'Shohyo Navi' Adds 'Trademark Risk Score' Feature: AI Evaluates Similarity and Conflict for Company and Brand Names on a 100-Point Scale

Mycat Inc. (Headquarters: Meguro-ku, Tokyo) has added a 'Trademark Risk Score' feature to its trademark search service, 'Shohyo Navi' (https://shohyo.xyz). This feature allows users to evaluate trademark registration risks on a 100-point scale simply by entering a company or brand name. Tool URL: https://shohyo.xyz/tools/trademark-risk-score. ### Many trademark troubles start with 'not checking'. According to Japan Patent Office statistics, there were 158,792 trademark applications in 2023. With nearly 160,000 applications annually, the risk of your intended name conflicting with an existing trademark is significant. Problems often surface when a business gains momentum. There are cases where notifications stating 'this name cannot be used' arrive after business cards are made, websites are published, and advertisements are placed. The Japan Patent Attorneys Association also reports cases where the importance of trademark registration is only recognized after receiving a warning of trademark infringement. The costs of changing a brand name—including signage, printed materials, websites, social media accounts, and customer notifications—can lead to losses of millions of yen depending on the business scale. ### How the Trademark Risk Score works. The Trademark Risk Score analyzes registration risks from four perspectives and calculates a total score out of 100 (lower scores indicate higher risk). 1. Similarity of Phonetics: Compares the pronunciation of the entered name with registered trademarks. 2. Similarity of Appearance: Checks if the character composition or arrangement is confusingly similar. 3. Similarity of Concept: Evaluates if the meaning or concept is shared with existing trademarks. 4. Classification Conflict: Automatically determines relevant classifications based on the industry and checks for conflicts. ### Score Interpretation: 80-100: Low risk. 60-79: Medium risk; consultation with a patent attorney recommended. 40-59: High risk; consider changing the name. 0-39: Extremely high risk; avoid use. ### Use Case 1: Checking company names before incorporation. Avoiding the risk of having to change a brand name after registration. ### Use Case 2: Naming new services/products. Reducing development costs and time by screening candidates before consulting a professional. ### Use Case 3: Checking name risks before overseas expansion. A step-by-step approach starting with domestic risk assessment. ### Notes: This tool does not guarantee application results. Please consult a patent attorney before filing. We plan to add features such as logo image similarity checks in the future.