[Japan] NEW Examination guideline of similar Goods/Services

    A new edition of the examination guidelines of similar goods/services has been published by the Japan Patent Office, on December 8, 2023.  The Japan Patent Office will apply the new edition of the examination guidelines to all trademark applications filed after January 1, 2024.

    After the new examination guidelines take effect, the following goods/services will be reclassified as shown below: 

    In the new examination guidelines, the following goods/services may encounter refusal by JPO, due to ambiguity of the content: 

    Also, the following descriptions will be officially approved as a description of the designated goods/services:

    Feel free to contact us if you seek further information or advice.