--- title: Japan Trademark Refusal Response for Foreign Counsel | JPO Office Action | Madrid Protocol | EVORIX description: Specialized JPO trademark Office Action and Madrid Protocol Provisional Refusal response service for foreign counsel. --- [Skip to content](https://www.evorix.jp/en/japan-trademark-refusal-response#main-content) - [English](https://www.evorix.jp/en/japan-trademark-refusal-response) - [Chinese](https://www.evorix.jp/zh/japan-trademark-refusal-response) - [Deutsch (German)](https://www.evorix.jp/de/japan-trademark-refusal-response) - [Español (Spanish)](https://www.evorix.jp/es/japan-trademark-refusal-response) - [Français (French)](https://www.evorix.jp/fr/japan-trademark-refusal-response) - [Italiano (Italian)](https://www.evorix.jp/it/japan-trademark-refusal-response) - [Türkçe (Turkish)](https://www.evorix.jp/tr/japan-trademark-refusal-response) - [Русский (Russian)](https://www.evorix.jp/ru/japan-trademark-refusal-response) - [한국어 (Korean)](https://www.evorix.jp/ko/japan-trademark-refusal-response) - 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Our practice is designed around the workflow of overseas firms: a single point of contact, written communication primarily in English, predictable pricing, and timely status updates. We have successfully responded to refusals from clients based in **the United States, the European Union, China, Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, and across Southeast Asia**. ⚡ 3-5 Day Initial Assessment Strategy & quote upfront 💴 Fixed-Fee Pricing No surprise invoicing 🌍 Multi-Jurisdiction Reach US, EU, CN, KR, AU clients 🏢 4 Offices in Japan Osaka HQ, Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka ## Common Refusal Grounds & Our Approach JPO Office Actions against trademark applications most commonly cite the following provisions of the Japan Trademark Act. Below is a practical overview of each ground and our typical response strategy. Article 3(1)(iii) ### Descriptiveness The mark is composed solely of indications of the quality, raw material, function, intended use, or place of origin of the designated goods/services. The most frequently cited ground for English-language and foreign-language marks designating Japan via Madrid Protocol. **Our approach:** Argue (1) the mark's overall impression is not purely descriptive when viewed by Japanese consumers, (2) the mark has acquired distinctiveness through use, or (3) restrict the specification to goods where descriptiveness does not apply. Evidence-based arguments — sales figures, marketing materials, web traffic from Japan — are critical. Article 3(1)(vi) ### Lack of Distinctiveness (Catch-All) A residual ground covering marks that, while not falling under specific subsections (i)–(v), still lack distinctiveness from a Japanese consumer perspective. Often invoked for short slogans, simple geometric devices, or commonly used industry terms. **Our approach:** Demonstrate that the mark functions as a source identifier in the relevant trade. Submit Japan-specific use evidence (Japanese website, JP-targeted advertising, sales records). For acquired distinctiveness arguments, the JPO requires substantial use evidence in Japan. Article 4(1)(11) ### Prior Registered Mark Conflict The mark is similar to a prior registered or applied-for trademark covering identical or similar goods/services. The most common relative ground for refusal in Japan, including Madrid designations. **Our approach:** Three-pronged strategy: (1) argue dissimilarity in appearance, sound, or concept (Japanese consumer perception is key); (2) negotiate a Letter of Consent with the prior right holder under the 2024 amendment; (3) consider goods/services restriction or non-use cancellation action against the cited mark. We assess each option's feasibility upfront. Article 4(1)(15) ### Confusion with Famous Mark The mark is likely to cause confusion with another party's well-known or famous mark, even across non-similar goods/services. Often raised against marks resembling globally recognized brands or major Japanese brands. **Our approach:** Challenge the JPO's assumption of fame in Japan; argue distinct concept/origin; demonstrate independent reputation of applicant's mark. This ground is among the harder to overcome and we provide a candid feasibility assessment before quoting. Article 4(1)(7) ### Public Order & Morality The mark is contrary to public order or morality, including marks that may offend Japanese cultural or religious sensibilities, or that constitute bad-faith filings against well-known foreign marks. **Our approach:** Distinguish the mark's actual meaning and intended use from any negative connotation; provide evidence of legitimate adoption and good-faith use; explain the cultural context where applicable. **Other grounds we routinely handle:** Article 3(1)(i) generic terms ・ Article 3(1)(v) simple/commonplace marks ・ Article 4(1)(8) personal names ・ Article 4(1)(10) well-known unregistered marks ・ Article 4(1)(16) misleading marks ・ Article 4(1)(19) bad-faith filings against foreign marks. ## Letter of Consent — 2024 Amendment Practice Effective **April 1, 2024**, the Japan Trademark Act was amended to introduce a Letter of Consent (LoC) system under **Article 4(4)**. This change brought Japan in line with other major jurisdictions and opened a powerful new avenue for overcoming Article 4(1)(11) refusals. **Important nuance:** Unlike a "true" consent regime, the JPO requires that the consent demonstrate **no likelihood of source confusion**. A bare consent is insufficient. The submission must explain why coexistence will not confuse Japanese consumers, supported by factual circumstances (e.g., different trade channels, distinct logo elements, geographic separation). **Our LoC services include:** - Initial assessment: probability of LoC acceptance for the specific cited mark and goods overlap - Drafting a tailored LoC and accompanying argument addressing JPO non-confusion criteria - Negotiation with the prior right holder (where the foreign counsel does not have direct contact) - Coordination with overseas counsel where the prior right is held by a foreign entity ## Transparent Fee Schedule All fees in JPY, exclusive of consumption tax (10%). JPO official fees billed at cost. Currency conversion at quoted rate or actual rate at invoice. | Service | Professional Fee | | --- | --- | | **Initial Assessment** Review of Provisional Refusal + cited marks + strategy proposal + fixed quote (3-5 business days) | No charge | | **Office Action Response — Argument Only** Single-ground refusal, no evidence required (e.g., simple non-similarity argument) | JPY 80,000 – 120,000 | | **Office Action Response — Argument + Amendment** Includes specification amendment or class restriction | JPY 100,000 – 150,000 | | **Office Action Response — With Evidence** Acquired distinctiveness arguments, well-known status, etc. Evidence collection billed separately if extensive | JPY 150,000 – 250,000+ | | **Letter of Consent Drafting & Filing** Including coordination with prior right holder if instructed | JPY 80,000 – 150,000 | | **Multi-Ground Response** Premium for each additional ground beyond the first (capped) | +JPY 30,000 / ground | | **Hourly Rate (unpredictable matters)** Used only when fixed-fee assessment is impractical; always discussed in advance | JPY 30,000 / hr | | **JPO Extension Request** Filing only — JPO official fee additional | JPY 20,000 | ※ The above represents typical ranges. Actual fees are quoted on a case-by-case basis after reviewing the Provisional Refusal. Volume discounts available for foreign counsel with regular instruction flow. Trust-account / IOLTA arrangements considered upon request. ## Timeline — From Provisional Refusal to Registration 01 ### Day 0 — Provisional Refusal Issued JPO sends the Notice of Provisional Refusal to WIPO. WIPO forwards it to the holder/representative. ▼ 02 ### Within 3 Months — Response Deadline Response must be filed via a Japanese trademark attorney. One-month extension available on request. **Earliest possible engagement is strongly recommended.** ▼ 03 ### 3-6 Months — JPO Examination After response filing, the JPO re-examines. Decision is typically issued in 3-6 months: registration, renewed Office Action, or final rejection (Decision of Refusal). ▼ 04 ### Registration / Statement of Grant For Madrid designations, the JPO issues a Statement of Grant of Protection. WIPO records protection of the international registration in Japan. The mark enjoys protection retroactive to the IR date. **If the JPO issues a Decision of Refusal (final):** An appeal to the JPO Trial Board must be filed within 3 months. We handle appeals at a separate fixed fee (typically JPY 200,000 – 350,000 + JPO official fees). Further appeal lies to the IP High Court. ## How We Collaborate with Foreign Counsel 1 You forward instructions Send the Provisional Refusal, application details, and your client's preferences. PDF / email is sufficient — no formal POA required at this stage. 2 We assess and quote Within 3-5 business days, you receive an English assessment with success-probability commentary and a fixed quote. No charge for assessment. 3 Draft for your review Upon instruction, we prepare the Japanese response and provide an English translation/summary for your review and your client's input. 4 We file with JPO After your approval, we file with the JPO and confirm the filing receipt. Status updates provided when the JPO issues any communication. 5 Outcome reporting When the JPO issues a decision (registration, further refusal, or appeal), we provide an English report with translated documents and recommended next steps. 6 Invoicing Invoice in JPY at completion. Wire transfer accepted. Quarterly consolidated billing available for repeat foreign counsel. **Direct client contact:** Only on your explicit instruction. We respect the foreign counsel relationship and never contact your client without authorization. All communication routed through your firm by default. ## Related Refusal Response Strategies Deep-dive guides for specific refusal grounds and procedures [Article 3(1)(3) Distinctiveness Refusal — Foreign Counsel Guide → Read full guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/article-3-1-3-distinctiveness-refusal)[Article 4(1)(11) Similar Mark Refusal — Strategies → Read full guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/article-4-1-11-similar-mark-strategies)[Japan Trademark Opposition Defense → Read full guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/japan-trademark-opposition-defense)[Japan Trademark Non-Use Cancellation Defense → Read full guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/japan-trademark-non-use-cancellation)[JPO Trademark Appeal Procedure → Read full guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/jpo-trademark-appeal-procedure) ## Frequently Asked Questions Q What is a JPO Provisional Refusal? Under the Madrid Protocol, when an international registration designates Japan, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) examines the mark substantively. If the JPO finds grounds for refusal (e.g., descriptiveness, conflict with prior marks), it issues a Provisional Refusal via WIPO. The applicant then has approximately 3 months from the WIPO notification (extendable on request) to file a response with a local Japanese trademark attorney. Q What is your standard timeline for responding to a JPO Office Action? We provide an initial assessment within 3-5 business days of receiving instructions, including the proposed response strategy and fixed quote. Once instructed, the response is typically prepared within 2-3 weeks for standard cases. Complex matters (multiple cited marks, distinctiveness arguments requiring evidence) may require 4-6 weeks. Q Do you handle Letter of Consent practice in Japan? Yes. Following the April 2024 amendment to the Trademark Act, the JPO now accepts Letters of Consent under Article 4(4). However, the consent must demonstrate that no source confusion will result. We draft consent letters tailored to JPO requirements and coordinate with prior right holders when appropriate. Q What languages do you communicate in? Primary working languages are English and Japanese. Our team includes attorneys with native or business-level proficiency in Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, German, and French. All written deliverables (response drafts, JPO correspondence translations, status reports) are provided in English by default. Q Can you provide a fixed-fee quote upfront? Yes. After reviewing the Provisional Refusal and the cited marks, we provide a fixed-fee quote covering the response itself. Hourly billing applies only to genuinely unpredictable elements (e.g., extensive evidence collection for acquired distinctiveness arguments). We discuss any potential overruns before they occur. Q How do you collaborate with foreign counsel? We work with foreign counsel as the primary contact. Standard workflow: (1) you forward the Provisional Refusal and instructions, (2) we issue an assessment + fixed quote, (3) upon approval, we prepare a draft response in English for your review, (4) we incorporate revisions and file with the JPO, (5) we report the JPO decision in English. Direct client contact only with explicit instructions. Q What is the success rate for overcoming JPO Office Actions? Success rates vary by refusal type. For Article 3 distinctiveness refusals, evidence-based arguments succeed in roughly 50-70% of well-prepared cases. For Article 4(1)(11) prior mark conflicts, success depends on similarity analysis and consent availability — with consent, success exceeds 90%; without consent, approximately 40-60%. We provide candid case-specific assessments before quoting. Q Do you accept urgent cases close to the deadline? Yes, but earlier instruction is strongly preferred. We can typically accommodate cases with 3+ weeks before the deadline. For shorter timelines, please contact us directly to confirm capacity. Extension requests to the JPO are also available when needed. REQUEST AN ASSESSMENT ## Send Us Your Provisional Refusal Upload the JPO Provisional Refusal in the form below (or email it) and we will respond within 3-5 business days with a strategy assessment and fixed quote — at no cost to you. Working language: English. [✉ contact@evorix.jp](mailto:contact@evorix.jp?subject=Japan%20Trademark%20Refusal%20Response%20-%20Assessment%20Request) [📋 Use the form below ↓](https://www.evorix.jp/en/japan-trademark-refusal-response#inquiry-form) EVORIX Intellectual Property Office ・ Osaka HQ ・ +81-6-7777-1884 ・ Business hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-20:00 JST ### Send Us Your Provisional Refusal Related Resources - [Madrid Protocol International Trademark Application — Japan](https://www.evorix.jp/en/madrid-protocol-trademark) - [Our Trademark Attorneys](https://www.evorix.jp/en/staff) - [About EVORIX Intellectual Property Office](https://www.evorix.jp/en/about) - [Offices & Access](https://www.evorix.jp/en/access) - [Contact Us](https://www.evorix.jp/en/inquiry) FURTHER READING ## Practical Guides for Foreign Counsel In-depth articles covering JPO procedure, costs, and strategy. ### Foundational Guides - [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) Step-by-step guide for foreign attorneys handling a JPO refusal. - [Working with a Japanese Trademark Attorney: What Foreign Counsel Should Know](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/working-with-japanese-trademark-attorney) Best practices for foreign counsel engaging Japanese benrishi. - [How Long Does It Take? Japan Trademark Prosecution Timeline](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-prosecution-timeline) Realistic timelines from refusal to registration in Japan. ### Refusal Grounds & Strategies - [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) The five most common JPO refusal grounds with response 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) Effective non-similarity arguments under Article 4(1)(11). - [Letter of Consent in Japan: Practice After the 2024 Amendment](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/letter-of-consent-japan-2024) How LoC works in Japan after the 2024 Trademark Act amendment. ### Madrid Protocol & Cost - [Madrid Protocol in Japan: What to Expect After the Provisional Refusal](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/madrid-protocol-japan-after-provisional-refusal) What happens after the JPO issues a provisional refusal under Madrid. - [Cost Estimate: Japan Trademark Office Action Response (2026 Update)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-trademark-cost-2026) Transparent fee guide for office action response in Japan. --- [![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", "@id" : "https://www.evorix.jp/en/japan-trademark-refusal-response#service", "@type" : "Service", "audience" : { "@type" : "BusinessAudience", "name" : "Foreign Trademark Counsel" }, "description" : "Specialized response service for foreign counsel handling Madrid Protocol designations and direct Japan trademark applications. Fixed-fee pricing, English communication, JPA-registered patent attorneys.", "name" : "Japan Trademark Office Action & Provisional Refusal Response", "offers" : { "@type" : "Offer", "availability" : "https://schema.org/InStock", "description" : "Free assessment of Provisional Refusal with strategy proposal and fixed quote within 3-5 business days", "name" : "Initial Assessment & Quote", "price" : "0", "priceCurrency" : "JPY" }, "provider" : { "@id" : "https://www.evorix.jp/#organization", "@type" : "LegalService", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "JP", "addressLocality" : "Chuo-ku, Osaka", "addressRegion" : "Osaka", "postalCode" : "541-0046", "streetAddress" : "3-1-2 Hiranomachi, Q's Hiranomachi Bldg 4F-H" }, "alternateName" : "Intellectual Property Office EVORIX", "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "Japan" }, "email" : "contact@evorix.jp", "name" : "EVORIX Intellectual Property Office", "telephone" : "+81-6-7777-1884", "url" : "https://www.evorix.jp/" }, "serviceType" : "Trademark Office Action Response", "url" : "https://www.evorix.jp/en/japan-trademark-refusal-response" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.evorix.jp/en/japan-trademark-refusal-response#faq", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Under the Madrid Protocol, when an international registration designates Japan, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) examines the mark substantively. If the JPO finds grounds for refusal (e.g., descriptiveness, conflict with prior marks), it issues a Provisional Refusal via WIPO. The applicant then has approximately 3 months from the WIPO notification (extendable on request) to file a response with a local Japanese trademark attorney." }, "name" : "What is a JPO Provisional Refusal?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "We provide an initial assessment within 3-5 business days of receiving instructions, including the proposed response strategy and fixed quote. Once instructed, the response is typically prepared within 2-3 weeks for standard cases. Complex matters (multiple cited marks, distinctiveness arguments requiring evidence) may require 4-6 weeks." }, "name" : "What is your standard timeline for responding to a JPO Office Action?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. Following the April 2024 amendment to the Trademark Act, the JPO now accepts Letters of Consent under Article 4(4). However, the consent must demonstrate that no source confusion will result. We draft consent letters tailored to JPO requirements and coordinate with prior right holders when appropriate." }, "name" : "Do you handle Letter of Consent practice in Japan?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Primary working languages are English and Japanese. Our team includes attorneys with native or business-level proficiency in Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, German, and French. All written deliverables (response drafts, JPO correspondence translations, status reports) are provided in English by default." }, "name" : "What languages do you communicate in?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. After reviewing the Provisional Refusal and the cited marks, we provide a fixed-fee quote covering the response itself. Hourly billing applies only to genuinely unpredictable elements (e.g., extensive evidence collection for acquired distinctiveness arguments). We discuss any potential overruns before they occur." }, "name" : "Can you provide a fixed-fee quote upfront?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "We work with foreign counsel as the primary contact. Standard workflow: (1) you forward the Provisional Refusal and instructions, (2) we issue an assessment + fixed quote, (3) upon approval, we prepare a draft response in English for your review, (4) we incorporate revisions and file with the JPO, (5) we report the JPO decision in English. Direct client contact only with explicit instructions." }, "name" : "How do you collaborate with foreign counsel?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Success rates vary by refusal type. For Article 3 distinctiveness refusals, evidence-based arguments succeed in roughly 50-70% of well-prepared cases. For Article 4(1)(11) prior mark conflicts, success depends on similarity analysis and consent availability — with consent, success exceeds 90%; without consent, approximately 40-60%. We provide candid case-specific assessments before quoting." }, "name" : "What is the success rate for overcoming JPO Office Actions?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes, but earlier instruction is strongly preferred. We can typically accommodate cases with 3+ weeks before the deadline. For shorter timelines, please contact us directly to confirm capacity. Extension requests to the JPO are also available when needed." }, "name" : "Do you accept urgent cases close to the deadline?" } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.evorix.jp/en/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.evorix.jp/en/contents", "name" : "Trademark Services", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.evorix.jp/en/japan-trademark-refusal-response", "name" : "Japan Trademark Refusal Response", "position" : 3 } ] } ```