewal window and how to count it

You can apply to renew your trademark:

  • Standard window: From 6 months before the 10-year expiry up to the expiry date.
  • Grace period: If you miss the expiry, you still have 6 months after expiry to renew by paying double the renewal fee per class.

Example
Registration date: April 10, 2025 → Expiry: April 10, 2035
Renewal filing window: Oct 11, 2034 – Apr 10, 2035
Grace period (double fee): Apr 11, 2035 – Oct 10, 2035

Tip: Start internal checks 9–12 months before expiry and instruct your Benrishi no later than 3 months before the expiry date, to allow enough time for document preparation, fee payment, and any unforeseen procedural delays.

3) Renewal fees (per class)

You may pay in one lump sum for 10 years or split the fee into two 5-year parts.

  • One-time (10 years): JPY 43,600 × number of classes
  • Split (5 + 5 years): JPY 22,800 × number of classes (paid twice, total JPY 45,600 per class—slightly more expensive than lump-sum)

Which to choose?

  • Lump-sum → Slightly cheaper, no risk of forgetting the second payment.
  • Split → Better cash-flow; lets you re-evaluate the trademark after 5 years (useful for new ventures that might pivot or close).

Important: If you choose split payment, the second 5-year fee must be paid within the first 5 years of the new term. Missing it can terminate the right despite a 10-year term.

4) What you file (and how)

Your Benrishi prepares and files the Application for Renewal of Trademark Right and pays the government renewal fee.
If you chose split payment, the second 5-year payment is later filed with a “Trademark Registration Fee Payment Form.”

Checklist before filing:

  • Confirm registration number and owner details (name, address, entity).
  • Confirm classes to be renewed; you can drop classes you no longer need to reduce fees.
  • Make sure your actual use aligns with the registered mark and list of goods/services to avoid non-use or mismatch risks.

Owner/name/address changed?
File those change recordals with the JPO before or with renewal. If your records are outdated, you could miss critical JPO notices (e.g., oppositions or cancellations), risking loss of rights for non-response.

5) Missed the renewal deadline? Your options

  1. Within 6 months after expiry (grace period): You can still renew by paying the double renewal fee per class (right is restored retroactively).
  2. After the grace period: A special restoration may be possible only if the miss was not intentional and you act promptly (generally within two months of becoming able to act and within six months after the grace period). This requires a restoration request, a statement of reasons, the double renewal fee, and an additional restoration fee (commonly cited: JPY 86,400). Not all reasons qualify—policy/strategy delays typically don’t.

Note: Don’t plan on restoration—treat it as a last-resort safety net.

6) Common mistakes (and easy fixes)

  • Relying on JPO reminders: The JPO doesn’t send them. → Use portfolio calendars and assign backups.
  • Forgetting the split second payment: If you split, schedule the 5-year payment well in advance.
  • Owner info not updated: If the JPO can’t reach you, you may lose rights by default. → Notify the JPO of any changes in your name, registered address, or ownership details.
  • Goods/services out of sync with actual business: Mismatches raise non-use or scope problems. → Review and trim classes at renewal.
  • Assuming “use proof” isn’t needed so use doesn’t matter: Renewals need no proof, but 3+ years non-use enables cancellation by others.

7) FAQs

Q1. Can I change the trademark at renewal?
No. Renewal keeps the same mark. To protect a changed logo or word, file a new application.

Q2. Do I need to prove use?
No for renewal. But marks unused for 3+ years can be attacked and cancelled for non-use.

Q3. Can I renew only some classes or items?
Yes (by class). You can renew some classes and drop others. Within a class, you typically don’t re-craft the item list at renewal; consider a new filing if coverage needs to change materially.

Q4. What happens if I forget renewal?
Your right ends at expiry. Within 6 months, you can renew by paying double. After that, restoration may be possible only if the miss wasn’t intentional and strict conditions are met (plus an extra restoration fee). Otherwise, competitors can file similar marks.

Q5. I’m a foreign company—can I file directly?
No. You must act through a Japanese Benrishi/firm.

10) A simple action plan

  1. 12–9 months before expiry: Audit use, classes, and owner data. Decide lump-sum vs split.
  2. 6 months before: File the renewal (and pay fee).
  3. If split: Calendar the 5-year payment deadline.
  4. Keep records current: File name/address/assignment changes promptly.
  5. Monitor non-use risk: Keep real-world use and registrations aligned.

How APEX Patent Solutions Can Help

Renewing a Japan trademark might look simple on paper — but in practice, accurate timing, classification management, and correct filing through the Japan Patent Office (JPO) are critical. Missing a renewal deadline or overlooking an address change can lead to irreversible loss of rights.

At APEX Patent Solutions, we specialize in supporting foreign trademark owners with every stage of the renewal process in Japan. Our bilingual Benrishi (Japanese patent attorneys) handle:

  • Timely renewal filings before the JPO
  • Owner/address updates and record maintenance
  • Strategic review of your trademark portfolio to reduce costs and align with your current business

Whether your trademark was filed directly in Japan or via the Madrid System, our team ensures your registration remains valid and enforceable — protecting your brand for the long term.

Contact APEX Patent Solutions today for a free consultation or renewal estimate.