Investing in Japan
Laws & Regulations on Setting Up Business in Japan
Section 5. Trademark and Design Protection Systems
5.1 Legislation on trademark and design
Japan's trademark system provides for the protection of the marks and logos that are used in commerce on goods or services. By enabling trademarks to identify the source of goods or services, and to identify their qualities and publicize them, the trademark system protects the commercial reputation of persons using trademarks, thereby contributing to the development of Japan's industries and protecting the interests of consumers. Japan's trademark system is regulated by the Trademark Law.
Meanwhile, Japan's design system is regulated by the Design Law, which protects the attractive and comfortably functional shape, pattern, color and other design characteristics of items relating to their external appearances. Japan's Design Law protects new designs as the property of the designer, and also encourages the use of designs, thereby promoting the creation of new designs and contributing to the development of Japan's industry.