IPA IP 2025 Question 12
A question IPA Japan published in 令和7年度 ITパスポート試験 公開問題 問12, translated into English. ITPEC is based on the same exams.
Which of the following is an explanation of a service mark under the Trademark Act?
Explanation
A trademark used on services — a service mark distinguishes the services a business provides, such as transport or finance, from other businesses’ services.
Japan’s Trademark Act protects marks used on goods and marks used on services alike. Banks, insurers, transport companies, airlines, restaurants and other businesses that sell services rather than products use service marks on their signboards, vehicles, uniforms and advertising. Service marks have been registrable in Japan since 1992, in the same way as trademarks for goods.
Answer (d)
Why not others:
- •(a) — telling the company itself apart from others is the job of its trade name or corporate brand; a trademark, service marks included, is defined by the goods or services it is used on
- •(b) — a mark that manufacturers and sellers put on the goods they provide is a trademark for goods, not a service mark
- •(c) — a retailer’s private brand is still goods, so its mark is a trademark for goods
Key rule: A trademark for goods marks products (private brands included); a service mark marks services such as transport, finance and restaurants; both are registered and protected under the Trademark Act.
Legal Affairs · AI-written, may contain errors
This question comes from the past questions IPA Japan publishes, translated into English by ITPEC Practice. ITPEC Practice is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IPA or ITPEC. See the original paper (PDF) or Report an issue.