What is the relationship between “class” and “cost” of trademark registration?

• Fees

Does the cost vary depending on the class we choose? Does the cost depend on the number of classes?

I know that goods and services are classified into categories when registering a trademark, but is the amount of money different for each class, like the classes of goods and the classes of services?

No matter which class you choose, the Official fee is the same for one class. Usually, the Patent Attorney’s fee will also be the same for one class. The cost depends on the “number” of classes rather than which class you choose!

Knowing the relationship between class and fees, aim to obtain trademark registration rights in the appropriate classification.

Costs vary depending on the “number” of classes.

The cost will vary depending on the number of classes you choose from the 45 classifications from Class 1 to Class 45.
For each additional class, the fees to be paid to the Patent Office (stamp fee) and the fees to be paid to a specialist (patent office or patent attorney) will increase.

This is because the scope of rights expands with an increase in the number of classes, so there is an increase in the examination and review of whether the class is appropriate and whether the scope of rights sought can be obtained.

For more information on classification, please refer to these articles.

Fees for trademark search

In the case of a trademark search, there is no stamp fee, so only the fee for the preparation of the search report by the patent firm/patent attorney will be charged. As the number of classes increases, studies increases, so the fees are added according to the classes, which are the same.

Fees for filing an application

Total of the following:

• Stamp fee
  　3,400 yen + (8,600 yen x number of classes)
• Patent Attorney’s fees are often added according to the number of classes.
  　About 10,000 yen to 50,000 yen for one class

Fees for registration (after registration assessment)

Total of the following:

• Stamp fee
  　[For 5 years] 17,200yen x number of classes
  　[For 10 years] 32,900 yen x number of classes
• Patent Attorney’s fees are added according to the number of classes, and a contingency fee is often set.
  　About 0 yen to 40,000 yen for one class

Fees for renewal

Total of the following:

• Stamp fee
  　[For 5 years] 22,800yen x number of classes
  　[For 10 years] 43,600 yen x number of classes
• Patent Attorney’s fees are often added according to the number of classes, a period management fee after that is often set.
  　About 10,000 yen to 30,000 yen for one class

What are [for 5 years] and [for 10 years]?

The duration of a trademark is 10 years, but you can choose to pay the registration fee in a lump sum for 10 years or in installments (5-year installments in two installments). A lump sum for 10 years is less expensive.

The table in the other articles also provide easy-to-understand explanations!

* The fees to be paid to the Patent Office (stamp fee) introduced here are subject to revision due to changes in the law. The latest information is published on the JPO website, so please check the following page for the latest information.
Reference: https://www.jpo.go.jp/system/process/tesuryo/hyou.html

I see that the “number” of classes changes the amount. So, does the “number of designated goods” matter?

The number of designated goods also has nothing to do with the cost. The cost is the same no matter how many goods are listed within one class.

The number of designated goods has nothing to do with the cost.

However, there is a limit to the number of goods that can be designated for other reasons, regardless of the cost.

• Is there no problem to designate a lot of goods / services when filing a trademark?

• How is the number of “Similarity Group Code” counted?

If you designate many classes and are concerned about the cost

As explained above, fees are added according to the number of classes, so if you designate many classes, you may be concerned about the cost.
However, with Amazing DX, the fee for the fifth class and subsequent registrations is a fixed amount.

As explained above, fees are added according to the number of classes, so if you designate many classes, you may be concerned about the cost.
However, with Amazing DX, the fee for the fifth class and subsequent registrations is a fixed amount.

Even when I’m worried about the cost due to the number of classes, it’s easy to file if it’s a flat rate! Let’s remember that the cost varies depending on the “number” of classes!

Let’s do the math with Amazing DX!

Using Amazing DX, an online service provided by our office, you can easily calculate the fees based on the number of classes you wish to file.
Furthermore, the fees can be kept lower than those of directly contacting a patent firm or a patent attorney.

The calculation simulation is free of charge. Let’s do the calculations!　⇒Fee Calculation Page

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via chat. Our patent attorneys specializing in trademarks will be happy to assist you.

Supervisor for the article:

HARAKENZO WORLD PATENT & TRADEMARK

大阪法務戦略部長 八谷　晃典

Specialist, attorney, 特定侵害訴訟代理人, Supervisor