Office Action

1. Notification of Reasons for Refusal

If the Japan Patent Office (JPO) finds any grounds for refusal during examination, it issues a Notification of Reasons for Refusal (Office Action).

Typical grounds for refusal include lack of distinctiveness, similarity to a prior trademark, and unclear or unacceptable descriptions of designated goods or services.

2. Response Deadline

A response must be filed with the JPO within the prescribed period stated in the Notification of Reasons for Refusal.

For applicants residing outside Japan, the response period is generally three months from the date of issuance. An extension may be available under certain conditions.

3. Written Argument

A Written Argument may be filed to explain why the application should be accepted and to rebut the grounds for refusal raised by the examiner.

We review the examiner's objections and prepare appropriate arguments based on Japanese trademark law and examination practice.

4. Amendment

An Amendment may be filed to amend the designated goods or services or other permissible matters in order to overcome the grounds for refusal.

Depending on the reasons for refusal, an Amendment may be filed together with a Written Argument.