We are a boutique IP firm located in Osaka, Japan, specializing in trademark, design, specific unfair competition and copyright matters.

The JPO starts accepting applications for a non-traditional mark on April 1, 2015

As reported in our March 11, 2014 news, Trademark Act will be amended to allow registration of the five types of non-traditional mark below:

- motion mark
- hologram mark
- color per se mark
- sound mark
- position mark.

The amended Act will come into force on April 1, 2015 and the draft revision of Examination Guidelines is about to be finalized.

<Filing requirements>

1.    Drawing:
Drawing is required for any type of marks.  Either music score or literal explanation of sound must be submitted for a sound mark application, and one or more images or photos for other types of mark.

2.    Type of mark:
Applicant must specify the type of non-traditional mark in the application.

3.    Description of mark:
Description of mark is required when applying for a motion mark, a hologram mark, a color per se mark or a position mark.  It is not mandatory for a sound mark application.

4.    Other:
Audio data must be submitted in MP3 format using CD-R or DVD-R when applying for a sound mark.