Trademark Application Publication: Duration, Public Information, Reasons and How to Check (in Japan)

What is the publication of a trademark application?

If I file a trademark application, how long will it take for it to be published?

The time it takes for a trademark application to be published is approximately two weeks from the filing date. However, if the application was filed on paper, it will take an additional two weeks due to the process of digitizing the information.

How can I find out what the published trademark is?

You can search published trademarks for free using the JPO’s J-PlatPat, a website that allows you to search for information on patents, utility models and designs in addition to trademarks.

Once a trademark application is filed, the information is made public. But how long does it take for the information to become public? What information is published? Why is it published? How can I verify the published trademark? These questions are answered in this article.

How long does it take for a trademark application to be published after filing?

The time it takes for a trademark application to be published is approximately two weeks from the filing date. However, if the application was filed on paper, it will take an additional two weeks to convert the information into electronic form. This is the time required for the JPO to examine the application, classify it appropriately, and publish it in the Gazette.

What information is released? Names and addresses?

Along with the contents of the trademark application (the trademark applied for and the designated goods (services)), the name and address of the applicant (in part) are also published in the Gazette. However, the information published in the Gazette is based on the information contained in the application.

If the name or address changes after the application is filed, the changes must be reported to the JPO, and it will take some time before they are reflected.

Why is it public? Is there any way to prevent it from being published?

Information about your trademark application will be publicly available. There is no way to prevent it from being made public. This is so that everyone can know the contents of the trademark and information about the right holder (applicant), since the trademark, if registered, will have exclusive rights throughout Japan. Information about the trademark and the applicant of the application is published in the Gazette and can be viewed by anyone.

• If you wish to avoid publication under your personal name, you may include your company name.
• Even if you are filing under your personal name, you can list your residence (where you live other than your home address) instead of your home address.

How can I verify the published trademark?

Published trademarks can be viewed on J-PlatPat, a website that allows you to search for information on patents, utility models, and designs in addition to trademarks. This site allows you to view detailed information on published trademarks.

Summary

• The time frame for publication of a trademark application is two weeks after filing.
• Along with the contents of the trademark application, information such as the applicant’s name and address will be made public. There is no way to prevent the contents of the application from being made public.
• Published trademarks can be searched at J-PlatPat at the Japan Patent Office.

When filing a trademark application, it is important to understand that your (the applicant’s) information will also be published, and it is important to manage the information appropriately. If there are errors in the information to be published in the Gazette, or if the information has changed since the application was filed, it is possible to amend the registered information by contacting the JPO.

Filing a trademark application is one of the most important aspects of protecting your business. We hope this article will help you better understand the publication of trademark applications.