FAQ

We provide services tailored to each client’s needs and budget.
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has a fee reduction program that is also available to international applicants, and we offer guidance on how to apply for it.

We provide optimal suggestions covering the entire process, from acquiring to maintaining rights, after gaining a full understanding of our clients’ intellectual property strategies and needs in Japan. Our firm has experience in dealing with patents, designs, and trademarks of foreign clients in over 30 countries and regions around the globe, which helps us understand our clients’ backgrounds and objectives.

Yes. We will notify you shortly before the renewal period begins.

As a general rule, the Japan Patent Office issues patent certificates in PDF format. We will provide our clients with a copy of the PDF certificate.
Upon request and by completing the necessary procedures with the Patent Office, it is also possible to obtain a paper certificate. Please contact us for information regarding the applicable fees.

Yes, extensions are available depending on the type of IP and the stage of the procedure, as outlined below:
◆Patents

Examination Stage:

Two extensions are available:
First extension: 2 months Second extension: 1 month after the first extension period ends

Appeal Stage:

Up to three extensions, each for 1 month, may be granted. Extensions are permitted only under certain conditions, as follows:
 (1)When conducting comparative experiments involving the invention cited in the prior art reference(s) mentioned in the Office Action
 (2)When translating documents required for the appeal procedure
Please note that if condition (1) applies, only one extension is permitted.
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◆Trademarks

Examination Stage:

One extension of 1 month is available.

Appeal Stage:

One extension of 1 month is also available.

Yes, it is possible to reduce the number of claims before requesting examination by voluntarily amending the application to delete unnecessary claims. This can help lower the official examination request fee, which is calculated based on the number of claims.

However, after a notice of allowance has been issued (i.e., once the application is deemed allowable), it is no longer possible to delete claims. Accordingly, the registration fee is calculated based on the number of claims at the time of allowance.
That said, it is possible to voluntarily abandon specific claims after registration. In such cases, future annuity fees will be calculated based on the number of remaining claims.

In Japan, the timing for filing a divisional application is subject to the prosecution stage of the parent application. The key timings are as follows:

◆During Examination
 

A divisional application may be filed at any time before a Notice of Reasons for Rejection is issued.  

Once a Notice of Reasons for Rejection has been issued, a divisional application may be filed within the response period.  

A divisional application may also be filed within three months from the service of the certified copy of the first Decision of Rejection.  

If the application is allowed, a divisional application may be filed within 30 days from the service of the certified copy of the Decision to Grant.

◆During Appeal Proceedings
 

If a Notice of Reasons for Rejection is issued during the appeal, a divisional application may be filed within the response period.  

However, it is important to note that a Notice of Reasons for Rejection is not always issued during an appeal.

Therefore, if you wish to file a divisional application at the appeal stage, we recommend filing it at the same time as filing the appeal.