--- title: "Letter of Consent in Japan: Practice After the 2024 Amendment" description: Comprehensive guide to Letter of Consent practice in Japan after the April 2024 amendment introducing Article 4(4). image: https://www.evorix.jp/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_l5gc7al5gc7al5gc.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024#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) - 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[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 # Letter of Consent in Japan: Practice After the 2024 Amendment ![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/letter-of-consent-japan-2024) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024) ![Gemini\_Generated\_Image\_l5gc7al5gc7al5gc](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_l5gc7al5gc7al5gc.jpg?width=960&height=536&name=Gemini_Generated_Image_l5gc7al5gc7al5gc.jpg) Effective April 1, 2024, the Japan Trademark Act introduced a Letter of Consent (LoC) system under Article 4(4), bringing Japan in line with most major jurisdictions. This article explains how the LoC works in practice, what the JPO requires for acceptance, and how foreign counsel can leverage the new system to overcome Article 4(1)(11) refusals. Table of Contents 1. [What Changed in April 2024](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024#a1) 2. [JPO Acceptance Criteria](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024#a2) 3. [What an Effective Letter of Consent Includes](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024#a3) 4. [Coordinating with the Prior Right Holder](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024#a4) 5. [Typical Cost and Timeline](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024#a5) 6. [Strategic Considerations](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024#a6) 7. [FAQ](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024#faq) ## 1. What Changed in April 2024 Before April 2024, a written consent from a prior right holder was **not** a basis to overcome an Article 4(1)(11) prior mark refusal in Japan. Foreign counsel were often surprised — and frustrated — that consent that worked in their home jurisdiction had no effect at the JPO. The 2024 amendment introduced **Article 4(4)**, which provides that Article 4(1)(11) does not apply where: 1. The applicant has obtained the prior right holder's consent, AND 2. There is no likelihood of source confusion between the two marks **Critical nuance:** Japan's LoC is **not** a "true" consent regime. The consent alone is insufficient. The applicant must **also** demonstrate to the JPO that no source confusion will result. ## 2. JPO Acceptance Criteria In examining a LoC submission, the JPO considers: - **Distinctiveness of the marks:** Highly distinctive marks support coexistence more easily - **Trade channels:** Different distribution channels reduce confusion - **Geographic scope:** Distinct geographic territories support coexistence - **Customer base:** Different consumer demographics or industries - **Use history:** Prior coexistence without confusion in Japan or other jurisdictions - **Protective measures:** Disclaimers, distinguishing marketing, separate logo elements A bare consent ("we agree to your registration") **will not** succeed. The submission must build a fact-based case that confusion is unlikely. ## 3. What an Effective Letter of Consent Includes EVORIX's standard LoC includes the following components: 1. **Identification:** Both parties (legal entity, address, role) 2. **Mark details:** Both marks, registration/application numbers, goods/services 3. **Express consent:** Prior right holder's unconditional consent to the new application 4. **Non-confusion factual basis:** Detailed explanation of why no source confusion will result 5. **Coexistence terms (optional):** Practical arrangements (e.g., different logo styles, separate marketing channels, disclaimer language) 6. **Signatures:** Authorized signatories of both parties, with dates Submitted to the JPO with a Japanese translation if executed in another language. We provide a Japanese translation as part of the engagement. ## 4. Coordinating with the Prior Right Holder Foreign counsel may not have direct contact with the Japanese prior right holder. EVORIX handles outreach in three modes: | Mode | When Used | | --- | --- | | **Direct outreach** | Prior right holder is a Japanese company or individual without foreign counsel | | **Foreign-counsel coordination** | Prior right holder is foreign with overseas counsel — we coordinate via your firm | | **Anonymous initial contact** | Where the applicant prefers not to disclose identity initially (subject to ethics rules) | ## 5. Typical Cost and Timeline EVORIX's LoC service typically costs **JPY 80,000 – 150,000** for drafting and filing. This includes: - Strategy consultation and feasibility assessment - LoC drafting in Japanese and English - Up to two rounds of revisions per party - Coordination with prior right holder (mode varies) - Filing with the JPO and follow-up communication Timeline depends on counterparty cooperation. Cooperative counterparties resolve in 2-4 weeks; uncooperative or hesitant ones may require 2-3 months. We typically request a JPO response deadline extension to allow time for coordination. ## 6. Strategic Considerations **Use the LoC route when:** - The cited mark's owner is identifiable and reachable - Marks share clear distinguishing factors (logos, channels, geography) - No business conflict exists or can be resolved commercially - Pure dissimilarity arguments are weak **Avoid the LoC route when:** - The prior right holder is a direct competitor with active commercial conflict - The marks are essentially identical with overlapping markets - The prior right holder has signaled enforcement intent - Time pressure is severe and counterparty is unresponsive ## Frequently Asked Questions Will any consent letter work, or does it need to be in a specific form? There is no statutory form, but the consent must be in writing, dated, and signed by an authorized representative of the prior right holder. Consent expressed in emails, settlement agreements, or coexistence agreements may also qualify if the consent is unambiguous. Can the LoC be revoked after it is given? Once filed and relied upon by the JPO to grant registration, the consent is generally not revocable in a way that affects the registration. However, prior right holders may attempt to invalidate the registration on other grounds, so robust documentation of the consent transaction is important. Is there any case law on Article 4(4) yet? As of late 2026, JPO examination practice is still developing. Examiners are accepting LoC submissions in the majority of well-supported cases. Trial Board and IP High Court decisions are emerging gradually. We monitor practice developments and incorporate them into our drafting. ## Related Articles [RELATED ARTICLE Top 5 Reasons for Trademark Refusals in Japan and How to Overcome Them The five most common JPO refusal grounds with response strategies.](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-refusal-top-5-reasons) [RELATED ARTICLE Article 4(1)(11): Strategies to Argue Non-Similarity in Japan Effective non-similarity arguments under Article 4(1)(11).](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/article-4-1-11-non-similarity-strategies) [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 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 [![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) [![Cost Estimate: Japan Trademark Office Action Response (2026 Update)](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_ap49c1ap49c1ap49.jpg?height=200&name=Gemini_Generated_Image_ap49c1ap49c1ap49.jpg)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026) ## [Cost Estimate: Japan Trademark Office Action Response (2026 Update)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026) ![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 typically need to provide their clients with a cost estimate before engaging... [Read more](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026) [![How Long Does It Take? 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[Read more](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-prosecution-timeline) --- [![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" : "2026-05-04T13:04:49.835Z", "datePublished" : "2026-05-23T07:10:01.000Z", "headline" : "Letter of Consent in Japan: Practice After the 2024 Amendment", "image" : [ "https://www.evorix.jp/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_l5gc7al5gc7al5gc.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024", "@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" } } ```