Welcome to APEX Patent Solutions, an international patent and trademark firm based in Japan.

If you are an Amazon seller or business planning to expand into Japan, one of the most common questions is:
“How much does it cost to register a trademark in Japan?”

This guide explains the official Japan Patent Office (JPO) fees, typical attorney costs, and what foreign sellers should budget for when securing a Japanese trademark for Amazon Japan Brand Registry.

1. Official JPO Trademark Fees

Trademark registration in Japan involves two main stages:

  • Application fee (filing fee):
    • JPY3400 + JPY 8,600 per class
      (ex., JPY 12,000 for 1 class)
    • Paid when submitting the trademark application
  • Registration fee:
    • JPY 32,900 per class (10-year)
    • Paid after the JPO examiner approves your trademark

For one class, the total official fees: JPY 44,900 per class (excluding attorney fees).

2. Attorney and Professional Fees

Foreign applicants cannot file directly with the Japan Patent Office (JPO).
You must appoint a licensed Japanese patent attorney (Benrishi).

Typical professional fees include:

  • Attorney filing fee: USD $400–$800 (varies by firm)
  • Response to Office Actions (if required): USD $300–$600 per action
  • Registration handling fee: USD $100–$300
  • Renewal services (every 10 years): USD $500–$800

These fees vary depending on the law firm and the complexity of your case.

3. Total Cost Estimate for Foreign Amazon Sellers

For one trademark in one class:

  • Official JPO fees: ~JPY 45,000 (~USD $300)
  • Attorney fees: ~USD $600–$1,200 (on average)

Total estimate: USD $900–$1,500 per class

Costs will increase if you file for multiple classes or need to respond to JPO refusals.

4. Additional Costs to Consider

  • Translation fees (if filing based on a foreign application or if documents require Japanese translation)
  • Appeals (if the application is refused and you wish to contest the decision)
  • Renewal fees (every 10 years, JPY 43,600 per class + attorney fee)

5. Why the Investment Is Worth It

For Amazon sellers, the cost of Japan trademark registration is small compared to the benefits:

  • Access to Amazon Japan Brand Registry (required for brand control and A+ Content)
  • Exclusive rights to your brand in Japan for 10 years
  • Protection against counterfeiters and hijackers
  • Customer trust and higher conversions in the Japanese market

Conclusion

The cost to register a trademark in Japan is approximately JPY 45,000 (USD $300) in official fees per class, plus USD $600–$1,200 in attorney fees.

For foreign Amazon sellers, this is a worthwhile investment to protect your brand, unlock Amazon Japan Brand Registry, and secure long-term growth in Japan.

Next: Trademark Registration in Japan for Amazon Sellers: What You Need to Know