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Introduction
In recent years, drug distribution channels have been gradually expanding. In addition, drugstores are not only selling drugs, but are also increasingly offering a wide range of products, including various beverages and daily necessities.
In Japan, where the birthrate is declining and the population is aging, the importance of pharmaceuticals and drugstores is expected to increase in the future.
We have created this page because we would like everyone in the pharmaceutical and drugstore industry to know useful information when registering trademarks.
About medicines and supplements
So-called pharmaceutical products are registered as Class 5 "drugs." Products that belong to the same category 5 include "bands," "bandages," "dental materials," "diapers/diaper covers," "dietary drinks/foods," etc.
On the other hand, it has been clarified that supplements will be registered as Category 5 in Japan from 2013. Before 2012, it was not possible to designate a product as a "supplement," but instead it was designated as "main ingredient + form + processed food."
For example, if the main ingredient of a supplement is "vitamin" and the supplement is in the form of "granules", the classification is determined according to the main ingredient, so it is classified as Category 29 "granular processed food containing vitamins as the main ingredient". I needed to register.
The current "supplements" and the conventional "principal ingredient + description of shape + processed food" are given the same similar group code (32F15), which is exemplified in categories 32 and 15. Even if you specify all the products in the list, the similar group code will not be assigned. Therefore, even if you have specified and registered all products in Category XNUMX and XNUMX in the past, please note that the similar group code (XNUMXFXNUMX) may not be assigned.
About drugstores
In recent years, there are many drugstores that not only dispense medicines and sell various pharmaceutical products, but also sell food, beverages, and daily necessities.
Dispensing medicines is registered as Class 44 service "Dispensing". Services similar to "dispensing" include services such as "medical services," "provision of medical information," "health checkups," and "dental services."
On the other hand, for retail sales of various pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, daily necessities, etc., trademarks will be registered under Class 35 Miscellaneous Retail Services.
In addition, from 35, "providing benefits to customers in the retail or wholesale business of diapers" (similar group code: 02K17 (10AXNUMX)) has been added to Category XNUMX retail services, etc. Please be careful not to divulge the specifications if necessary.
”HARAKENZO more " supports everyone in the pharmaceutical and drugstore industry.
In Japan, where an era of declining birthrate and aging population is expected to come, demand for medicines and drugstores is expected to increase even further.
”HARAKENZO more " However, we would like to help protect the intellectual property of everyone in the pharmaceutical and drugstore industry, so please feel free to contact us.