Is “registration” necessary for protection of a trademark in Japan?
Yes, the registration is necessary. Under the Japanese Trademark Law, a trademark is protected only after the trademark is registered at the Patent Office. Namely, even if the trademark has been used in Japan, the owner of the trademark cannot request injunction to prevent the use of the mark by a third party under the Trademark Law. However, such a request may be possible under Unfair Competition Prevention Law if the trademark has become well known in Japan.
