What is an electronic trademark application ?

I’ve decided on the trademark I want to register and the products and services I plan to use it for.
By the way, how can I file an application with the Japan Patent Office?

First, prepare the application form according to the format specified by the Japan Patent Office. Once the application form is prepared, it is affixed with a patent stamp and submitted to the Japan Patent Office.

Is it okay to submit the application to the Japan Patent Office by mail?

Yes. In addition to submitting your application by mail or bringing it in, you can also submit it electronically to the JPO.
The electronic application method is convenient because you can submit your application online.

Once you have decided on the trademark and the designated goods or services, it’s time to file the application.

In the past, documents were submitted to the Japan Patent Office (JPO) by mail, but now the recommended method is to file an application using the Internet application software.
By using the Internet application software, you can file applications 24 hours a day and apply from anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection..
In addition, the “electronic filing fee,” which must be paid when submitting paper documents, is not required, so it is more advantageous than submitting paper documents by mail.

Now, we will explain how to file an electronic application using the Internet filing software.

What is electronic application?

An electronic application is the process of submitting documents to the Japan Patent Office via the Internet.

Electronic Application Procedure

Initial Preparation

The following preparations are required only when submitting an electronic application for the first time.

• Prepare a digital certificate
• Obtaining Internet application software
• Register as an applicant

Preparation of a Electronic Certificate

In the JPO`s electronic application system, electronic certificates are used to identify the applicant and verify that the submitted documents genuinely belong to that applicant.

Detailed information can be found on the Japan Patent Office website, on the page titled “Electronic Application Guide for Beginners.”

Electronic Application Guide for Beginners

Obtaining the Internet Application Software

Once you have prepared your electronic certificate, download the electronic application software.

The application software can be downloaded from the “Electronic Application Software Support Site – Obtaining the Application Software” provided by the Industrial Property Information and Training Institute (INPIT).

Applicant Registration

If this is your first application, obtain an “identification number” to be used for electronic filing. If you have filed an application in the past, you may already have an identification number.

You can check it from the following page.

Electronic Filing Software Support Site — About the Identification Number

Preparation of Application Documents

Application documents are prepared in HTML format according to the JPO’s format.

The JPO’s “Electronic Filing Software Support Site” has a very convenient tool called “Quick Document Preparation” that allows you to easily prepare documents online.

For more information on how to prepare your application, please refer to the following pages

Payment of fees

The JPO website has a Fee Calculation System, which allows you to easily check the fees corresponding to each class.

There are several payment methods for fees: advance deposit, account transfer, credit card payment, electronic cash payment and cash payment.

Once the documents are complete, pay the prescribed fees to the JPO.

Submission of Documents

Submit your application by sending the form through the Internet Application Software.

Once the application is completed, a receipt will be issued by the JPO. The receipt includes the filing date, receipt number and application number. This number will be used for all subsequent procedures.

It seems difficult only the first time, but once it’s set up, it seems convenient the rest of the time.
But I don’t think I’ll have much chance to apply for it.

Yes, that’s right.
For individuals who want to skip the hassle of obtaining a digital certificate, we recommend using Amazing DX.

What kind of service does Amazing DX provide?

Amazing DX is a trademark application service available online.
Please check the following introduction.