How much does it cost to register trademark to JPO? Explain in detail!

Fees to be paid to the JPO for trademark registration

I would like to file an application for a trademark by myself. How much will it cost (fees)? I need to estimate in advance how much I’ll need to pay for the procedure.

The cost when doing the procedure by yourself is only “the fee to be paid to the Patent Office (patent stamp fee)”. When you request a specialist (patent firm: patent attorney) to perform the procedure, the patent attorney’s fee will be charged in addition to the stamp fee.

I see. How is the stamp fee determined? Do I have to pay it only at the filing ?

This article explains “fees to be paid to the Patent Office (patent stamp fee)” related to a trademark registration.

Trademark Registration Fees

Fees related to trademark registration are put into two categories: fees to be paid to the Patent Office (patent stamp fee) and fees to be paid to a patent attorney (attorney’s fee).

Even when you do not request a patent attorney (patent firm) and go through the process by yourself, you still need to pay an official fee to the Patent Office.
Below is a detailed explanation of when and how much fees will be incurred in obtaining and maintaining trademark rights.

At filing: Filing fee for trademark registration

In order to obtain trademark rights, you must first file an application with the Japan Patent Office for the trademark you wish to register. The official fee varies depending on how many classes (45 classifications of goods and services to be covered) you wish to register your trademark in.

The Order on Fees Related to the Patent Law, etc. stipulates the fee, “3,400 yen per application plus 8,600 yen per class”. The table below shows the calculation corresponding to the number of classes.

*A trademark search before filing an application is not mandatory, but it is useful to find the possibility of registration of your trademark.

At registering: Registration fee

After the application is filed, an JPO examiner examines the application. If there is no reason of refusal in the application, the applicant is notified of decision of trademark registration. The trademark right is registered by paying the registration fee within 30 days of receipt of the decision.

The Trademark Act provides that “A person obtaining a registration of establishment of a trademark right shall pay, as a registration fee for each trademark right, an amount not exceeding 32,900 yen multiplied by the number of classes of the trademark, which is provided by Cabinet Order. The fee is set at 32,900 yen in accordance with the “Cabinet Order Concerning Maintenance, etc. of Relevant Cabinet Orders in Connection with the Enforcement of the Act for Partial Revision of the Patent Act, etc.” (Cabinet Order No. 344 of December 24, 2021).

The duration of trademark rights expires after 10 years from the date of registration. The registration fee is for 10 years.

Meanwhile, there is also an installment payment system in which the fee for the 10-year period is paid in two installments (every 5 years). The amount of the installment payment is stipulated as 17,200 yen per class, which is more expensive than the lump-sum payment convering the 10-year period. Please consider paying in installments when you would like to reduce the expense at one time or you are not sure if you will need to continue to pay for the duration of 10 years.

The table below shows the registration fees corresponding to the number of classes.

I see! I understand that the cost varies depending on the number of classes to be registered. It is important to note that if you do not pay the stamp fee at registration stage, the application cannot be registered even after passing the examination.

At renewal: Renewal fee

Unlike other intellectual property rights, specifically patents, utility models, and designs, trademark rights do not expire at the end of their duration, but can be maintained through renewal procedures. Renewal of trademark rights is allowed because of the nature of business credibility that is created by using a trademark for a long period of time. Therefore, trademark rights can last for almost permanently.

Renewal fees are also stipulated in the Trademark Act. A person filing an application for registration of renewal of the duration of a trademark right shall pay, as a registration fee for each renewal, an amount not exceeding 43,600 yen multiplied by the number of classes, which is determined by Cabinet Order. The fee is set at 43,600 yen according to the “Cabinet Order Concerning the Establishment, etc. of Relevant Cabinet Orders in connection with the Enforcement of the Act for Partial Revision of the Patent Act, etc.” (Cabinet Order No. 344 of December 24, 2021).

As with the registration fee, an installment system is available. The table below shows the renewal fees corresponding to the number of classes.

Other notes

In addition to the above, there are other procedures related to trademark rights, such as registration for change of the name or address of the registered owner and registration for transfer of trademark rights, or requesting an appeal against examiner’s decision of refusal or a trial for cancellation of non-use. Please keep in mind that these procedures also require a separate patent stamp fee to be paid to the JPO.

Summary

How was it? Regarding the cost of trademark registration, if you perform the procedures by yourself, you can register your trademark with only the stamp fee mentioned above. If you use a patent firm: patent attorney or online service, an additional fee will be charged. However, it is commonly used because it eliminates procedural concerns.

“Amazing DX”, an online service provided by our firm, allows you to complete the procedures on website speedily with lower cost while guaranteeing our services.

Let’s take a quick look at how much it will cost with our simple fee calculator!
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Please note that JPO fees are subject to change due to legal revisions. For the latest information, please refer to the JPO website belo

Reference and source information

• Japan Patent Office HP：List of fees related to industrial property rights