In Japan, trademarks are a vital intangible asset for businesses, embodying brand value and reputation. With the continuous development of the market and increasing competition, ensuring the ongoing validity of trademarks has become a critical task for safeguarding brand rights. This guide provides a detailed overview of the trademark renewal process in Japan, key considerations, and strategies to address challenges, particularly in managing renewal deadlines. We also recommend the Brand Management Module on the Kangxin IP Platform to help businesses efficiently handle their Japanese trademark renewal tasks.

1. How to Calculate the Validity Period of a Trademark

According to the Japanese Trademark Act (商標法), the validity period of a registered trademark in Japan is 10 years, starting from the registration date. This means that once a trademark is registered, its protection lasts for 10 years. Upon successful renewal, the trademark's validity is extended for another 10 years, and in theory, it can be renewed indefinitely. This system provides businesses with long-term legal protection to maintain their brand’s uniqueness and market exclusivity in a competitive landscape.

2. When Can You Submit a Renewal Application?

A trademark renewal application in Japan should be submitted within the last 6 months before the trademark expires. Specifically, trademark owners need to file their renewal application with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) during this 6-month window prior to the 10-year anniversary of the trademark registration. To ensure a smooth renewal process, it is advisable for trademark owners to plan ahead and avoid missing this critical deadline.

Additionally, Japanese trademark law provides a grace period: within 6 months after the trademark expires, owners can still submit a renewal application, but they will need to pay an additional late fee. While the grace period offers some flexibility, due to the extra costs and potential risks involved, it is recommended that businesses complete the renewal within the initial 6-month window before expiration.

3. What Happens If You Miss the Final Deadline? Can Rights Be Restored?

If a trademark owner fails to submit a renewal application within the designated period, the trademark will become invalid and lose legal protection. This can lead to risks such as damage to brand rights, including potential preemptive registration by others or market confusion. However, Japanese trademark law offers a remedy: during the 6-month grace period after the trademark expires, owners can still submit a renewal application by paying an additional late fee.

It should be noted that while submitting a renewal application during the grace period can restore the trademark’s legal validity, businesses will incur extra costs and may face certain legal risks. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that trademark owners closely monitor their trademark expiration dates and plan renewals in advance to ensure the continuity of their brand rights.

4. How Much Does Renewal Cost?

The cost of trademark renewal in Japan depends on the number of classes covered by the trademark. Based on the latest fee structure, the basic renewal fee for each class is 48,500 JPY (approximately 3,000 CNY, subject to exchange rate fluctuations). For trademarks covering multiple classes, an additional fee is charged for each extra class. Furthermore, if the renewal application is submitted during the grace period, an additional late fee is required, the exact amount of which may vary depending on policy adjustments.

5. How to Handle Renewal Duringduring a Trademark Transfer or Change? Should You Wait Until the Transfer or Change Is Complete? In Whose Name Should the Renewal Be Filed?

If a trademark is undergoing a transfer or change of ownership, the renewal process may be affected. Generally, if the transfer or change procedures are not yet completed, the renewal application should be submitted in the name of the original trademark owner. This is because renewal extends the rights of the original trademark, and ownership changes only take effect once the transfer or change is finalized.

However, to ensure a smooth renewal process, it is recommended that trademark owners communicate with the JPO or a professional agency to confirm specific submission requirements during a transfer or change. In some cases, additional documentation or specific procedures may be required.

If the trademark transfer or change has already been completed, the renewal application should be submitted in the name of the new trademark owner, along with the corresponding fees. The new trademark owner must ensure the application is submitted within the renewal deadline to avoid trademark invalidation.

6. How Can Businesses Avoid Missing Deadlines When Managing Multiple Trademarks?

For businesses with a large portfolio of trademarks, managing expiration dates and renewal tasks can be complex and time-consuming. To avoid missing renewal deadlines, businesses can take the following measures:

•      Establish an Internal Management System: Use spreadsheets or specialized software to track trademark expiration dates and set up reminders. This helps businesses stay on top of renewal deadlines and avoid oversight.

•      Engage a Professional Agency: Delegate the monitoring of renewal deadlines and submission of applications to a professional agency. This significantly reduces the management burden, ensures timely renewals, and provides access to professional legal advice to address potential risks.

The Kangxin IP Platform (https://eservice.kangxin.com) offers a Deadline Management Feature under its Brand Management Module, which automatically tracks the expiration dates and renewal statuses of all trademarks under a business’s name. Through this module, businesses can access real-time updates on each trademark’s renewal deadlines and associated fees, ensuring applications are submitted within the required timeframe. Additionally, the module supports online processing of trademark transfers, changes, and other tasks, streamlining trademark management.

By using the Kangxin IP Platform’s Deadline Management Feature for Japanese trademark renewals, businesses can enjoy the following benefits:

1.    Automated Monitoring: The system automatically tracks trademark expiration dates and renewal statuses, ensuring no deadlines are missed.

2.    Online Processing: Businesses can submit renewal applications and related documents online via the platform, eliminating the need to visit the JPO or rely on an agency for filing.

3.    Transparent Fees: The platform provides real-time visibility into renewal fees and other related costs, helping businesses manage expenses effectively.

4.    Professional Support: The Kangxin IP Platform is backed by a professional trademark management team with extensive experience, offering comprehensive support for all trademark-related needs.

Through the Brand Management Module on the Kangxin IP Platform, businesses can effortlessly manage large trademark portfolios, ensuring timely renewals for each trademark. The module also supports simultaneous management of multiple trademarks and transparent fee displays, further enhancing management efficiency.