In summaryThis article provides an overview of key aspects of trademark prosecution in Japan, covering the essential processes involved in registering, maintaining and protecting trademarks under Japanese law. Words, logos and devices are commonly registered trademarks in Japan. The key categories of unregistrable trademarks in Japan are the following:Trademarks that cannot be distinguished between one’s own goods or services and the goods or services of others. Trademarks that are confusingly similar to registered trademarks or well-known unregistered trademarks of others. Non-traditional trademarks in Japan include three-dimensional marks, motion marks, hologram marks, colour marks, sound marks and position marks.