---
title: "Responding to a JPO Provisional Refusal: A Practical Guide for Foreign Counsel"
description: Step-by-step guide for foreign trademark counsel handling a JPO Provisional Refusal under the Madrid Protocol.
image: https://www.evorix.jp/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_9fwoo39fwoo39fwo.jpg
---

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 2026/05/23

# Responding to a JPO Provisional Refusal: A Practical Guide for Foreign Counsel

![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)

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When the Japan Patent Office (JPO) issues a Provisional Refusal against a Madrid Protocol designation, the procedural rules are strict and the response window is short. This guide explains, from the perspective of a Japanese trademark attorney working regularly with foreign counsel, what to expect and how to craft an effective response.

**Start here if you just received the Notification:** this article is the procedural deep-dive for counsel. For the complete roadmap — deadlines, the JPO’s extension rules, and your four response options — see [Response to Madrid Refusal in Japan: Complete Guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/madrid-protocol-japan-after-provisional-refusal).

Table of Contents

1. [What is a Provisional Refusal under Madrid Protocol Designation?](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/responding-to-jpo-provisional-refusal-foreign-counsel#a1)
2. [Deadlines and Procedural Requirements](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/responding-to-jpo-provisional-refusal-foreign-counsel#a2)
3. [Response Strategy by Refusal Ground](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/responding-to-jpo-provisional-refusal-foreign-counsel#a3)
4. [What to Forward to Your Japanese Attorney](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/responding-to-jpo-provisional-refusal-foreign-counsel#a4)
5. [Engagement and Pricing](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/responding-to-jpo-provisional-refusal-foreign-counsel#a5)
6. [FAQ](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/responding-to-jpo-provisional-refusal-foreign-counsel#faq)

## 1. What is a Provisional Refusal under Madrid Protocol Designation?

When an international registration (IR) designates Japan, the JPO conducts a substantive examination. If grounds for refusal are found, the JPO issues a **Notification of Provisional Refusal** via WIPO. The refusal lists the specific articles of the Japan Trademark Act being relied upon (most commonly Article 3 distinctiveness or Article 4(1)(11) prior mark conflict).

A Provisional Refusal does **not** mean the application is dead. It is the start of a formal exchange in which the holder may rebut the cited grounds. Critically, the holder must engage a Japanese trademark attorney to file the response — there is no direct-filing option for foreign holders.

## 2. Deadlines and Procedural Requirements

**Critical deadline:** The response must be filed within **3 months** of the date stated on the WIPO notification. A one-month extension is available on request, but earlier engagement is strongly recommended.

The response, called an **Argument (意見書)**, is filed in Japanese with the JPO. It typically includes legal arguments, evidence (where applicable), and may be accompanied by a specification amendment. All correspondence with the JPO is in Japanese; we provide English translations and English-language deliverables for foreign counsel.

## 3. Response Strategy by Refusal Ground

Different grounds call for different strategies. The most frequent grounds and their typical responses:

| Ground | Primary Response Options |
| --- | --- |
| **Article 3(1)(iii) — Descriptiveness** | Argue overall non-descriptiveness; restrict goods; submit acquired distinctiveness evidence (Japan-specific use) |
| **Article 4(1)(11) — Prior Mark Conflict** | Argue dissimilarity; obtain Letter of Consent (2024 amendment); restrict goods; non-use cancellation against cited mark |
| **Article 4(1)(15) — Confusion with Famous Mark** | Challenge fame in Japan; argue distinct concept; demonstrate independent reputation |
| **Article 4(1)(7) — Public Order** | Distinguish actual meaning; provide evidence of legitimate adoption; explain cultural context |

For a comprehensive overview of each ground, see [Top 5 Reasons for Trademark Refusals in Japan](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-refusal-top-5-reasons).

## 4. What to Forward to Your Japanese Attorney

An efficient initial review requires the following:

- The full **Notification of Provisional Refusal** (PDF from WIPO)
- The **international registration number** and the Japan-designation deadline
- Any **cited mark details** (registration numbers, owner names) — typically attached to the Notification
- The applicant's **commercial use plans in Japan** (if any) — this informs evidence strategy
- Any **existing relationship** with the prior right holder (if applicable to Letter of Consent path)
- The applicant's **position on goods/services restriction** — full restriction may be a legitimate path

No formal Power of Attorney is required at the initial-review stage. We typically request POA only when filing the response. Standard POA forms in English are accepted.

## 5. Engagement and Pricing

EVORIX provides a free **3–5 business day initial assessment** with a fixed-fee quote upon receipt of the Provisional Refusal. Typical fee ranges (JPY, exclusive of consumption tax):

- Argument only (single ground, no evidence): **JPY 80,000 – 120,000**
- Argument + Amendment: **JPY 100,000 – 150,000**
- Argument with Evidence (acquired distinctiveness etc.): **JPY 150,000 – 250,000+**
- Letter of Consent drafting & filing: **JPY 80,000 – 150,000**

For details, see our [Japan Trademark Refusal Response service page](https://www.evorix.jp/en/japan-trademark-refusal-response) with full fee schedule.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Provisional Refusal deadline run from issuance or from receipt?

Under the Madrid Protocol, the 3-month period runs from the date stated on the WIPO notification (typically the date WIPO records and dispatches the JPO refusal). Foreign counsel should verify this date carefully — internal forwarding delays do not extend it.

Can I argue against multiple grounds in a single response?

Yes, all grounds raised in the Provisional Refusal should be addressed in a single response. Failing to address any cited ground will result in maintenance of the refusal on that ground alone.

Is amendment of the IR specification possible at this stage?

Yes, you may restrict (but not expand) the goods/services. Restriction is filed via WIPO under Rule 27 of the Madrid Common Regulations, and the JPO will examine the post-restriction specification. We coordinate the WIPO filing and JPO response simultaneously where useful.

## 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 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) [RELATED ARTICLE Cost Estimate: Japan Trademark Office Action Response (2026 Update) Transparent fee guide for office action response in Japan.](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026) [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)

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)

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![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) 

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