| Category | Description | Date Registered | Registration No. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Figure trademark |
Japanese chrysanthemum |
 |
February 16, 2001 | Trademark No.4454128 |
| Three- dimensional trademark |
Small, bronze Kobe Beef statuette |
 |
July 6, 2001 | Trademark No.4487460 |
| Character trademark |
「神戸ビーフ」 | "Kobe Beef" | August 3, 2007 | Trademark No.5068214 |
| 「神戸肉」 | "Kobe Meat" | August 3, 2007 | Trademark No.5068215 | |
| 「神戸牛」 | "Kobe-gyu" | August 3, 2007 | Trademark No.5068216 | |
| 「但馬ビーフ」 | "Tajima Beef" | October 12, 2007 | Trademark No.5083160 | |
| 「但馬牛」 | "Tajima-gyu" | October 12, 2007 | Trademark No.5083161 | |
This is a system of trademarks which are attached to, printed on products or used to identify services in order to protect these trademarks because such trademarks indicate a certain specific function of a product or a service identified by a trademark. The system thus on the one hand protects the interests of the consumer, and on the other hand it also contributes to the development of industries through a design maintaining confidence in the operations of persons using these trademarks for advertising functions or for functions aimed at protecting the quality of products.
A trademark is a mark used by a manufacturer, dealer or service provider in respect of goods or services in order to differentiate them from goods and services offered by other parties which are of the same or a similar type.
The following trademarks are entitled to protection in Japan:
- Character trademark
- Figure trademark
- Sign trademark
- Three-dimensional trademark
- Integrated trademark comprising two or more of character trademark,
figure trademark, sign trademark, and three-dimensional trademark
* Excerpt from the Japan Patent Office, "Procedures for Obtaining a Trademark Right"
An infringer of a trademark right or an exclusive right to use (excluding one who has committed an act that shall be deemed to constitute infringement of a trademark right or an exclusive right to use under Article 37 or Article 67) shall be punished by imprisonment with work for a term not exceeding ten years or a fine not exceeding 10,000,000 yen or combination thereof. (Trademark Act, Article 78: Crime of Infringement)
* Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Translations of Japanese Laws" "Trademark Act"