If you do not want to search through databases and lists of names of residents of Japan to get a trademark, you can breathe a sigh of relief–if you file from April of this year. What’s the Matter with the…
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In 2021, the Japanese Diet (parliament) passed various amendments to intellectual property law. Two major changes were made, and this month, Prime Minister Kishida’s Cabinet issued executive ordinances to implement the amendments. Here is a summary of the two major…
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Name value and prestige is extremely important for people in Japan. A recent trademark registration application is upsetting some in higher education now. Designated National University Corporation Osaka University (“Osaka University”), one of the highest-ranked and national public universities of…
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As mentioned in an earlier article, the imperial period name may not be trademarked on its own but may only be registered in a trademark when combined with other elements in a way that can be distinctive. The new imperial…
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A recent addition to the drink offerings in Japanese shops and vending machines has been “Wonda TEA COFFEE,” produced and of course trademarked by major drink company Asahi Soft Drinks Co., Ltd (Tokyo). Drinks in this line combine cafe latte…
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Japan is like the United Kingdom a constitutional monarchy with an emperor residing in the palace at the heart of Tokyo. And to this day, the imperial era names selected for each successive emperor (empress) are used to date many…
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The Japanese Trademark Act has been revised as of May 30. The changes force all divisional trademark registration applications filed from June 9, 2018 to stem from a properly paid-for trademark registration application. Until this, the Trademark Act Article 10…
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Kikkoman Corporation, a major producer of soy sauce in Japan, succeeded with its trademark application for its well-known sauce dispensing bottle. The JPO registered it as Trademark No. 6031041 on March 30, 2018. The dispenser is easily recognized by its…
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The JPO is making its procedures for examining trademark applications that have been preceded by defectively filed applications more transparent after some confusion that caught up the media in Japan. Defective (often, with official fees unpaid) applications frequently are attempts…
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The JPO has adopted an individual fee consisting of two parts. The application will be cancelled if the second part of the individual fee is not paid within the period indicated in the NOTIFICATION OF SECOND PART OF INDIVIDUAL FEE.