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Introduction
Companies that achieve rapid growth primarily through their unique technologies and products are collectively called "venture companies."
What is necessary for the growth of a venture company is a variety of things, such as a unique perspective, the power of imagination, and innovative technology, but products with excellent technology and innovative services need some kind of ``name.'' The right to continue using this name with peace of mind can only be obtained by registering a trademark.
In today's world, where trademark systems exist in countries all over the world, this can be said to be a common understanding not only in Japan but throughout the world.
We believe that many venture companies are developing their businesses with an eye on the world, so we would appreciate it if you would consider the necessity of "trademark registration."
Trademark registration is "auto insurance"
To drive a car, you need three things: a driver, a car, and a driver's license. If we compare it to a company's business, can "driver" be replaced with legal qualifications such as "company representative," "vehicle" as "organization," and "driver's license" as "registration"? Now, there is another important thing when driving a car. This includes purchasing ``automobile insurance'' in case of a traffic accident.
Trademark registration is similar to “auto insurance”I have. Even if a driver believes that he or she is confident in driving a car or that accidents are unlikely to occur because of the high performance of the car, traffic accidents are accidental or inevitable, regardless of one's intentions. It's something that happens. As a result of a traffic accident, you will be unable to drive your car, and in some cases, you will have to pay compensation to the other party, and in the worst case scenario, the driver and passengers may even be arrested.
The same applies to "operating" a business without registering a trademark. Not only will a company be forced to change its trademark due to trademark infringement, but if the trust of the company is lost due to the infringement, it will be forced to stop its business and will also be responsible for compensating the damage caused to the other party. In the worst case scenario, you may be arrested for trademark infringement.
For venture businesses, what is primarily needed for rapid business growth may be unique and innovative products and services. However, we hope that you will be aware that in the process of making great progress, your credibility as a company may be lost all at once due to the sole cause of not registering your trademark.
Did you know that there are subsidies available for overseas trademark applications?
Did you know that applicants who file overseas trademark applications receive a certain amount of subsidy from the Japan Patent Office and local governments? There is a system that subsidizes a portion of the costs of foreign applications for small and medium-sized enterprises planning to expand their business overseas, within a certain annual budget.
Subsidy overview for FY25
- Subsidy limit: 2/1 or less *Application fees to foreign patent offices, domestic/local agent fees, translation fees, etc.
- The maximum amount:
●1Up to 300 million yen for companies (in case of multiple projects)
●1Maximum amount per case: 60 yen for designs and trademarks (up to 30 yen for anti-misappropriation trademarks)
*Misappropriation-prevention trademark: Trademark application aimed at preventing fraudulent applications by third parties (misappropriation applications)
(Source: Excerpt from “FY25 Local Small and Medium Enterprise Intellectual Property Strategy Support Project Expense Subsidy” on the Japan Patent Office website)
In addition to the above, some local governments, such as Tokyo and Okinawa Prefecture, have their own support systems that subsidize a portion of the costs. To apply for these subsidies, it is necessary to submit a certain application form, but there are a large number of users of these subsidies, and applications will be closed every year when the budget limit for the subsidy is reached, so please apply as soon as possible. We recommend that you apply.
”HARAKENZO more " supports venture companies
Venture companies are companies that greatly contribute to improving Japan's technological competitiveness, and the Japan Patent Office has released the "Intellectual Property Support Guide for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Venture Companies" and continues to support a wide range of small and medium-sized enterprises and venture companies. We are doing it according to the purpose.
”HARAKENZO more " We also hope to help venture companies protect their intellectual property.Venture/cocreation Support StationWe have established a system to actively support venture companies. First of all, please feel free to contact us.