What are the steps involved in the trademark application process in Japan after filing?

The process for a trademark application in Japan includes the following steps:

1. 
   Examination – The trademark office reviews the application for:
   
   
   
   • Deceptiveness
   
   
   • Distinctiveness
   
   
   • Clarity
   
   
   • Classification
   
   
   • Formalities
   
   
   • Conflicts with existing registrations
   
   
   • Violations of morals or public policy
   
   
   • Unauthorized use of a stage name, pen name, or person's portrait
   
   
   • Similarities with recently expired marks (within one year)
   
   
   • Marks that could mislead consumers about the quality of goods or services
   
   
   • Conflicts with names used for rice
   
   
   
   


2. 
   Registration – If the application passes the examination, a registration certificate is issued.


3. 
   Publication – Details are made public for potential opposition. The publication is stored in DVD format, not printed.
   
   
   
   • Mark
   
   
   • Goods/services
   
   
   • Applicant's name and address
   
   
   • Applicant's citizenship and country of incorporation
   
   
   • Application date and number
   
   
   • Date of first use of the mark
   
   
   • Trademark representation
   
   
   • Priority claim information
   
   
   • Specimen