[Japan] NEW Examination guideline of similar Goods/Services [13-2026]
2025-12-23
A new edition of the examination guidelines of similar goods/services has been published by the Japan Patent Office, on December 12, 2025. The Japan Patent Office will apply the new edition of the examination guidelines to all trademark applications filed after January 1, 2026. After the new examination guidelines take effect, the following goods/services will be reclassified as shown below: Former NEW Class Goods/Service Class Goods/Service 09 High frequency apparatus for welding plastic → 07 High frequency apparatus for welding plastic 12 Door engines for vehicles → 07 Door engines for vehicles 09 Spectacles / Eyeglasses → 10 Spectacles / Eyeglasses 09 Contact lenses → 10 Contact lenses 09 Sunglasses […]