Patent in Japan
Japanese patent
Application
When you file a patent application in Japan, you can file the application based on the Paris Convention. In addition, you can file the application by the national phase entry into Japan of a PCT application. Please see PCT entry into Japan
Japanese Patent Application Requirements
1. Name and address of the applicant.
2. Name, address and citizenship of the Inventor(s).
3. Claims, specification, drawing and in English or Japanese.
4. Certified priority document.
Examination
Request for examination must be requested at any time within three years from the date of filing.
If the request for examination is not filed on or before the above due date, the application shall be deemed to have been withdrawn, that is the application will become invalid.
Amendments to the specification, claims and/or drawings can be made any time until the date on which the first official action becomes due.
Appeal against the Decision of Rejection
If an application has been finally rejected by the Examiner, the only available action which remains in connection with the application is to lodge an appeal from the Decision of Rejection.
Patent right
The term of patent is 20 years from the filing date.
English Translations of Japanese Patent Law
June 2, 2009
