What is a Regional Collective Trademark?

A Regional Collective Trademark is a system under Japanese trademark law that allows regional cooperatives, chambers of commerce, and similar organizations to register names that combine a geographic location with a product or service. The purpose is to protect regional brands and stimulate local economies. Importantly, this system is also open to foreign organizations, provided that the product or service associated with the regional name has gained recognition and has been continuously distributed in the Japanese market.

Why Register in Japan?

For foreign producer associations and cooperatives, registering a Regional Collective Trademark in Japan is a crucial strategy to protect your regional brand from imitation or misuse. With registration, you gain legal protection in Japan, helping to prevent counterfeit goods, preserve brand trust, and add value to your product. This also enables clear enforcement against trademark infringement and strengthens the long-term stability of your brand strategy in the Japanese market. For organizations looking to expand internationally or enter the Japanese market more deeply, obtaining a Regional Collective Trademark is an essential part of your intellectual property strategy.

Examples of Regional Collective Trademarks Registered by Foreign Organizations in Japan:

PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA

• Trademark Registration Number: No. 5073378
• Holder: Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma (Italy)
• Designated Goods: Ham produced in the Parma region of Italy

CEYLON TEA

• Trademark Registration Number: No. 6164182
• Holder: Sri Lanka Tea Board (Sri Lanka)
• Designated Goods: Tea produced in Sri Lanka; Tea produced in Sri Lanka in tea bags

For more information on the Regional Collective Trademark system, please visit the Japan Patent Office website