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Apr 29, 2009
Dr. Melanie Ries, Trademark Service Japan - TMSJ, Tokyo/Munich
Roland Weede, Trademark Service Japan - TMSJ, Tokyo/Munich

Registration of Regional Collective Trademarks in Japan...


The registration of regional collective trademarks is a relatively new feature of the Japanese trademark system. Up until 2006, the Japanese Patent Office (JPO) had refused to accept geographical names as trademarks, due to the possibility that they might mislead consumers as to the origin of the branded products. The Japanese Trademark Law was amended to allow for the registration of regional collective trademarks denoting the geographical origin of products starting from April 1, 2006. However, only few foreign applicants are making use of this way of promoting the special features of their goods. read more