"I never imagined my shop's name could be taken away" — this actually happens. Consult your local attorney and patent attorney about trademark registration.
TEL 0952-97-8177
Hours: Weekdays 9:30 - 18:00
Online consultations available
You may think it doesn't matter for a small shop. In fact, smaller businesses face greater risk.
There are very few patent attorney offices in Saga and Nagasaki, leaving many people unsure where to turn for advice.
Registration for one class costs approximately 155,000 yen total. Compared to the cost of being forced to rebrand, it's a reasonable investment.
Here are actual disputes that arose from failing to register trademarks.
A confectionery shop famous for "Dojima Roll" failed to check for prior trademarks when changing its trade name, resulting in approximately 51.4 million yen in damages and a ban on using the name.
Apple failed to properly investigate the "iPad" trademark in China, discovering that another company held the rights. Apple ultimately paid approximately 4.8 billion yen to settle.
We cover more cases, including a Kyushu sushi delivery chain caught in a trademark dispute.
See More Cases →Think it doesn't apply to your small business? Early registration provides significant protection precisely for smaller operations.
Nationwide rights to use your name exclusively
Legally demand that infringers cease using your mark
Claim compensation for unauthorized use
Grow with confidence under legal protection
Foundation for licensing and franchising
The ® mark boosts credibility with partners
Cases Where Trademark Registration Should Be a Priority
Company & Shop Names
Your company or shop name is the face of your business. If forced to change it later, you'll need to redo signage, business cards, websites, and everything else.
Product & Service Names Used Continuously
The names of your core products and flagship services are the backbone of your revenue. If another party registers the trademark first, you may be unable to continue selling under that name.
There are very few patent attorney offices in Saga and Nagasaki prefectures, and many business owners tell us they don't know where to turn for trademark advice.
For over 10 years at the Saga IP Comprehensive Support Center, Mr. Aoyama has provided IP consultations to local SMEs. With experience at the Yorozu Support Center as well, he has handled numerous consultations on branding strategies for startups. He serves as a director of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association IP Network and regularly lectures at IP seminars for various organizations.
Mr. Aoyama holds both attorney and patent attorney licenses, handling everything from application procedures to contract negotiations and dispute resolution through a single point of contact.
Years of experience supporting local SMEs at the prefectural IP support center.
We never push you to file immediately. After understanding your business situation, we propose the optimal course of action.
Consultations available at our office near Saga Station or via Zoom and other online platforms.
Warning letters, infringement litigation, licensing agreements — one-stop support only an attorney can provide.
As a director of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association IP Network, we collaborate with specialists across the country to handle complex cases.
Total estimates including prior search, application, and registration fees (10-year term).
For businesses focused on a single industry, e.g., restaurants or hair salons
For businesses covering both products and services
For businesses with broad operations
* Most applicants initially file for 1-2 classes. The number of classes depends on your business activities — please consult us.
* If a notice of reasons for refusal requires a response, an additional fee of 30,000-50,000 yen applies. Payment is split into two installments: at application and at registration.
Detailed breakdowns of JPO fees and our professional fees are available on the guide page.
See Fee Details →Over 15 detailed FAQs and thorough explanations of the system are available on the guide page.
View the Guide →"I wonder if this applies to my business?" — We welcome inquiries at any stage.
Hours: Weekdays 9:30 - 18:00 / Online consultations available