For companies and individuals who own trademarks in Japan, Trademark renewal is an extremely important procedure for business continuity. If you fail to update, you risk losing the brand value you have built over the years and may allow competitors to register similar trademarks. In this article, we will explain in detail about trademark renewal in Japan so that everyone from entrepreneurs to intellectual property managers can understand it.
Basic information on trademark renewal
Duration and renewal system of trademark rights
Japan's trademark system stipulates that the term of trademark right is 10 years from the date of establishment and registration. This is a provision based on Article 19 of the Trademark Law, which allows trademark owners to renew their trademark for an unlimited period of 10 years by applying for renewal registration before the expiry of the term.
Update features:
- Duration is 10 years from the date of registration
- No limit to number of updates
- No proof of use required for renewal
- Rights are maintained continuously with renewal
Legal basis
The trademark renewal system is stipulated in detail in Articles 19 to 23 of the Trademark Law. The following provisions are important:
- Article 19: Duration of trademark rights and basic framework for renewal
- Article 20: Procedures and deadline for renewal registration application
- Article 21: Special provisions for restoration of rights
- Article 23: Provisions regarding public announcement of renewal registration
Specific flow of update procedure
Basic steps for renewal application
1. Preparation
- Check trademark registration number
- Confirm current rights holder information
- Confirmation of details of designated goods/services
- Calculation of renewal fee
2. Preparation of application documents
- Creating renewal registration application form
- Power of attorney (if using a representative)
- Payment of renewal fee
3. Submit your application
- Submission of application to the Patent Office
- Simultaneous payment of renewal fee
- Obtain confirmation of acceptance
Required documents
Basic documents:
- Application for registration of renewal of trademark right duration
- Power of attorney (if applying by proxy)
- Certificate in case of change of right holder
Additional documents (as applicable):
- Certificate of transfer (when changing ownership)
- Name change certificate (when changing corporate name)
- Address change notification (when changing address)
Online procedures and digitization
You can check information using J-PlatPat (patent information platform):
- Check trademark registration status
- Checking the expiration date
- Check update history
Attention: Regarding applications for foreigners
Foreigners and foreign corporations cannot apply directly. All procedures must be completed through a Japanese patent office or patent attorney.
Update costs
Patent Office Fee
Renewal fee as of January 2026:
- Lump sum payment: 43,600 yen × number of divisions
- Payment in installments: 22,800 yen × number of divisions (paid in two installments every 5 years)
Cost example:
- For 1 category: 43,600 yen (lump sum) / 45,600 yen (divided)
- For 3 categories: 130,800 yen (lump sum) / 136,800 yen (divided)
Agent fee
Patent attorney/patent office fee rate:
- Basic fee: 25,000 yen to 50,000 yen
- Additional classification fee: 5,000 yen to 15,000 yen/class
- Monitoring service: 10,000 yen to 20,000 yen/year
*We offer low-cost plans, so please feel free to contact us.
Instalment payment system
Characteristics of split payment:
- First 5 years: 22,800 yen × number of divisions
- Later 5 years: 22,800 yen x number of divisions (paid within 5 years from the first term)
- Total: 45,600 yen × number of divisions (4.6% higher than lump sum)
Advantages of split payment:
- Easy cash flow management
- Trademark value can be reevaluated after 5 years
- Flexibility when changing business policy
Update deadline and deadline management
Renewal application period
Standard renewal period:
- From 6 months before the expiration date to the expiration date
- Payment of renewal fee is required
Example: Expiry on October 24, 2024
- Update period: April 25, 2024 - October 24, 2024
Additional period (grace period)
Grace period details:
- Period: 6 months after expiry of the term
- Renewal fee: twice the normal rate (87,200 yen/class)
- Effect: Rights are restored retroactively by renewal
Rights recovery system
Recovery of rights due to special circumstances:
- Deadline: Within 6 months after grace period ends
- Condition: Existence of justifiable reason
- Additional cost: Recovery fee 86,400 yen + double renewal fee
Risks of not updating
Immediate impact
Expiration of rights:
- Trademark rights expire upon expiration of the term
- Loss of exclusive use rights
- Risks of similar trademark applications by third parties
Economic loss:
- Loss of brand value
- Cost of developing alternative trademarks
- Confusion in the market
Long-term impact
Business impact:
- Confusion of existing customers
- Competitor entry into the market
- Impact on international expansion
Legal risks:
- Unable to claim trademark infringement
- Impact on existing license agreements
- Impact on related foreign trademarks
Notes on updating
Organization of designated goods and services
Using partial updates:
- Abandoning unused categories
- Organizing rights according to business conditions
- Optimization of renewal fees
Strategic considerations:
- Future business development plan
- Competitor trends
- International trademark strategy
Updating rights holder information
Pre-processing changes
- Change of corporate name
- Change of address
- Change of right holder (assignment)
These changes must be completed before submitting a renewal request.
How to check the expiration date of trademark rights
Confirmation using J-PlatPat
How to access:
- Access J-PlatPat (https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/)
- Select "Trademark"
- Enter the registration number in "Trademark number inquiry"
- Check the expiration date under "Right duration"
Information you can check:
- Setting registration date
- Duration expiration date
- Update history
- Rightholder information
Regular monitoring system
Recommended monitoring method:
- Regular check 4 times a year
- Pre-registration to calendar
- Monitoring service provided by patent attorneys
- In-house checking system by multiple people
Optimum timing to apply for renewal registration
Ideal application time
Recommended timing:
- Start preparation 9 to 12 months before expiry
- Application completed 6 months before expiry
- Apply at least 3 months before expiry date
Strategy by period
Advantages of early application:
- Reducing the risk of procedural errors
- Easy to budget for expenses
- Enough consultation time with your agent
Risk of late application:
- Incurrence of double renewal fee
- Possibility of extinguishment of rights
- Significant impact on business
Practical points
Special requirements for foreigners and foreign corporations
Required:
- Delegation to Japanese patent attorneys and patent offices
- Payment in Japanese Yen
- Document creation in Japanese
Notes:
- Direct application not possible
- Selection of agent is important
- Ensuring communication system
Manage multiple trademarks
Efficient management method:
- Centralized management of update timing
- Regular evaluation of trademark value
- Consideration of strategic partial renewal
Collaboration with international trademarks
Using the Madrid Protocol:
- Batch update of international registrations
- Individual management specified by Japan
- Dependency with home country registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it possible to change the trademark during renewal?
A: The trademark itself cannot be changed during renewal. Renewal is only possible under the same trademark.
Q2: Is proof of use required?
A: No proof of use is required for renewal. However, if it is not used for three years, there is a risk of a cancellation request by a third party.
Q3: Is it possible to update only some categories?
A: Yes. You can discard unused classes and update only the classes you need.
Q4: What happens if the renewal deadline has passed?
A: There is a 6-month grace period in which you can reinstate your rights with a double renewal fee.
Q5: Can foreign corporations apply directly?
A: No. You must apply through a Japanese patent attorney or patent office.
Summary
Japanese trademark renewal is a procedure that can be carried out reliably with proper preparation and professional assistance. The important points are:
- Start preparing early - 9-12 months before expiry date
- Selecting a reliable agent - Required for foreigners
- Regular monitoring system - Utilization of J-PlatPat etc.
- Strategic rights management - updated to match business reality
Trademarks are important intangible assets of companies. Proper renewal procedures can protect your brand value over the long term and support the continued development of your business. If you have any questions, we recommend that you consult a specialist as soon as possible.
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AUTHOR
Takefumi SUGIURA （杉浦 健文）
EVORIX Intellectual Property Law Firm Managing Patent Attorney
Supports clients across IT, manufacturing, startups, fashion, and medical industries, covering patent, trademark, design, and copyright filings through trials and infringement litigation. Specialized in IP strategy for AI, IoT, Web3, and FinTech. Member of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA), Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA), and Japan Trademark Association (JTA).