#Japan #Tokyo #Meiji #Fruit Jelly Gummy #Trademark Registration

Trademark Milestone for Fruit Jelly Gummy

The iconic long-selling fruit jelly gummy brand, known as "果汁グミ" in Japanese, has recently achieved a significant milestone by securing trademark registration. This recognition comes in light of its substantial contribution to Japan's gummy candy market over the past 37 years. On September 5, 2025, the Japan Patent Office officially granted the trademark registration.

Background of Fruit Jelly Gummy

The journey of "果汁グミ" began with the philosophy of providing consumers with the genuine taste of fruit in a convenient gummy format. Designed with 100% fruit juice (equivalent to fresh juice by weight) and free from artificial coloring, the brand emphasizes quality and taste. Its name reflects the brand's commitment to delivering fruit's natural deliciousness.

The gummy candy itself has origins traced back to Germany, initially created to help strengthen children's chewing abilities. As the first company to introduce gummies to Japan, Meiji aimed to broaden the audience for gummy candies, which were originally targeted mainly at children. Thus, "果汁グミ" was developed as an "adult-friendly gummy" to appeal to a wider age range.

Since its launch in 1988, "果汁グミ" has continuously innovated with its product design and marketing approach. The introduction of unique metrics like the "chewiness chart" allowed consumers to choose gummies that match their chewing preferences and mood. Such innovations not only enhanced the value of gummies but also contributed significantly to the overall market expansion.

The name "果汁グミ" effectively communicates the product's allure, leading the company to safeguard its inherent brand value through trademark registration. The Japan Patent Office recognized the name as widely acknowledged as a product of Meiji, resulting in the successful registration of the brand logo.

Trademark Registration Process

The path to trademark registration involved several key steps:
1. April 13, 2023: Application for graphic trademark registration of the "果汁グミ" logo was submitted.
2. February 26, 2024: Initial rejection occurred due to the logo’s perceived lack of distinctive character, seeing it as merely a description of gummy candies containing fruit juice.
3. May 29, 2024: A request for a trial was made, highlighting 37 years of continuous use, national market share leadership, and extensive advertising efforts that established wide recognition among consumers.
4. September 5, 2025: The trademark was registered based on an exceptional application due to longstanding usage, which validated its recognition as a Meiji product.

Understanding Trademarks

Trademarks can encompass various types, including graphic trademarks (logos and marks) and word trademarks (the name itself). Generally, names that merely describe a product or its quality lack the required 'distinctiveness' for trademark registration. However, exceptions can arise based on proven brand recognition.

Meiji has also seen other successful trademark registrations, such as for the probiotic yogurt brands "R-1" and "LG21," stemming from their sustained market presence and consumer recognition over time. This exceptional treatment under trademark law underscores the importance of long-term branding efforts in securing intellectual property rights.

Future Outlook

Moving forward, Meiji aims to continue preserving and enhancing the brand value of "果汁グミ" by protecting its intellectual property. The company is committed to ensuring that consumers can confidently enjoy their beloved products, fostering a lasting connection with the Meiji brand.

In conclusion, this trademark registration not only marks a significant achievement for "果汁グミ" but also emphasizes the importance of branding in enhancing consumer recognition and trust. As Meiji celebrates this milestone, it is poised for continued growth in Japan's competitive candy market.