A complete post-approval guide for foreign trademark applicants
Introduction — What happens after JPO Trademark approval
When the Japan Patent Office (JPO) issues a “Decision for Registration” for your trademark application, it means your trademark has passed examination — but your trademark is not yet registered.
To make the registration official and obtain trademark rights, you must pay the JPO registration fee within 30 days from the dispatch date of the JPO decision notice.
If you miss this payment deadline, your entire application will be dismissed, and all previous efforts (and costs) will be lost.
At APEX Patent Solutions, we regularly assist international clients (including Singapore, Thailand, U.S., U.K., etc.) through this final stage — ensuring fees are paid correctly, deadlines are met, and the official Trademark Registration Certificate is safely issued.
1. What is “Decision for Registration” ?
The “Decision for Registration” is a formal notice from the JPO confirming that your mark has passed examination and can be registered.
However, registration only becomes effective after you pay the official registration fee.
Once payment is completed, the JPO records your trademark in the Trademark Register, and your rights officially begin on the registration date.
This date will later appear on your Trademark Registration Certificate.
2. Paying the JPO registration fee
You (or your Japanese representative) must pay the official registration fee to the JPO by submitting a Trademark Registration Fee Payment Form within 30 days.
Payment can be made in two ways:
Option 1: Full 10-year payment
Pay the registration fee upfront for the full 10-year term. This option offers maximum convenience with no need for renewal during the initial registration period.
- Fee: JPY 32,900 per class
- Covers: 10 years of protection from the registration date
- Advantages: Cheaper overall, no need to remember a second split payment, and less administrative work.
Option 2: Split payment (5 years + 5 years)
Pay for the first 5 years now, with the option to extend for another 5 years later. A flexible choice if you want to reduce initial costs, though a second payment is required to maintain protection.
- Fee: JPY 17,200 per class (for each 5-year period)
- Advantages: Good if you are not sure whether the mark will still be used after 5 years (e.g., for a new or experimental brand).
- Note: You must pay the second half before the end of the fifth year to maintain protection for years 6–10.
3. Full payment vs. split payment: Which should you choose?
When deciding between one-time or split payment, consider both budget and business plans:
| Business Scenario | Recommended Option | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Established brand (e.g., company name or main logo) | Full 10-year payment | You will likely use it long-term, and it saves cost and paperwork. |
| New product line or short-term project | Split payment | You can re-evaluate after 5 years and avoid paying for unused rights. |
| Multiple trademarks under one brand family | Full payment | Easier management and renewal schedule. |
If you appoint a Benrishi (Japanese trademark attorney), they can handle the entire payment process with the JPO on your behalf.
4. Receiving your Trademark Registration Certificate
After the JPO confirms payment, the registration process usually takes around 1–2 weeks.
You will then receive an official Trademark Registration Certificate through your attorney.
The certificate lists:
- Your trademark (word mark or logo)
- Registration number
- Owner information
- Classes and designated goods/services
- Registration date (the start of your 10-year protection period), etc.
Please keep in mind: the certificate itself is a commemorative document — your legal right exists in the official JPO Register.
5. Trademark validity and renewal in Japan
In Japan, a trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the registration date.
You can renew it every 10 years indefinitely by paying the renewal fee.
Renewal options
- 10-year renewal: JPY 43,600 per class
- 5-year renewal (split): JPY 22,800 per class
You can file for renewal within 6 months before the expiration date.
If you miss that window, there is a 6-month grace period, but late fees apply.
Just like the initial payment, renewals can be handled easily by your Benrishi, who will monitor deadlines and manage filings with the JPO.
6. Tips for maintaining your trademark rights
- Use the trademark consistently — avoid changing spelling, design, or logo shape without re-registration.
- Monitor your renewal date — missing renewal cancels your rights automatically.
- Avoid non-use: if a trademark is not used in Japan for 3 consecutive years, it may be cancelled by a third party through a non-use cancellation action.
- Keep your address and company details updated at the JPO to ensure all notices reach you.
7. Summary — From approval to full protection
| Stage | Action | Deadline | Responsible party |
|---|---|---|---|
| ① Decision for Registration | Receive JPO notice | — | JPO issues to applicant |
| ② Fee payment | Pay registration fee (10-year or 5-year) | Within 30 days | Applicant or Benrishi (Japanese Patent Attorney) |
| ③ Registration | JPO records the trademark | 1–2 weeks | JPO |
| ④ Certificate | Issued | After registration | JPO |
| ⑤ Renewal | File renewal application | Every 10 years | Applicant or Benrishi (Japanese Patent Attorney) |
Let professionals handle the last step
While paying the JPO fee may seem simple, it is also the most time-sensitive part of the process.
Missing the 30-day deadline means starting all over again — a costly mistake.
APEX Patent Solutions assists foreign applicants with:
- Secure JPO fee payment and confirmation
- Fast electronic filing of payment forms
- Registration certificate forwarding and translation
Your trademark deserves full protection in Japan.
Once approval arrives, let APEX handle the final step — smooth registration and long-term maintenance of your brand in Japan.