Welcome to APEX Patent Solutions, where we provide intellectual property(IP) services such as patents and trademarks in Japan!
On this page, we introduce the "standard characters" available when filing a trademark application in Japan.
We hope this page serves as a helpful resource for those seeking to use standard characters as trademarks for their goods or services in Japan and grow the brand.
What is standard characters?
In the Japanese trademark system, "standard characters" refer to specific typefaces designated by the Japan Patent Office(JPO) , as shown in the examples below.
Example of standard characters in Japan
Extent of Rights for Trademarks Registered in Standard Characters
Under the Japanese trademark system, the scope of trademark rights covers marks identical or similar to the registered trademark.
This also applies to trademarks registered in standard characters. In other words, if a trademark is registered in standard characters, the scope of trademark rights covers marks identical or similar to the registered standard character trademark.
Please understand that registering a trademark in standard characters does not broaden the scope of trademark rights compared to a regular trademark.
When you file a trademark application in standard characters, it simply means that the typeface of the trademark is set to the standard characters designated by the Japan Patent Office (JPO).
When should you file a trademark application in standard characters?
If the typeface of your word trademark is established and you plan to use it consistently over the long term, it’s best to register the trademark in that specific typeface.
In other cases, or if the typeface of your word trademark has not been decided, filing a trademark application in standard characters may be effective.
Please note that this applies to both standard character and regular trademark applications; if a trademark is not used in a form closely resembling the registered typeface for more than three years, there is a risk of cancellation of the registration. Other businesses aiming to register a similar trademark may request "Trials for Rescission of Trademark Registration". If your trademark is used in a form significantly different from the registered version, it may be beneficial to reapply for trademark rights in that specific form.
Trademarks that cannot be filed in standard characters
Only word trademarks can be filed in standard characters. Therefore, the following types of trademarks cannot be filed as standard characters.
(Example 1: Trademarks that cannot be filed in standard characters)
- Trademark consisting of a design or logo
- Combined trademark of words and design
Overly long word trademarks cannot be filed in standard characters.
(Example 2: Trademarks that cannot be filed in standard characters)
・Trademarks exceeding 30 characters (including spaces)
Only simple text strings can be filed in standard characters.
(Example 3: Trademarks that cannot be filed in standard characters)
- Word trademark spanning multiple lines
- Vertically written trademark
- Trademark with varying font sizes or styles
- Color trademark
- Embellished or decorated text
- Trademark with consecutive spaces
How to file a trademark in standard characters?
To file a trademark application in standard characters, indicate in the application form submitted to the JPO that the trademark is being filed in standard characters.
Even if the application form indicates that the trademark is being filed in standard characters, if the trademark listed does not qualify for standard character filing as described above, it will be processed as a regular application.
No additional fees are required by the JPO for filing a trademark in standard characters.
Reference Information
The following are the provisions related to standard characters in Japan's Trademark Act.
Japan's Trademark Act (Ver. Act No.51 of 2023)
Article 5 (3)
When a person desires to register a trademark consisting solely of characters designated by the Commissioner of the Patent Office (hereinafter referred to as "standard characters"), the application must contain a statement indicating thereof.
When filing a trademark application in standard characters, it is required to indicate this in the application form.
Japan's Trademark Act (Ver. Act No.51 of 2023)
Article 12-2 (2)
The publication of a trademark application is effected by stating the following particulars in the trademark bulletin; provided, however, that this does not apply to the particulars listed in items (iii) and (iv), where the Commissioner of the Patent Office finds that publishing those particulars in the trademark bulletin is likely to cause damage to public policy:
(iii)the trademark stated in the application (in the case provided in Article 5, paragraph (3), the trademark represented in standard characters; the same applies hereinafter);
For trademarks filed in standard characters, the trademark represented in standard characters will be published in the Trademark Gazette after filing.
The history of changes in the standard character system is as follows:
- Adopted in the 1996 Amendment to the Trademark Act
- Additional characters added in 2003 and 2004
- Comprehensive revision in 2016
Disclaimer
Please note that the information provided on this website serves as a reference for understanding Japan's intellectual property system. As the system may change over time, we encourage you to verify details from reliable sources as needed. We cannot accept responsibility for any damages resulting from reliance on