Japan changes from “Two-Step” to “Lump-Sum” payment of individual fees for International Trademark Registrations
Takako OKADA

Starting on April 1, 2023, Japan now requires a “lump-sum” payment of individual fees for international trademark registrations designating Japan, alike many other countries.

Japan used to adopt a “two-step” payment method for the individual fees – the first payment was to be made at the time of designation of Japan, and the second payment was to be made upon notice from the WIPO after a Grant Decision was issued by the JPO. The notice for the second payment was sent directly to the applicant (or representative before the WIPO) even when a Japanese attorney was appointed for the case, and there were cases that were deemed to be withdrawn due to failures to make the second payment.

For international trademark registrations designating Japan (either upon filing or subsequent designation) on or after April 1, 2023, the individual fees shall be paid at once, at the time of designation of Japan. The trademark will be registered in Japan soon after the Grant Decision and Statement of Grant of Protection are sent to the applicant (or representative before the WIPO) via the WIPO, without waiting for further payment of fees.

Please refer to the following link for more details (Japanese only):

https://www.jpo.go.jp/system/trademark/madrid/tetuzuki/account_fees_henkou.html