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Secure Your Brand in Japan,
Before Someone Else Does.
Japan is a first-to-file jurisdiction. By the time you're ready to launch, your trademark may already be taken. We help U.S. companies file fast — with native English-speaking, Japan-licensed patent attorneys.
The First-to-File Trap That Catches U.S. Companies Off Guard
Unlike the United States, Japan does NOT recognize prior use. Whoever files first wins — even if they've never used the brand. This is the #1 reason U.S. companies lose their trademarks in Japan.
🇺🇸 United States (USPTO)
First-to-Use principle. Common law rights from actual commercial use. Senior users prevail in disputes.
🇯🇵 Japan (JPO)
First-to-File principle. No prior-use protection. Whoever applies first owns the trademark — period.
Real cases: Major U.S. brands have lost or had to repurchase their trademarks in Japan because someone else filed first. Don't let it happen to you. File now, before your launch.
You're Not Alone — These Are the Issues U.S. Companies Face
Whether you're a Series A startup or a Fortune 500 expanding to Japan, these problems come up every time.
Trademark Already Taken
You discover during launch prep that your brand is already registered in Japan by someone unrelated. Now what?
"We were ready to ship to Japan, then this happened…"
Amazon Japan Brand Registry Blocked
Amazon Japan requires a registered Japanese trademark for Brand Registry. Without one, listings are vulnerable to hijackers.
"We need it before launch — how fast can we get it?"
Madrid Protocol Confusion
Should you go through Madrid Protocol from the USPTO, or file directly in Japan? Each has tradeoffs that affect speed, cost, and flexibility.
"Our IP counsel isn't sure which is best for us."
Lost in Translation
Japan-only firms communicate in Japanese. By the time things get translated through agents, nuance and speed are lost.
"We needed clarity, but everything went through 3 layers."
Opaque, Inflated Pricing
Quotes vary 5–10×. Hidden fees emerge mid-process. You can't budget the project confidently.
"Why is this 4× what we expected?"
Japan-Specific Procedures Are Different
Japan has 3-year non-use cancellation, oppositions after registration, and unique Nice classification practices that catch U.S. counsel off guard.
"Our U.S. firm doesn't handle these specifics."
Built for U.S. Companies. Licensed in Japan.
Real Japan-licensed patent attorneys with native-level English. No middlemen, no translators in the way.
Direct Attorney Communication
You communicate directly with our Japan-licensed patent attorneys (弁理士). No paralegals, no translators, no agents adding latency.
Native English Support
Email, Zoom, Slack — in English. We've worked with U.S. tech, CPG, and Fortune 500s. Your nuance gets across the first time.
Transparent USD Pricing
Fixed-fee quotes in USD upfront. No surprises. We bill in USD via wire or credit card — easy for U.S. accounting.
Amazon Brand Registry Expertise
We know exactly what Amazon Japan, Rakuten, and Yahoo Shopping require. Get to Brand Registry-eligible status, fast.
Squatting Defense, Battle-Tested
Lost your trademark to a Japanese squatter? We've handled oppositions, invalidations, and non-use cancellations to recover brands.
U.S. Counsel-Friendly
We work seamlessly with your U.S. trademark counsel. Briefings in your format, conference calls in your timezone, deliverables you can pass through.
From Silicon Valley to Tokyo,
we make Japan IP accessible.
Whether you're a Y Combinator startup eyeing Japan, an Amazon FBA seller scaling internationally, or an enterprise expanding into a new region — EVORIX is your trusted bridge into Japanese intellectual property.
Schedule a Free Consultation →Everything You Need for Japan IP
From basic registration to complex disputes, we handle the full lifecycle.
Trademark Registration
Direct filing with the JPO, full prosecution and registration support.
Pre-Filing Search
Comprehensive availability and clearance searches before you file.
Accelerated Examination
Get registered in 2–5 months using JPO's early examination program.
Squatting Defense
Oppositions, invalidations, non-use cancellations — full litigation support.
Madrid Protocol
U.S. → Japan via Madrid System, plus local prosecution if issues arise.
Amazon / Rakuten / Yahoo
EC platform requirements expertise — get Brand Registry eligible.
Patents & Designs
Beyond trademarks — patents, utility models, and design rights.
Outside Counsel
Monthly retainer for ongoing IP strategy, watch services, and renewals.
Trusted by U.S. Companies Across Industries
From early-stage startups to global brands.
Tech / SaaS
AI / Machine Learning
D2C / E-commerce
F&B / CPG
Beauty / Cosmetics
Pharma / Biotech
Fashion / Apparel
Gaming / Entertainment
MedTech / Devices
Mobile / Apps
Auto / Mobility
EdTech
From Consultation to Registration in 5 Steps
Most U.S. clients have their application filed within 1 week of first contact.
Free Consultation
Email or video call. We discuss your brand and goals.
Day 1Clearance Search
Identify conflicts and risks before filing.
Day 2–4USD Quote & Strategy
Fixed-fee quote, classes, filing strategy.
Day 5–7JPO Filing
Direct submission to Japan Patent Office.
Same weekRegistration
Certificate issued. We can also file in your home registry.
2–12 monthsFixed Fees, Quoted in USD
No hourly billing. No surprise invoices. What we quote is what you pay.
Japan Trademark Registration (1 Class)
Direct national filing with the JPO. Full process from filing to registration certificate.
| Item | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance Search | Pre-filing availability search | Included$0 |
| Attorney Fee (Filing) | Drafting and prosecution by Japan-licensed attorney | $500≈ ¥75,000 |
| JPO Official Fee | Government filing fee for 1 class | $80≈ ¥12,000 |
| JPO Registration Fee | Government fee, 5-year term, paid only on success | $115≈ ¥17,200 |
| Attorney Fee (Registration) | Registration formalities | $250≈ ¥37,500 |
| Total (on Successful Registration) | End-to-end, all-in | ~$945≈ ¥141,700 |
The Numbers Behind Our Practice
Built for cross-border excellence.
Common Questions from U.S. Clients
Can I file in Japan from the U.S. without traveling?
Yes. The entire process is handled remotely. We use email, video conferencing, and Slack. Power of Attorney can be signed electronically. You never need to come to Japan.
Is it better to use Madrid Protocol from the USPTO or file directly in Japan?
It depends. Direct filing is typically faster and more flexible for amendments. Madrid Protocol is cheaper if filing in many countries simultaneously, but locks you to the U.S. base registration for 5 years. We'll recommend the right path during the free consultation.
My trademark was filed by someone else in Japan. Can you help?
Yes — squatting defense is a core practice. We can pursue Opposition (during 2-month window post-registration), Invalidation, or Non-Use Cancellation (if registered ≥3 years and unused). Free initial assessment of your specific case.
How fast can I get a Japanese trademark for Amazon Japan Brand Registry?
With Accelerated Examination, registration in 2–5 months. Without it, 6–12 months. Brand Registry typically requires the registration certificate, but in some cases the application receipt may suffice — we'll advise based on your timeline.
How is your billing structured? Can you invoice in USD?
Yes. We provide fixed-fee USD quotes upfront and accept wire transfer, credit card, or international payment platforms. Receipts in U.S. format compatible with your accounting.
Do you work with our existing U.S. trademark counsel?
Absolutely. We collaborate with U.S. firms regularly, providing reports in your firm's preferred format and joining calls in your timezone. Your U.S. counsel keeps the relationship; we handle the Japan-specific work.
What about Japanese language considerations? Can my U.S. trademark register in English?
Yes — English-language trademarks can register in Japan. However, you may also want to register the Katakana transliteration for stronger protection (Japanese consumers often write your brand in Katakana). We'll advise on the best strategy.
What's the timezone difference for communication?
Japan is UTC+9 (PT+17 / ET+14). We schedule calls during U.S. morning hours (which is our late afternoon/evening). Email and Slack messages are typically responded to within 24 hours.
Ready to Secure Your Brand
in Japan?
First-to-file means time matters. Schedule a free 60-minute consultation with a Japan-licensed attorney today.
Multiple Ways to Reach Us
Pick whatever works best for you.
Learn More About EVORIX
Explore our team, offices, and how to get started
Other Markets We Serve
We also offer dedicated Japan trademark services for companies from: