Japan Trademark Registration Costs — Self-Filing vs Patent Attorney
A comprehensive breakdown of all costs involved in registering a trademark in Japan, comparing self-filing, patent attorney, and online service options.
Self-Filing Costs
When you file a trademark application yourself in Japan, you pay only the official JPO fees. The filing fee is ¥3,400 base plus ¥8,600 per class. The registration fee after approval is ¥16,400 per class (10-year term). For a single-class application, the total government fees are approximately ¥28,400 (about $190 USD).
Patent Attorney Costs
Hiring a Japanese patent attorney (弁理士) typically adds ¥50,000–¥150,000 in professional fees on top of the official fees. Attorney fees vary depending on experience, firm size, and complexity. While more expensive, an attorney can dramatically improve your chances of successful registration and help respond to office actions.
Online Service Comparison
Several online trademark filing services in Japan offer a middle-ground option. These services typically charge ¥10,000–¥30,000 in service fees plus the official JPO fees. They provide guided form filling and basic similarity searches but usually cannot represent you in office action responses the way a licensed attorney can.
Maintenance Fees
Trademark registrations in Japan last for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely. The renewal fee is ¥22,800 per class for a full 10-year renewal. You can also opt for a 5-year split payment. Failure to renew means your trademark rights will lapse and the mark becomes available for others to register.
Cost Table by Number of Classes
Filing costs scale with the number of classes. One class costs approximately ¥28,400 in official fees; two classes cost ¥53,400; three classes cost ¥78,400. Each additional class adds ¥25,000 (¥8,600 filing + ¥16,400 registration). When budgeting, consider that most small businesses need 1–3 classes to adequately protect their brand.
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Search Trademarks (Free)This tool provides preliminary trademark search results and general information only. It does not constitute legal advice. The accuracy of search results cannot be guaranteed. For trademark registration, please consult a licensed patent attorney (弁理士/benrishi). Shohyo Navi is a trademark information service operated by Mycat Inc.