Mie Support Pokémon

  • 2025年07月10日
#trademark

In June, I attended the firm’s interaction session at the Toba International Hotel in Mie Prefecture. At Pearl Ocean Terrace, I was soothed by the view of the sea stretching out before me, the pleasant sea breeze, and the sound of the waves.

Among the attractive souvenirs in the hotel shop, I was captivated by the collaboration products featuring the Pokémon “Mijumaru (Oshawott).”
I vaguely knew that certain Pokémon collaborate with specific prefectures, but I didn’t realize that Mijumaru (Oshawott) (Japanese Registered Trademarks: No.5351424, No.5839685) had been appointed as the “Mie Support Pokémon” for Mie Prefecture. This is part of the “Pokémon Local Acts” initiative, where a “favorite Pokémon” is selected for each region to promote its charm both domestically and internationally. Through this initiative, the goal is to encourage more people to visit the region, thereby increasing the number of fans of both the region and Pokémon.

Additionally, the use of Pokémon in this initiative is free of charge, allowing many collaboration products to be sold as souvenirs, which likely contributes to the promotion of local specialty products. The ability to purchase region-exclusive Pokémon merchandise is also a major attraction.

These are souvenirs I purchased as mementos at hotels and shops in Toba City.

Collaboration products featuring the Pokémon “Mijumaru (Oshawott)”

Collaboration products featuring the Pokémon “Mijumaru (Oshawott)”

The “Isenomon Hand Towel” on the left is made from “Ise Momen,” a traditional craft designated by Mie Prefecture, and is manufactured by Usui Orimono. The company also holds the registered trademark rights (Japanese Trademark No.4971739) for Ise Momen.
I hope that such traditional crafts will continue to be cherished and preserved in the future.

By the way, the Toba International Hotel has a special “Mijumaru (Oshawott) Room” available in only one room! One of the perks is a “hidden Monster Ball search and gift service,” which is sure to get Pokémon fans excited! (Cacao)

※ “Pokémon” and “Mijumaru” are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak.

Nintendo Switch 2: A Comprehensive Investigation of Intellectual Property Strategy!

  • 2025年07月02日
#design #patent #trademark

 I’m Hiro, a fan of home appliances and gadgets.
 The Nintendo Switch 2 has been generating a lot of buzz even before its June 5 release. I casually entered the official store’s lottery for the first batch, and to my surprise, I won the first draw. It arrived on the release date, but with my middle schooler’s midterm exams just two weeks away and a busy schedule afterward, I still haven’t opened it as of June 25 (my child doesn’t even know the Switch 2 is at home yet). I finally have some free time this weekend, so I plan to play with my child.

Nintendo Switch 2

 As is well known, Nintendo places a strong emphasis on protecting its intellectual property. Switch 2 must also utilize a significant amount of intellectual property. I conducted some research based on publicly available information.

 First, when looking into patents, I found a PCT international patent application related to Switch 2.

Patent 1: PCT/JP2023/028162
International Filing Date: August 1, 2023, International Publication Date: February 6, 2025, Invention title: Game controller

Nintendo Switch 2

Patent 2: PCT/JP2023/028163
International Filing Date: August 1, 2023, International Publication Date: February 6, 2025, Invention title: Game Console and Game System

Nintendo Switch 2

 In the previous model (Switch), the controller was attached and detached by sliding it into the display unit, but in Switch 2, this has been changed (improved) to a magnetic attachment/detachment mechanism (reference). Patents 1 and 2 appear to be patents related to this mechanism. The Japanese patent application for Patent 1 was registered on June 2, 2025 (three days before the release date) (Japanese Patent No. 7690703).
 Note that the international publication dates for Patents 1 and 2 (February 6, 2025) are after January 16, 2025, when the official name “Nintendo Switch 2” and a teaser video of the main unit including the controller were first revealed. Since the patent content (drawings) will be internationally published 1 year and 6 months after the filing date (August 1, 2023), it is presumed that the preview video was released before this date.
 In addition to Patents 1 and 2, approximately 25 PCT international applications related to Switch 2 have been filed since August 1, 2023. Among these, there are applications related to the mouse functionality of the new controller featured in Switch 2.
 At present, few of these have been transferred domestically (possibly only Patent 1?), but it is expected that transfer procedures to various countries will be conducted by the respective deadlines for each application. Additionally, there are likely many more Switch 2-related patent applications that have already been filed but have not yet been published.

 Upon further investigation into designs, I found examples of design registrations that appear to be part of the Switch 2 controller (control sticks).

Design 1: Japanese Design Registration No. 1800949
Filing Date: November 12, 2024, Registration Date: June 5, 2025, Publication Date: June 13, 2025, Article to the design: Control Stick Device

Nintendo Switch 2

Design 2: Japanese Design Registration No. 1800950
Filing Date: November 12, 2024, Registration Date: June 5, 2025, Publication Date: June 13, 2025, Article to the design: Control Stick Device

Nintendo Switch 2

 The registration date coincidentally matches the release date of Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, with the publication date set for June 13, 2025. If the publication date had been before the release date, the shape of the back side of the control stick—which cannot be seen without disassembling the controller—would have been disclosed prior to release. This makes the registration date and publication date exceptionally well-timed. By the way, if you do not want to disclose the design during the registration examination, you can delay the publication date through the confidential design system.
 By registering the control stick as a component, I believe this will prevent counterfeit (substandard) control sticks from being produced as replacement parts by other companies. At present, there seem to be only the two examples of design registrations related to Switch 2, but I expect many more examples will be disclosed in the future.

 Additionally, when researching trademarks, I found an example of a trademark registration for the Switch 2 logo mark.

Trademark 1: Japanese Trademark Registration No. 6917075
Filing Date: January 16, 2025, Publication Date: January 24, 2025, Registration Date: April 9, 2025

Nintendo Switch 2

Trademark 2: Japanese Trademark Registration No. 6917076
Filing Date: January 16, 2025, Publication Date: January 24, 2025, Registration Date: April 9, 2025

Nintendo Switch 2

 The above trademarks were filed on the same day as the first public release of the teaser video for “Nintendo Switch 2” (including the Switch 2 logo mark) on January 16, 2025.
 This prevents the logo mark from becoming publicly known before Switch 2 is released and also prevents others from filing prior applications.
 Additionally, according to the Global Brand Database, trademarks similar to the above two trademarks have been filed in various countries around the world.

 Nintendo is securing comprehensive protection for a single product (Switch 2) by obtaining multiple intellectual property rights (patent rights, design rights, trademark rights).
 In the case of patents, applications are published 1 year and 6 months after filing; in the case of designs, they are published after registration following an examination; and in the case of trademarks, applications are published approximately one week after filing. Nintendo likely considered these publication timelines carefully when determining the announcement date, release date, and other details for the new product (Switch 2).

 For companies developing new products, intellectual property strategy is of utmost importance.
How should patents, designs, and trademarks be combined for protection? How should the timing of disclosure, announcement, and release be determined? Drawing on real-world examples, we can propose the optimal strategy for your needs. Please feel free to contact us at our firm for further discussion.

Miyakojima Snow Salt Sandwich♪

  • 2025年06月26日
#trademark

The other day, I visited Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture. At a souvenir shop, I heard a song that went, “Snow Salt Sandwich, Snow Salt Sandwich♪ Miyakojima Snow Salt Sandwich.” I thought it might be a snack made with “Snow Salt,” a famous Okinawan souvenir, so I picked it up. Sure enough, it was a product sold by Miyakojima Snow Salt Co., Ltd., which manufactures “Snow Salt.” The blue packaging featured the words “Snow Salt Sandwich,” and there were also other products in the series, such as “Snow Salt Finnan,” “Snow Salt Rasuku,” and “Snow Salt Parin.” All the products had blue boxes with the same hiragana font, making them easy to spot at a glance. The catchy song also stuck in my head, so I ended up buying a few as souvenirs.

Snow Salt Sandwich, Snow Salt Finnan, Snow Salt Parin

The box also features illustrations of the product inside, making it easy to recognize at a glance. The hiragana product names also seem to attract foreign tourists, as I noticed many of them purchasing the items.

Among the series products, only “Snow Salt Sand” (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 6827968) is trademarked. However, the names following “Snow Salt” in these products are all three syllables, easy to pronounce, visually memorable, and clearly indicate what the product is. Combined with the catchy song, I feel they are well-named. If you ever visit Miyakojima, I highly recommend giving them a try! (Chamomile)

Snow Salt Co., Ltd. Website (Japanese only)
https://www.yukishio.com/

Snow Salt Sweets product (Japanese only)
https://www.yukishio.com/products/sweets/

Snow Salt sandwich song (YouTube)
https://youtu.be/PpHh-M-JrUc

Aichi, a city of automobiles and aircraft industry

  • 2025年06月19日
#trademark

Chubu Centrair International Airport (nickname: Centrair), located in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, celebrated its 20th anniversary this year since its opening on February 17, 2005.
20th anniversary special website (Japanese only) https://www.centrair.jp/20th/
Centrair is one of the most frequently used airports for domestic and international travel, and it has also been ranked first in the Regional Airport category of SKYTRAX’s international airport customer service evaluation for 11 consecutive years, which is a source of pride for local residents.

Centrair also features an indoor facility called “FLIGHT OF DREAMS.” This is a multi-purpose commercial facility centered around the display of the first Boeing 787 aircraft, where you can enjoy meals while viewing the aircraft up close, tour the cockpit, and even touch the aircraft. I often stop by when using Centrair.
Additionally, for a fee, you can experience a flight simulator and purchase Boeing merchandise, making it an enjoyable destination for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.

FLIGHT OF DREAMS the first Boeing 787 aircraft

The presence of the first Boeing 787 at Centrair is said to stem from the fact that the area around Centrair is home to many aircraft component manufacturing facilities and has a strong connection with Boeing.
As a result, the “DREAM LIFTER,” a plane used to transport aircraft components to the United States, occasionally lands here, so if you’re lucky, you can catch a glimpse of its massive form. There are only four Dreamlifters in the world, and Centrair is the only place in Japan where it lands.

Aichi may be known as “the city of cars,” but it is also a hub for the aviation industry. When using Centrair, be sure to visit “FLIGHT OF DREAMS.” (Syszo)

“FLIGHT OF DREAMS” is a registered trademark of Chubu International Airport Corporation.
For inquiries regarding trademark registration, please contact Hattori & Partners.

Trademark I discovered while traveling ~Bontan Ame~

  • 2025年06月13日
#trademark

I went to Kagoshima Prefecture at the beginning of April.
The weather was nice every day during my three-day stay, and the cherry blossoms were still in bloom, making it perfect for sightseeing.

I always buy souvenirs when I travel, and one of the souvenirs I bought this time was “Bontan Ame.” It usually comes in a box with about 14 pieces, but I happened to find a smaller one with only four pieces, so I bought that one.

Bontan Ame

The size was very cute and seemed perfect for keeping in my bag.
Upon examining the Bonten Ame box, I noticed it was labeled “Registered Trademark.”

Bontan Ame

Since the trademark registration number was not listed, I searched for “Bontan Ame” and “Seika Food Co., Ltd.” on J-Plat Pat and found about six results.
Among them, the box design was also registered. The trademark was applied for in 1983, and the trademark gazette (Trademark Gazette No. 60-019179) was in black and white.

Discovering intellectual property from outside my local area made the trip even more enjoyable! (Rabbit)

Trademark Gazette (Trademark Gazette No. 60-019179)
https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/TR/JP-1983-009399/40/en
Bontan Ame
https://www.seikafoods.jp/bontaname/

Atsuta Miyamochi

  • 2025年05月22日
#trademark

Have you heard of “Atsuta Miyamochi”?
It is a type of mochi sold at the Atsuta Tsuitachi Market (*), held on the first day of every month at Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture (in May, June, and November, it is held at Akibasan Entsu-ji Temple), and has become a local specialty.

Atsuta Miyamochi

What makes this mochi so special is that it was jointly developed by four long-established companies in Atsuta (Atsuta Houraiken, Kiyome Mochi Sohonke, Myoukouen, and Kameya Yoshihiro).

Atsuta Miyamochi

Take a look at the logos of each company printed on the packaging of “Atsuta Miyamochi.”

Atsuta Miyamochi

Atsuta Miyamochi

The fact that these four companies are involved instills an overwhelming sense of trust, making one think, “If these four companies are involved, the taste must be guaranteed.”
I could directly feel the “history” and “trust” accumulated in the trademark of each company.

The mochi inside comes in a box of five pieces (with a sweet and salty sauce), two of which change monthly.

Atsuta Miyamochi

The one I purchased this time was for April, and the monthly changing mochi for April was called “Hana Mankai.” The pale pink and light green colors are very cute. I would love to try the “Atsuta Miyamochi” from other months as well.

“Atsuta Miyamochi” is a registered trademark for “mochi confectionery” registered on March 17, 2017, by Kiyome Mochi Sohonke Co., Ltd. (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 5933143).

※ Atuta Tsuitachi Market website (Japanese only): https://atsuta-miyashuku.com/wp/tsuitachi/

Why not register your important product or service name as a trademark?
For consultations or requests regarding trademark registration, please feel free to contact us here.
Individual customers are also welcome. (Sakuramochi)

Myaku Myaku-san♪~Official Character’s Intellectual Property and Secondary Creations~

  • 2025年05月15日
#design #trademark

The Osaka-Kansai Expo has finally opened!
The event will last for six months, including the hot summer months, but we hope everyone will take proper precautions against the heat and enjoy the event to the fullest.

The official character, Myaku Myaku-san♪
With its bold red and blue colors and numerous eye-catching features, the design initially felt a bit eerie, but now that I’ve grown accustomed to it, I find it incredibly cute.
Myaku Myaku merchandise has started appearing in department stores and bookstores. Curious to purchase something as a memento, I looked into it and discovered that capsule figures are available! These are Myaku Myaku figures. I absolutely must have one!!
It seems to have been re-released in April, but I haven’t been able to find it anywhere… Even when I do find it, it’s already sold out.

By the way, the official website for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo (Official character | Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Website) has guidelines for secondary creations.
Cute characters are irresistible to draw, but in today’s social media age, more people seem to share their creations on social media or support their favorite characters online rather than drawing them on paper and showing them to friends.
However, since secondary creation has some gray areas, having clear guidelines like these allows creators to enjoy their work with peace of mind, and if the works gain popularity, it could also bring significant benefits to the Expo organizers.
When searching for the applicant “Public Interest Incorporated Association 2025 Japan International Exposition Association” on J-PlatPat, five design patents and 60 trademark registrations were found.
The design of Myaku Myaku is protected by three design patents as icon images and plush toys.
Additionally, multiple trademarks related to Myaku Myaku have been filed, including basic illustrations (e.g., No. 6656708) and standard characters such as “ミャクミャク” and “MYAKU-MYAKU,” which are registered across all 45 classes. Trademarks are also fully protected.
I considered drawing Myaku-Myaku and using it as an illustration for this blog, but according to the guidelines, permission is limited to personal social media or blog posts (or individual inquiries may be required), so I decided to give up…
While admiring various Myaku-Myaku designs, I will pray for the success of the Expo and the re-release of the capsule figures! (Cacao)

【Postscript】
After submitting this blog post, I managed to get my hands on the Myaku Myaku capsule figure!! It’s the reverse color version! So cute…
Apparently, a portion of the sales from official licensed products will be used for the Expo.
Thank you so much to Rabbit who found the gacha machine and gave it a spin♪

MYAKU-MYAKU

MYAKU-MYAKU

California Rice ~Calrose~

  • 2025年04月23日
#trademark

 Hello, this is Hiro.
 Rice prices have been rising recently. The other day, I saw some US rice on sale at a certain membership-based warehouse store, so I decided to give it a try.

California Rice~Calrose

California Rice~Calrose

 This rice, “Calrose,” is said to be a type of medium-grain Japonica rice famous in the Sacramento Valley of California. It appears slightly longer and thinner than Japanese rice. When cooked, it feels slightly less moist but not dry, and the texture and taste are similar to the Japanese rice I usually eat.

California Rice~Calrose

 In the center of the rice bag, there is a trademark featuring a design resembling rice ears, with the words “100% ORIGINAL,” “CALIFORNIA,” and “RICE” displayed above circular and rectangular shapes. Upon checking J-PlatPat, I found that this trademark is identical to a registered trademark.

California Rice~Calrose

Japanese Trademark Registration Number: No. 6176480
Registration date: August 30, 2019
Registrant: California Rice Commission
Designated goods: Rice produced in the State of California, United States

It appears that this trademark was initially refused registration under Article 4, Paragraph 1, Item 16 of the Trademark Law (misleading as to quality), but it was ultimately registered after the designated goods were amended to “rice produced in the State of California, United States.” If this trademark had not included any graphical elements such as rice ears and had been composed solely of the words “100% ORIGINAL,” “CALIFORNIA,” and “RICE,” it would likely have been deemed lacking in distinctiveness, and even if the designated goods had been amended, the grounds for refusal would not have been resolved.

 At our firm, when we receive a request for trademark registration, we strive to provide advice in advance (prior to filing) on potential grounds for rejection that may arise during the examination process, including countermeasures and alternative options. If you are considering filing a new trademark registration application, please feel free to contact us.

Hida Sarubobo

  • 2025年03月26日
#Regional Collective Trademark #trademark

Last month, I went to Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture with some friends.
We took the JR Hida train from Nagoya and arrived after about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

We enjoyed taking photos, eating our way around the city, and sightseeing.
One thing I saw a lot in Takayama was the “Hida Sarubobo”. These dolls, which are called “Sarubobo” because they look like baby monkeys, are popular as good luck charms. The “Hida Sarubobo” is also registered as a regional collective trademark (Japanese Trademark Registration no. 5087585).

Hida Sarubobo

As a memory of this visit, we made Sarubobo beanbags. It took about 30 minutes to make them, and was a simple activity that could be enjoyed by both adults and children, involving sewing the cloth and attaching the Sarubobo head with glue.

Our firm has experience supporting intellectual property in the Tokai region, including Aichi, Gifu and Mie prefectures. We can also handle clients from outside the Tokai region, so please feel free to contact us. (Rabbit)

Unchanging taste, unchanging name

  • 2025年03月19日
#trademark

I bought Yoguret because I saw it on sale in a shop and it brought back memories. It was not the old-fashioned tablet type in a box, but the sugar-coated type in a pouch, and Yoguret had evolved! The shop I happened to visit only sold the sugar-coated type, but looking at the website, it seems that the old-fashioned Yoguret and Hi-lemon in a box are still going strong.

Yoguret

While looking at the packaging with the intention of eating it, I suddenly wondered, “I think Yoguret was made by Meiji Seika, wasn’t it?”, so I looked into it and found that Meiji Seika, the company that used to make Yoguret and High Lemon, became a subsidiary of Marubeni in 2023 and changed its name to ATRION Co., Ltd.
The original trademark rights for Yoguret belonged to Meiji Seika, and the current trademark rights holder is ATRION Co., Ltd. Looking at the progress information, it seems that the rights were transferred in 2023. The same is true for Hi-lemon, and the current trademark rights holder is ATRION Co., Ltd.

Even if the same quality product was on sale, I don’t think I would have picked it up if the name or packaging had changed. This was an event that made me realize once again that even if the company changes with the times, we can still enjoy the same taste, protected by trademark rights. If I find the boxed type on sale, I’ll buy it. (Marron)