Madrid Protocol: Payment of Second Part of the Individual Fee for Japan

When you prepare cost estimate for obtaining protection for your mark through International Registration under the Madrid Protocol, don't forget to add the second part of the Individual Fee if you are designating Japan.

Japan is one of the only three countries, i.e. Japan, Cuba and Brazil, which adopt two-payment of the Individual Fees.

This article explains when and how these 2 payments have to be made.

First part of the Individual Fee is paid at the time of filing an application for International Registration using the official MM2 application form. When you calculate amount of fees for filing the International Application using " Fee Calculator" on WIPO website, the first part of the Individual Fee in respect of Japan will be automatically included in the total amount. You will just have to pay it together with other fees.

First part of the Individual Fee for the designation of Japan (as of today, June 10, 2020) is:

108 Swiss Francs for one class, and

82 Swiss Francs for each additional class

Second part of the Individual Fee has to be paid after protection is granted by the Japan Patent Office (as an Office of a designated Contracting Party).

When your trademark application (that is the designation of Japan) is allowed for registration in Japan, the holder will receive following two notifications from the International Bureau of WIPO.

1. Notification of Grant of Protection, and
2. Notification of Second Part of Individual Fee

Please note that even when a Japanese local representatives are appointed to file a response to a Provisional Refusal in Japan, these notifications will be sent directly to the holder (or its representative if any) and not to its Japanese local representatives.

The Notification of Second Part of Individual Fee indicates:

• Reference Number, that should be included with the payment
• The amount of the second part of the Individual Fee due in respect of the case
• The deadline to make the payment, and
• Method of payment
• Some other important notes

When you make the payment, please read it carefully and follow its instructions.

It is a simple payment to WIPO. No submission of form, letter or any other document is required. 

Second part of the Individual Fee for the designation of Japan (as of today, June 10, 2020) is:

269 Swiss Francs for each class

When you designate Japan subsequent to the International Registration, when and how you have to pay first part and second part of Individual Fee is the same as described above.

As mentioned earlier, if you are designating Japan, don't forget to add the second part of Individual Fee in respect of Japan in your fee estimate. It will become due at a later stage.