Q1. Can a foreign company apply for a trademark in Japan?
A1. Yes. Foreign applicants must appoint a local representative (Benrishi) to handle filings with the Japan Patent Office (JPO).
⇒ Read the 2025 guide for foreign businesses
Q2. Do I need a Japanese trademark attorney (Benrishi) to file a trademark in Japan?
A2. Yes. If you do not have an address or office in Japan, the law requires you to appoint a Japanese trademark attorney (Benrishi) to file, respond to JPO office actions, or maintain your rights.
⇒ Read the full guide: Do I Need a Japanese Trademark Attorney (Benrishi) for Filing in Japan?
Q3. How do I register a trademark in Japan?
A3. To register, you file an application with the Japan Patent Office (JPO). The process usually takes 6–12 months.
⇒ See the full step-by-step guide
Q4. How does the Madrid Protocol work for trademark filing in Japan?
A4. By designating Japan in a Madrid Protocol application, you can seek protection here. If the JPO issues a provisional refusal, a Japanese representative must respond.
⇒ See how Madrid Protocol filings work in Japan
Q5. What is a “Standard Character” trademark in Japan?
A5. It’s a registration of a word mark in plain text, without design or stylization, providing broader protection for use in any font or style.
⇒ Learn more about Standard Character Trademarks in Japan