We have in-house translators who perform all the translation work required for foreign clients, who then work hand in hand with our patent attorneys to complete high-quality application documents. With our teamwork, your applications will undergo an examination procedure with better quality in Japan.
After preparing application documents, the subsequent step is to file a patent application in Japan (claiming the priority under Paris Convention), or to enter a national phase in Japan along with translation of PCT application. The translation of PCT application can be submitted within two months from the national entry date.
In a case of Conventional patent application, the application must be filed within 1 year from the priority date. In a case of PCT national entry, it is necessary to enter the PCT national phase in Japan within 2 and half years from the priority date.
Request for substantive examination must be filed within 3 years from filing date. Otherwise the application will automatically be regarded as withdrawal and cannot be patented thereafter.
The examination result will be available within approximately 2 years after the request is filed.
An applicant who has received a Notification of Reasons for Refusal shall be given an opportunity to submit a written argument and/or a written amendment.
We believe that our firm will be of great help to you at this stage, as you understand from our patent grant rate which is 70 % on average. We consider the key to achieving the above high rate is our abundant IP knowledge accumulated during our considerable experience in the IP field for over 30 years, as well as our established system that patent attorneys acquainted with the Japanese Examination practice always proactively offer you a range of prosecution options when receiving a Notification of Reasons for Refusal.
After receiving a Decision to grant a patent, the patent fee must be paid to Japan Patent Office in order that the patent right will come into effect.
When an application is allowed, “a copy of Decision to grant a patent” is issued and forwarded. Within 30 days from the date of receiving the Decision of grand, the patent fee that is annual fees for the first to third year must be paid at once.
After payment of the patent fee, a patent right of the invention will be registered and then enter into force. After a patent is registered, a certificate of patent will be sent to the applicant.
The term of a patent right is 20 years from the filing date in principle. Because our firm is a registered Professional Corporation, we can offer you a full range of secure follow up services until the expiration of the patent term.
