On November 17, 2025, I, Sho Matsumoto, am pleased to announce that I have completed the trademark application for "TOSAKAFUNK," my business name.

You might be thinking, "A sole proprietor bothering with a trademark?" However, this is not just a token application; it's a strategic business decision to make this brand a long-lasting "asset."

In this article, I will explain why I filed the application at this time and why I chose "Toreru" from among many services, along with details from the actual search report.

Trademark Application Report: Why We're Securing Rights Now

First, the basic application information is as follows:

• Trademark: TOSAKAFUNK
• Application Date: November 17, 2025
• Application Number: 商願2025-132352
• Classes: Class 9, Class 41, Class 42

While trademark registration also serves a defensive purpose, preventing others from using the name, for me, it is a testament to my resolve to "continue providing value responsibly under this banner."
I judged that early action was necessary to minimize the risk of "having to change the name" if the business expands in the future, and to build a foundation where customers can use our services with peace of mind.

Why I Chose "Toreru": Optimal UX for Creators

This time, for the application, I used the cloud trademark registration service Toreru.

Differences from Traditional Patent Offices

Generally, when requesting trademark registration from a patent attorney, analog processes such as phone appointments, in-person meetings, and document exchanges via fax or mail tend to occur.

Speed of Web-Based Completion and Cloud Management

On the other hand, Toreru is fundamentally "web-based," offers "chat support," and uses "cloud management." For me, who constantly strives for business efficiency using SaaS and cloud tools, Toreru was the best match for TOSAKAFUNK's DNA of "streamlining work and focusing on decisions."
The search report was easy to understand, the explanations of technical terms were thorough, and the high transparency of "what I was paying for" was also a decisive factor.

Strategic Class Selection: Defining TOSAKAFUNK

In trademark registration, specifying the "class" in which rights are asserted is extremely important. It's neither "just web creation" nor "just music activity." To prove this hybrid nature of my activities, I deliberately filed under the following three classes:

Class 9: Programs, Applications (Tech)

• Content: Computer software, applications, electronic publications, etc.
• Intent: To protect products released as an individual developer and technical achievements.

Class 41: Music, Education, Seminars (Culture/Insight)

• Content: Music provision, seminar planning and operation, knowledge instruction, etc.
• Intent: Because, in addition to music activities, "sharing insights" through blogs and presentations is also a pillar of my business.

Class 42: SaaS, System Development (Service)

• Content: SaaS provision, website creation, IT consulting, etc.
• Intent: To ensure expertise in client work and the infrastructure of my own services.

The area where these three circles overlap is the battleground for TOSAKAFUNK.

Search Result: "A-Rank." But There Were Obstacles Too

According to the preliminary search by Toreru, the likelihood of registration was "A-rank (high likelihood of registration)." However, there were not zero concerns.

Interaction with Prior Trademarks

According to the search report, a prior trademark "TOSAKA (Nabel Co., Ltd.)" existed. Although it might seem similar at first glance, Toreru's patent attorney's opinion was as follows:

We determine that your desired trademark "TOSAKAFUNK" is not similar to the prior trademark "TOSAKA."

Points Where "Uniqueness" Was Recognized

It was determined that by combining the disparate element "FUNK (music genre)" with the word "TOSAKA (a rooster's comb or a surname)," a strong distinctiveness (feature) as a "coined word" was created for the whole.
Indeed, the very concept of combining "Web" with "Funk (groove)" functioned as a trademark's distinctiveness.

Towards the Future in 8 Months

The examination at the Japan Patent Office is currently said to take approximately 8 months (around summer 2026, if all goes well).
The application is not the goal, but the start. By the time the registration certificate arrives, I will accelerate my daily activities so that the "TOSAKAFUNK" brand will be even larger and more trusted than it is now.

Please look forward to TOSAKAFUNK's future activities.