Foreign brand owners often ask whether a Japan trademark multi-class filing is the smartest way to cover goods and services across several Nice classes.

This guide explains how multi-class applications work at the Japan Patent Office (JPO), how fees are calculated, and when to choose one multi-class filing versus multiple single-class filings—whether you file directly or via the Madrid Protocol.

At APEX Patent Solutions, a Japan-based international IP firm, our licensed Benrishi (Japanese trademark attorneys) help foreign applicants structure the right filing strategy, draft JPO-compliant identifications, and manage amendments, divisions, and renewals. If you don’t have an address or office in Japan, we can act as your local representative and handle all procedures before the JPO.

Quick Takeaways

  • Yes, Japan allows multi-class filings: one JPO application can cover multiple Nice classes.
  • Official filing fees (at filing): JPY 3,400 + 8,600 × number of classes.
  • Pros: one dossier, lower total filing/admin cost, one renewal date.
  • Cons: a refusal issue in one class can delay or jeopardize all classes unless you amend, delete, or split (divisional application).
  • Foreign applicants without a Japanese address/office must act through a Japanese trademark attorney (Benrishi).
  • Best practice: group “clean” classes together, and consider separate applications for higher-risk classes.

What “Multi-Class” Means at the JPO

Japan follows the Nice Classification (Classes 1–34 goods; 35–45 services). Under Japan’s one-mark-per-application rule, you can include multiple classes of goods/services for that single mark in one application (“multi-class filing”). You may also file separate single-class applications—both paths are permitted.

Current official filing fee (application stage)

  • JPY 3,400 + JPY 8,600 × classes
    (Registration/renewal fees are charged later per class.)

Want the basics first? See: “How to Register a Trademark in Japan (Step-by-Step Guide)” and “Trademark Application in Japan: Goods & Services Classification under the Nice System.”

Multi-Class vs. Multiple Single-Class Filings

Advantages of Multi-Class (one application, many classes)

Filing a Japan trademark as a multi-class application at the JPO usually reduces your overall spend compared with submitting the same Nice classes as separate applications. You pay one base fee plus a per-class fee in a single filing, and your attorney’s administrative time (intake, drafting, e-filing, reporting) is consolidated—so total government charges and professional costs are typically lower than managing multiple single-class cases.

A multi-class filing also gives you one application record to track at the JPO. That means one prosecution history, one registration number (once allowed), and a single renewal cycle for all classes. Instead of juggling several renewal dates and certificates, everything aligns to the same deadline, which reduces docketing risk and keeps your portfolio cleaner.

Finally, it’s operationally simpler for brands that span product and service lines—say apparel (Class 25), retail services (Class 35), and online software/services (Class 42). With a Japan multi-class trademark you coordinate specimens/use, amendments, and owner changes once across the covered classes, rather than repeating the same steps three times.

Risks / Trade-offs

A downside of multi-class trademark applications in Japan is that a problem in one class can slow down all of them.

For example, if the JPO raises an objection in Class 35 (e.g., descriptiveness or a citation conflict), your Class 25 goods may also be held up until the issue is resolved. To move forward, you typically choose one of three paths:

  1. Amend the identification of goods/services to narrow or clarify the wording so it meets JPO practice
  2. Delete the problematic items or even the entire class from the application
  3. File a divisional application, which “spins off” the troublesome part into a separate application so the rest can proceed—this speeds the clean classes but adds extra government fees and attorney time.

Because an examiner must review each Nice class, the overall prosecution timeline for a Japan multi-class filing can be longer than a straightforward single-class application.

When to choose multi-class

  • Your classes are low-risk (coined brand, clear specs, clean preliminary search).
  • You want cost efficiency and one renewal date.
  • You will use the same mark across closely related classes (e.g., Class 25 + 35 retail + 41 events).

When to choose separate applications

  • One or more classes look risky (crowded field, borderline descriptiveness, potential citation).
  • You need speed in certain classes (launch deadlines) and can’t let a single objection slow everything.
  • You anticipate appeal or complex arguments in only part of the portfolio.

Example: Cost Snapshot at Filing

2 classes (e.g., 25 & 35) in one application
→ JPY 3,400 + (8,600 × 2) = 20,600 at filing

The same two classes as two applications
→ JPY (3,400 + 8,600) × 2 = 24,000 at filing

Note: The above comparison is regarding official fees (government fees) to the JPO. In addition to the JPO fees above, attorney’s service fees will also be required separately.

JPO Requirements & Practical Points

  • One mark per application: As a general rule, one application can only cover one trademark in one form - either a word mark, a figurative (logo) mark, or a combined mark
  • Multiple classes allowed in the same application.
  • Goods/services must follow Nice classification and be clear under JPO standards.
  • Foreign applicants with no Japanese address/office must appoint a Benrishi to file, respond to Office Actions, and register rights.
  • Division is available to separate problematic goods/services/classes during prosecution.
  • Post-registration: renew per class every 10 years
  • Non-use cancellation risk begins 3 years after registration if unused.

Madrid Protocol: Multi-Class via WIPO

Under the Madrid Protocol, you can simply designate Japan when you file a multi-class international trademark application—there’s no need to submit a separate national filing at the start.

However, if the Japan Patent Office (JPO) issues a Provisional Refusal, Japanese law requires that you appoint a Japanese trademark attorney (Benrishi) to prepare and file the response. Foreign applicants cannot respond directly to the JPO.

To reduce objections in Japan, tailor your list of goods/services for the Japanese market. Use JPO-friendly, clear terms and avoid overly broad or vague descriptions (for example, refine generic “retail services” to the specific retail/online retail services you actually provide). This kind of country-specific limitation often prevents avoidable refusals based on descriptiveness or clarity.

If your multi-class designation runs into problems in only some classes, you don’t have to lose the whole application. You can amend or narrow the problematic goods/services.

See: “Madrid Protocol Trademark Filing in Japan: How It Works for Foreign Companies.”

FAQs (Focused on Multi-Class in Japan)

Q1. Is multi-class always cheaper?
Usually at filing/admin, yes. But if one class triggers heavy prosecution or a division of application, overall costs can converge with separate filings.

Q2. Will a refusal in one class block the entire application?
It can delay the whole case. Use amendment, deletion, or division to keep clean parts moving.

Q3. Can I add classes later?
No. You must file a new application to cover new classes. Plan your class coverage at the outset.

Q4. Is there a difference for foreign applicants?
If you lack a Japanese address/office, you must appoint a Benrishi for filings, Office Action responses, and post-registration work.

How APEX Patent Solutions Helps

  • Up-front class & risk analysis to decide multi-class vs. separate filings.
  • Japan-ready identifications that fit JPO practice, reducing “unclear identification” refusals.
  • Prosecution plan (arguments, narrowing, division) tailored by class risk.
  • End-to-end support by licensed Benrishi for direct and Madrid cases.

Considering multi-class in Japan?
Get a free estimate and a classing strategy tailored to your portfolio.
→ Contact us or start here: Trademark – Quote.

Related Resources (internal links suggested)