Take Advantage of Figure Searches! How to search for “non-letter” trademarks

Can I search for a trademark for a figure, or can I search for a trademark other than letters?

I’ve decided to create a character for a new product, but I want to make sure it doesn’t clash with a previously registered trademark. But how do I search for the character?

J-PlatPat, a patent information platform, also allows you to search for trademark registrations other than text, such as characters, figures, and logos!

This article introduces how to search for figure trademarks using the patent information platform “J-Plat Pat”.
“J-Plat Pat” is a service operated by INPIT, an independent administrative agency under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which can be used free of charge and allows access to information based on the JPO’s database.

How to search for figure trademarks on the patent information platform “J-Plat Pat”

1. First, access the website of Patent Information Platform “J-Plat Pat”.

Patent Information Platform “J-Plat Pat”

https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/

2. From the “Trademarks” tab, select “Table of the CFE Marks”.

3. From the Breakdown Table of the CFE Marks (Large/Middle/Small Classification Tables), select one that closely resembles the image of the target figure.

For example, if your character is inspired by the image of an animal bear, select “3.1 QUADRUPEDS (SERIES I: FELINES, CANINES (EXCEPT FOR RACOON DOGS (3.5.5.01)), URSIDAE, AND PANDACEAE)” and “*3.1.14 Bears” from “3. ANIMALS”.

Then the classification code “3.1.14” is entered in the Classification of figures, etc. input field.

4. Use AND and OR search.

• If there are other features of the figure, let’s do an AND search.
  For example, if your character has the feature that it is a bear playing flute and is drawn as if it were making a sound from its flute.

Press “+Add” below the Classification of figures, etc. input field.

A new field has been added. Please check the ◯ next to the field.

Select “22. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND THEIR ACCESSORIES, MUSIC ACCESSORIES, BELLS, PICTURES, SCULPTURES” > 22.1 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, MUSICAL INSTRUMENT ACCESSORIES, MUSIC ACCESSORIES > *22.1.5 Wind instruments, whistles” and add it to the new field added.
Add a new field by selecting “24. HERALDRY, COINS, EMBLEMS, SYMBOLS” > 24.17 SIGNS, NOTATIONS, SYMBOLS > A24.17.12 Notes alone” and adding it.
and so on.

• If you enter more than one graphic equalizer code in one field, it will be an OR search.
  Trademarks that cover only one of the codes (in the example, only flutes and only musical notes) will also be detected.

5. When you have selected all the images of the figure, press “Set to Search”.

You will then be taken to the Trademark Search screen where the Classification of figures, etc. you selected earlier has been entered.
Now all you need to do is enter the similarity group code of the target and press “Search” and the registered and pending trademarks will be displayed.

Here, let’s enter the similar group code “25B01” for “stationery”.
The result is one trademark hit. (as of April 2022)
You can check the detailed information of the detected trademark by clicking on the link for the application number/registration number/international registration number.

True, I could search for a trademark with no text! Seems like it shouldn’t be too hard if I just pick features.

The Global Brand Database from WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) has announced a tool that allows you to search for trademarks by uploading images using the latest artificial intelligence (AI) image search technology (* free, in English).

source: WIPO – Global Brand Database

https://branddb.wipo.int/branddb/en/

Summary: You can search for trademarks other than text

Although the “J-Plat Pat” search is only for selecting characteristics, it takes some tricks and knowledge to select what those characteristics are in letters. Please repeat the search process to get the hang of it.

If you have any questions about the search method, our patent attorneys specializing in trademarks are available to assist you. Please feel free to contact us via chat.

For a detailed search, ask an expert for an opinion.

Is your search similar to a previously registered trademark? Not similar? If you are in doubt about whether your trademark is similar or dissimilar to a previously registered trademark, ask an expert to conduct a trademark search.

Please feel free to contact us for search results and subsequent trademark searches. ⇒Inquiry Form

In addition, if the search results show no similar trademarks and you wish to proceed with trademark registration or application, please take advantage of our online application service “Amazing DX”!