Trademark Research and Trademark Database

For Japanese trademarks, various books have been published, and much information is available from Japan Patent Office and related organizations, IP law firms, local governments, etc. Also, it is relatively easy to find information via online searches. On the other hand, it is not so easy to gather necessary information on the overseas trademark searches, trademarks applied / registered abroad and overseas databases offered by foreign trademark offices. This article will explain the overview of the overseas trademark searches, and then briefly describe how the overseas databases are utilized during these searches and the things one should take note of. The article will also refer to important overseas databases, their noteworthy functions, points to watchout for, etc.