The trademark registration procedure in Japan can be roughly divided into four stages: application, examination, announcement/objection and registration. The time required for the whole registration cycle is 6-8 months without objection.

1.? Registration process and required time

(1) Application stage (receipt in about 7 days)

Receipt of Japanese trademark registration can be received in about 7 days after submission.

(2) Examination stage (4-6 months)

Trademark examination in Japan is divided into two parts: formal examination and substantive examination.

Formal review: after the application is submitted, the application number is given and the application time is confirmed. At this stage, review whether the application documents meet the requirements.

substantive examination: to examine whether a trademark is registrable according to the law, for example, whether it is significant. If the examiner thinks that the trademark is not suitable for registration, he will issue a notice of rejection. The applicant can give a reply within the specified time. Applicants can also apply for an extension of time to reply.

(3) Announcement/Objection Stage (2 months)

After the trademark has passed the examination, the applicant will be informed that the trademark application has been accepted and published in the trademark announcement. Anyone can raise an objection within the two-month announcement period, state the reasons and submit relevant evidence.

(4) Registration stage

Trademarks that are judged to be registrable after objection, or trademarks that have been announced without objection, will be allowed to register and issued with registration certificates.

2.? Issues needing attention after trademark registration

Japanese trademarks are valid for 1 years from the date of registration. If it is necessary to continue to use it after the expiration of the validity period, it shall apply for renewal of registration 6 months before the expiration of the registration period, and each renewal of registration is valid for 1 years; There is a 6-month grace period for trademark renewal, but an extra fee has to be paid.