---
title: "Cost Estimate: Japan Trademark Office Action Response (2026 Update)"
description: Updated 2026 cost estimates for responding to JPO trademark Office Actions and Madrid Provisional Refusals.
image: https://www.evorix.jp/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_ap49c1ap49c1ap49.jpg
---

[Skip to content](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026#main-content)

[![知的財産事務所エボリクス/EVORIX/大阪/特許・商標・意匠登](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/%E7%9F%A5%E7%9A%84%E8%B2%A1%E7%94%A3%E4%BA%8B%E5%8B%99%E6%89%80%E3%82%A8%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%20(500%20%C3%97%20250%20px).png?width=500&height=250&name=%E7%9F%A5%E7%9A%84%E8%B2%A1%E7%94%A3%E4%BA%8B%E5%8B%99%E6%89%80%E3%82%A8%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%20(500%20%C3%97%20250%20px).png)](https://www.evorix.jp/)

- [Services](https://www.evorix.jp/en/contents)
  
  Show submenu for Services 
  
    - [Patent Filing](https://www.evorix.jp/en/patent-service)
    - [Trademark Registration](https://www.evorix.jp/en/trademark-service)
    - [Design Registration](https://www.evorix.jp/en/design-service)
    - [Copyright](https://www.evorix.jp/en/copyright-service)
    - [Unfair Competition](https://www.evorix.jp/en/unfair-competition)
    - [Patent Attorney Advisor](https://www.evorix.jp/en/komon)
- [International Filing](https://www.evorix.jp/en/international)
  
  Show submenu for International Filing 
  
    - [PCT International Patent](https://www.evorix.jp/en/pct)
    - [Madrid Protocol Trademark](https://www.evorix.jp/en/madrid-protocol-trademark)
    - [Hague Design Application](https://www.evorix.jp/en/hague-design-application)
    - [Global Patent Systems](https://www.evorix.jp/patent-world)
    - [Global Trademark Systems](https://www.evorix.jp/trademark-world)
    - [Global Design Systems](https://www.evorix.jp/design-world)
- [Industries](https://www.evorix.jp/en/industries)
  
  Show submenu for Industries 
  
    - [For Startups](https://www.evorix.jp/en/startup)
    - [For Manufacturing](https://www.evorix.jp/en/manufacturing)
    - [For IT Companies](https://www.evorix.jp/it-ip-portal)
- [About Us](https://www.evorix.jp/en/about)
  
  Show submenu for About Us 
  
    - [Firm Overview](https://www.evorix.jp/en/about)
    - [Philosophy & Vision](https://www.evorix.jp/philosophy)
    - [Our Patent Attorneys](https://www.evorix.jp/en/staff)
    - [Track Record](https://www.evorix.jp/en/results)
    - [Exhibitions & Events](https://www.evorix.jp/en/exhibitions)
    - [Locations](https://www.evorix.jp/en/access)
    - [Seminars & Lectures](https://www.evorix.jp/en/seminar)
    - [Careers](https://www.evorix.jp/en/recruit)
- [Resources](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog)
  
  Show submenu for Resources 
  
    - [Blog](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog)
    - [FAQ](https://www.evorix.jp/en/faq)
    - [IP Glossary](https://www.evorix.jp/en/glossary)
    - [Foreign Filing Subsidy Guide](https://www.evorix.jp/%E3%82%B8%E3%82%A7%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%E5%A4%96%E5%9B%BD%E5%87%BA%E9%A1%98%E5%8A%A9%E6%88%90%E9%87%91%E3%81%AE%E3%81%94%E6%A1%88%E5%86%85)
    - [AI Draft × Patent Attorney Check](https://www.evorix.jp/ai-draft-patent-lp)
- [Contact](https://www.evorix.jp/en/inquiry)
  
  Show submenu for Contact 
  
    - [Consultation Process](https://www.evorix.jp/en/consultation)
    - [Inquiry Form](https://www.evorix.jp/en/inquiry)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- [Services](https://www.evorix.jp/en/contents)
  
  Show submenu for Services 
  
    - [Patent Filing](https://www.evorix.jp/en/patent-service)
    - [Trademark Registration](https://www.evorix.jp/en/trademark-service)
    - [Design Registration](https://www.evorix.jp/en/design-service)
    - [Copyright](https://www.evorix.jp/en/copyright-service)
    - [Unfair Competition](https://www.evorix.jp/en/unfair-competition)
    - [Patent Attorney Advisor](https://www.evorix.jp/en/komon)
- [International Filing](https://www.evorix.jp/en/international)
  
  Show submenu for International Filing 
  
    - [PCT International Patent](https://www.evorix.jp/en/pct)
    - [Madrid Protocol Trademark](https://www.evorix.jp/en/madrid-protocol-trademark)
    - [Hague Design Application](https://www.evorix.jp/en/hague-design-application)
    - [Global Patent Systems](https://www.evorix.jp/patent-world)
    - [Global Trademark Systems](https://www.evorix.jp/trademark-world)
    - [Global Design Systems](https://www.evorix.jp/design-world)
- [Industries](https://www.evorix.jp/en/industries)
  
  Show submenu for Industries 
  
    - [For Startups](https://www.evorix.jp/en/startup)
    - [For Manufacturing](https://www.evorix.jp/en/manufacturing)
    - [For IT Companies](https://www.evorix.jp/it-ip-portal)
- [About Us](https://www.evorix.jp/en/about)
  
  Show submenu for About Us 
  
    - [Firm Overview](https://www.evorix.jp/en/about)
    - [Philosophy & Vision](https://www.evorix.jp/philosophy)
    - [Our Patent Attorneys](https://www.evorix.jp/en/staff)
    - [Track Record](https://www.evorix.jp/en/results)
    - [Exhibitions & Events](https://www.evorix.jp/en/exhibitions)
    - [Locations](https://www.evorix.jp/en/access)
    - [Seminars & Lectures](https://www.evorix.jp/en/seminar)
    - [Careers](https://www.evorix.jp/en/recruit)
- [Resources](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog)
  
  Show submenu for Resources 
  
    - [Blog](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog)
    - [FAQ](https://www.evorix.jp/en/faq)
    - [IP Glossary](https://www.evorix.jp/en/glossary)
    - [Foreign Filing Subsidy Guide](https://www.evorix.jp/%E3%82%B8%E3%82%A7%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%E5%A4%96%E5%9B%BD%E5%87%BA%E9%A1%98%E5%8A%A9%E6%88%90%E9%87%91%E3%81%AE%E3%81%94%E6%A1%88%E5%86%85)
    - [AI Draft × Patent Attorney Check](https://www.evorix.jp/ai-draft-patent-lp)
- [Contact](https://www.evorix.jp/en/inquiry)
  
  Show submenu for Contact 
  
    - [Consultation Process](https://www.evorix.jp/en/consultation)
    - [Inquiry Form](https://www.evorix.jp/en/inquiry)
- [Contact](https://www.evorix.jp/en/inquiry)

[Contact](https://www.evorix.jp/en/inquiry)

 2026/05/23

# Cost Estimate: Japan Trademark Office Action Response (2026 Update)

![Picture of Takefumi Sugiura – Japanese Patent Attorney](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/4ef5aa3d824852243e3f9a0ef7c7a511) [Takefumi Sugiura – Japanese Patent Attorney](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/author/takefumi-sugiura-japanese-patent-attorney)

Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026)

![Gemini\_Generated\_Image\_ap49c1ap49c1ap49](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_ap49c1ap49c1ap49.jpg?width=960&height=536&name=Gemini_Generated_Image_ap49c1ap49c1ap49.jpg)

Foreign counsel typically need to provide their clients with a cost estimate before engaging Japanese local counsel. This article presents EVORIX's 2026 fee ranges for JPO trademark Office Action and Provisional Refusal responses, broken down by case complexity. All fees are in JPY and exclusive of consumption tax (10%) unless otherwise stated.

Table of Contents

1. [Initial Assessment — No Charge](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026#a1)
2. [Professional Fee Ranges by Complexity](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026#a2)
3. [JPO Official Fees](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026#a3)
4. [What Drives Cost Variability](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026#a4)
5. [Volume Discounts and Payment Terms](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026#a5)
6. [FAQ](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026#faq)

## 1. Initial Assessment — No Charge

EVORIX provides a free initial assessment within **3-5 business days** of receiving the Provisional Refusal. The assessment includes:

- Substantive analysis of each cited ground
- Recommended response strategy
- Success-probability commentary
- Fixed-fee quote for the response itself
- JPO official fee estimate (translated to JPY at current rate)

No engagement letter or POA required for the assessment.

## 2. Professional Fee Ranges by Complexity

| Service | Fee Range (JPY) |
| --- | --- |
| Argument only — single ground, no evidence | **80,000 – 120,000** |
| Argument + Amendment (specification restriction) | **100,000 – 150,000** |
| Argument with Evidence (acquired distinctiveness, well-known status) | **150,000 – 250,000+** |
| Letter of Consent drafting & filing | **80,000 – 150,000** |
| Multi-ground response premium (per additional ground) | **+30,000 / ground** |
| Hourly rate (unpredictable matters) | **30,000 / hr** |
| Trial Board appeal (post-Decision of Refusal) | **200,000 – 350,000** |
| Non-use cancellation against cited mark | **180,000 – 300,000** |

## 3. JPO Official Fees

JPO official fees are billed at cost, separate from professional fees:

- Provisional Refusal response: **No JPO official fee**
- Extension request: **JPY 4,200** per extension
- Trial Board appeal: **JPY 55,000 + 15,000 per class**
- Non-use cancellation filing: **JPY 56,000 + 15,000 per class**

JPO official fees as of 2026; subject to revision by JPO. We confirm current rates at quote time.

## 4. What Drives Cost Variability

The most significant cost drivers are:

1. **Number of cited grounds.** Multi-ground refusals require longer arguments.
2. **Number of cited prior marks.** Each cited registration requires individual similarity analysis.
3. **Whether evidence is needed.** Acquired distinctiveness and well-known status arguments require evidence collection, organization, and legal explanation.
4. **Letter of Consent negotiation.** Cooperative counterparties resolve in days; uncooperative ones require extended exchange.
5. **Specification complexity.** Wide specifications may require detailed restriction analysis.

## 5. Volume Discounts and Payment Terms

For foreign counsel with regular case flow:

- **Volume discount:** 10-20% off published fees for 5+ cases per quarter
- **Quarterly consolidated invoicing:** Available on request
- **Payment terms:** Standard Net 30. Wire transfer in JPY accepted.
- **Currency:** Invoices in JPY. Foreign-currency conversion at quoted rate (locked at engagement).
- **Trust-account / IOLTA arrangements:** Considered upon request

## Frequently Asked Questions

Why do fee ranges vary so widely within a single category?

Within each category, complexity differs case to case. A single-ground argument-only response for a clearly distinctive mark falls at the low end; the same category for a marginal case requiring detailed similarity analysis falls at the high end. We always quote a fixed fee — never a range — once we have reviewed the specific Provisional Refusal.

Are there hidden costs we should anticipate?

Common items not in the base fee: (1) certified translation of supporting evidence into Japanese — typically JPY 5,000-15,000 per page; (2) third-party search reports or market surveys if needed; (3) overseas counsel coordination for Letter of Consent negotiations. We disclose all anticipated additional costs at the quote stage.

Do you charge for status updates or short consultations?

Routine status updates (when JPO issues a communication, completion of a milestone) are no charge. Consultations on follow-up strategy, watch reports, or unrelated matters are billed at the hourly rate, with prior agreement on the time budget.

## Related Articles

[RELATED ARTICLE Responding to a JPO Provisional Refusal: A Practical Guide for Foreign Counsel Step-by-step guide for foreign attorneys handling a JPO refusal.](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/responding-to-jpo-provisional-refusal-foreign-counsel) [RELATED ARTICLE How Long Does It Take? Japan Trademark Prosecution Timeline Realistic timelines from refusal to registration in Japan.](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-prosecution-timeline) [RELATED ARTICLE Working with a Japanese Trademark Attorney: What Foreign Counsel Should Know Best practices for foreign counsel engaging Japanese benrishi.](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/working-with-japanese-trademark-attorney) [RELATED ARTICLE Response to Madrid Refusal in Japan: Complete Guide (Deadlines & Options) What happens after the JPO issues a provisional refusal under Madrid.](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/madrid-protocol-japan-after-provisional-refusal)

FOR FOREIGN COUNSEL

### Need to respond to a JPO Provisional Refusal?

EVORIX provides specialized JPO Office Action response services for foreign counsel. Free assessment + fixed quote within 3-5 business days.

[View Service Page →](https://www.evorix.jp/en/japan-trademark-refusal-response) [Email contact@evorix.jp](mailto:contact@evorix.jp)

Related Articles

- [Responding to a JPO Provisional Refusal: A Practical Guide for Foreign Counsel](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/responding-to-jpo-provisional-refusal-foreign-counsel)
- [Top 5 Reasons for Trademark Refusals in Japan and How to Overcome Them](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-refusal-top-5-reasons)
- [Response to Madrid Refusal in Japan: Complete Guide (Deadlines & Options)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/madrid-protocol-japan-after-provisional-refusal)
- [Cost Estimate: Japan Trademark Office Action Response (2026 Update)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026)
- [Article 4(1)(11): Strategies to Argue Non-Similarity in Japan](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/article-4-1-11-non-similarity-strategies)
- [Japan Trademark Prosecution Timeline](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-prosecution-timeline)
- [Letter of Consent in Japan: Practice After the 2024 Amendment](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024)
- [Working with a Japanese Trademark Attorney: What Foreign Counsel Should Know](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/working-with-japanese-trademark-attorney)

## Related posts

[![How Long Does It Take? Japan Trademark Prosecution Timeline](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_icqx61icqx61icqx.jpg?height=200&name=Gemini_Generated_Image_icqx61icqx61icqx.jpg)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-prosecution-timeline)

## [How Long Does It Take? Japan Trademark Prosecution Timeline](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-prosecution-timeline)

![Picture of Takefumi Sugiura – Japanese Patent Attorney](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/4ef5aa3d824852243e3f9a0ef7c7a511) [Takefumi Sugiura – Japanese Patent Attorney](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/author/takefumi-sugiura-japanese-patent-attorney) 

 2026/05/23

Foreign counsel often need to give clients a realistic timeline for Japan trademark prosecution....

[Read more](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-prosecution-timeline)

[![Article 4(1)(11): Strategies to Argue Non-Similarity in Japan](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_ks7uh8ks7uh8ks7u.jpg?height=200&name=Gemini_Generated_Image_ks7uh8ks7uh8ks7u.jpg)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/article-4-1-11-non-similarity-strategies)

## [Article 4(1)(11): Strategies to Argue Non-Similarity in Japan](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/article-4-1-11-non-similarity-strategies)

![Picture of Takefumi Sugiura – Japanese Patent Attorney](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/4ef5aa3d824852243e3f9a0ef7c7a511) [Takefumi Sugiura – Japanese Patent Attorney](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/author/takefumi-sugiura-japanese-patent-attorney) 

 2026/05/23

Article 4(1)(11) of the Japan Trademark Act — refusal based on similarity to a prior registered...

[Read more](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/article-4-1-11-non-similarity-strategies)

[![Top 5 Reasons for Trademark Refusals in Japan and How to Overcome Them](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_paa430paa430paa4.jpg?height=200&name=Gemini_Generated_Image_paa430paa430paa4.jpg)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-refusal-top-5-reasons)

## [Top 5 Reasons for Trademark Refusals in Japan and How to Overcome Them](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-refusal-top-5-reasons)

![Picture of Takefumi Sugiura – Japanese Patent Attorney](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/4ef5aa3d824852243e3f9a0ef7c7a511) [Takefumi Sugiura – Japanese Patent Attorney](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/author/takefumi-sugiura-japanese-patent-attorney) 

 2026/05/23

Most trademark refusals issued by the Japan Patent Office (JPO) — including Provisional Refusals...

[Read more](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-refusal-top-5-reasons)

---

[![知的財産事務所エボリクス/EVORIX/大阪/特許・商標・意匠登](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/%E7%9F%A5%E7%9A%84%E8%B2%A1%E7%94%A3%E4%BA%8B%E5%8B%99%E6%89%80%E3%82%A8%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%20(500%20%C3%97%20250%20px).png?width=500&height=250&name=%E7%9F%A5%E7%9A%84%E8%B2%A1%E7%94%A3%E4%BA%8B%E5%8B%99%E6%89%80%E3%82%A8%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%20(500%20%C3%97%20250%20px).png "知的財産事務所エボリクス/EVORIX/大阪/特許・商標・意匠登")](https://www.evorix.jp)

Intellectual Property Law Firm EVORIX

 

4th Floor, Qus-Hiranomachi Building,  
3-1-2 Hiranomachi, Chuo-Ku, Osaka-shi,  
Osaka 541-0046 Japan

Mail: [contact@evorix.jp](mailto:contact@evorix.jp)

TEL: +81-6-7777-1884

- [Hague International Design Application](https://www.evorix.jp/hague-design-application)
- [Madrid Protocol International Trademark Application](https://www.evorix.jp/madrid-protocol-trademark)
- [Amazon IP Infringement Support](https://www.evorix.jp/amazon-infringement)

- [About Us](https://www.evorix.jp/about)
- [Our Attorneys](https://www.evorix.jp/staff)
- [Services](https://www.evorix.jp/contents)
- [Consultation Process](https://www.evorix.jp/consultation)
- [Blog](https://www.evorix.jp/blog)
- [Careers](https://www.evorix.jp/recruit)
- [Trademark Portfolio](https://www.evorix.jp/trademark-list)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.evorix.jp/hubfs/%E8%B3%87%E6%96%99/HP-%E3%83%97%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%90%E3%82%B7%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9D%E3%83%AA%E3%82%B7%E3%83%BC.pdf)
- [Contact](https://www.evorix.jp/inquiry)

---

 

Copyright © 2026, Intellectual Property Law Firm EVORIX® All rights reserved. 

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Takefumi Sugiura – Japanese Patent Attorney",
    "url" : "https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/author/takefumi-sugiura-japanese-patent-attorney"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-05-04T13:46:46.160Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-05-23T07:10:09.000Z",
  "headline" : "Cost Estimate: Japan Trademark Office Action Response (2026 Update)",
  "image" : [ "https://www.evorix.jp/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_ap49c1ap49c1ap49.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.evorix.jp/hubfs/%E7%9F%A5%E7%9A%84%E8%B2%A1%E7%94%A3%E4%BA%8B%E5%8B%99%E6%89%80%E3%82%A8%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%20(500%20%C3%97%20250%20px).png"
    },
    "name" : "知的財産事務所エボリクス"
  }
}
```