Foreign companies filing a trademark application in Japan must choose the correct Nice Classification (Classes 1–45) and draft a clear goods/services specification that fits JPO practice (including similar group codes). Getting the Japan trademark classes right at the outset reduces refusals, controls costs, and strengthens enforceability.

APEX Patent Solutions is a Japan-based international IP firm with licensed Benrishi (Japanese trademark attorneys). We help overseas brands—Startups, SMEs, Amazon sellers, and multinationals—optimize class selection, align item wording with JPO-accepted terms, and file via direct filing or Madrid (designating Japan). If you don’t have an address or office in Japan, we can act as your local representative before the JPO from filing through office action response and renewal.

If you’re planning multi-class filing in Japan or need help mapping your offerings to the correct Japan trademark classes, our team can review your draft list and provide a fixed-fee quote.

Quick Overview

Choosing the right classes and clear goods/services is essential to a successful trademark application in Japan. Japan uses the Nice Classification (Classes 1–45):

  • Classes 1–34 = goods
  • Classes 35–45 = services

Fees (official + attorney) and examination strategy depend on how many classes you claim and what you list. Overbroad or unclear descriptions are a common reason for refusal.

1) What is the Nice Classification (in Japan)?

Japan follows the Nice Classification (international list of goods/services). Each application must list specific items under the appropriate classes. In Japan, you can file one application covering multiple classes (multi-class filing).

Why correct classification matters

  • Protects the right scope: Your exclusive rights apply only to the listed items.
  • Reduces refusals: Misclassification or vague wording triggers objections.
  • Avoids non-use risks: Listing items you won’t use can expose you to non-use cancellation later.

2) JPO Practice Essentials: Wording & Similar Group Codes

Japan’s examination relies on:

  • Acceptable item wording: Prefer terms from the JPO’s public list where possible to avoid “unclear description” refusals.
  • Similar Group Codes: Each good/service is mapped to a similar group code. Items that share a code are presumed related; this affects both likelihood-of-confusion checks and search strategy.
    • If you list many different similar group codes, the JPO may question whether you truly intend to use the mark for all of them (and you may face broader citation risks).

Tip: Prioritize the groups you genuinely need. When running clearance, focus searches by similar group code to surface relevant conflicts efficiently.

3) Class-by-Class Examples that Commonly Cause Mistakes

Below are Japan-specific examples that applicants frequently misclassify:

Class 35 – Retail/Wholesale Services in Japan

  • Japan treats “retail/wholesale services” as services to customers (not just selling goods).
  • Use the accepted phrasing:
    • “Retail or wholesale services for cosmetics, dentifrices and soaps” (if you sell cosmetics online or in-store).
  • If you also manufacture cosmetics, consider Class 3 for the goods in addition to Class 35 retail services.

Class 42 – IT/Software/Web

  • Website design/maintenance → Class 42
  • If you sell downloadable apps too, add Class 9 for “downloadable application software.”

Class 43 – Restaurants/Food

  • Provision of food and drink → Class 43
  • If you also sell bento as goods, add Class 30 for “boxed lunches (bento).”

Class 44 – Beauty/Medical

  • Nail salons; beauty care → Class 44
  • If you sell nail stickers you make, add Class 3 for “nail stickers.”

4) How Many Classes Should I File?

  • File only what you use or genuinely plan to use soon.
  • More classes = higher cost and higher chance of citations (because you touch more similar group codes).
  • Japan allows multi-class in one filing.

5) Drafting a Strong Goods/Services List for Japan (Checklist)

  1. Start from your real offering (current + near-term plans).
  2. Map to Nice classes, then refine using JPO-accepted terms.
  3. Check similar group codes to evaluate conflict exposure.
  4. Avoid catch-all language or vague descriptions.
  5. Don’t over-claim: unused items can cause later issues (e.g., non-use cancellation).
  6. Run a targeted search (by class and similar group code) before filing.

6) Edge Cases & Pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

  • Overlong lists spanning many groups → higher refusal risk; trim to core business.
  • Translation traps for Madrid filings: ensure items designated for Japan use accepted Japanese equivalents; consider country-specific limitations to prevent unnecessary refusals.
  • Specification–mark mismatch: even a distinctive mark can be refused if the term becomes descriptive for the listed goods (e.g., “SWEET” for confectionery). Align mark strategy with the specification.

7) For Foreign Applicants (U.S., U.K., Singapore, etc.)

If you do not have an address or office in Japan, you must appoint a Japanese trademark attorney (Benrishi) to act before the JPO.
APEX Patent Solutions has licensed Benrishi on staff and can:

  • Audit and optimize your classes and item wording for Japan,
  • Run class- and similar-group-based clearance,
  • File direct or Madrid-designated Japan applications,
  • Respond to JPO office actions, and
  • Manage renewals.

8) Sample Scoping Scenarios (How we would classify)

  • Apparel brand with e-commerce:
    • Class 25 (clothing items), Class 35 (retail/wholesale services for clothing).
  • SaaS + mobile app:
    • Class 42 (SaaS, software as a service), Class 9 (downloadable app), possibly Class 35 (online marketplace or advertising, if applicable).
  • Restaurant with takeout:
    • Class 43 (provision of food and drink), Class 30 (boxed lunches/bento) if you sell packaged meals as goods.
  • Education startup:
    • Class 41 (education, tutoring), plus Class 9 if you distribute downloadable course apps/content.

9) Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I add goods/services later?
A: No. You cannot broaden after filing. File what you need now and in the near term. To cover new items later, file a new application.

Q2: Should I list every possible item in a class?
A: No. Over-claiming raises costs and risk. List clear, relevant items only.

Q3: How do similar group codes affect conflicts?
A: Items with the same code are presumed similar. Your search and strategy should focus on the codes you claim.

10) Next Steps & Helpful Resources

Need help choosing classes and drafting an enforceable list for Japan?
Contact APEX Patent Solutions for a review of your goods/services and a fixed-fee quote for filing and prosecution before the JPO.