The Kumamoto Prefectural Government said Thursday it will allow foreign businesses to make and sell products featuring Kumamon, the official black bear mascot of the southwestern Japan prefecture.

The lifting of the ban is expected to boost recognition of Kumamoto and help attract more visitors from abroad to the prefecture, Kumamoto officials said.

So far, the prefectural government had rejected use of the Kumamon brand by foreign businesses due to difficulties in patent management.

"I want to spread the Kumamon brand to the world," Kumamoto Gov. Ikuo Kabashima said. The prefectural government will start accepting applications on Monday.

Foreign businesses will be charged a fee for using Kumamon. Revenue will be used for measures against pirated goods and costs for related operations.