Updated June 17, 2026
The patent system aims to promote technological and industrial development by protecting and encouraging inventions. In exchange for granting the inventor exclusive rights for a limited period, the invention is disclosed so that society as a whole can use the technology. In Japan, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) administers everything from filing and examination to registration and post-grant management.
Patentability Requirements
01
Industrial applicability
The invention must be capable of industrial use.
02
Novelty
New and not disclosed before filing.
03
Inventive step
Not easily conceivable by a person skilled in the art.
04
First-to-file
For the same invention, the first to file obtains the right.
Procedure from Filing to Registration
1
Filing
Submit request, specification, claims, drawings, abstract
2
Request for examinationWithin 3 years of filing
Required to start examination
3
Substantive examination~10 months after request
Examiner reviews novelty, inventive step, etc.
4
Office Action & response60 days from notice (3 mo. for non-residents)
Reply by arguments / amendments (O.A.)
5
Decision to grant
Patent allowed after examination
6
RegistrationWithin 30 days of the decision
Pay fees (years 1–3) → registered
7
Right granted
Gazette published (term: 20 years from filing)
※ Filing alone does not start examination. If a request for examination is not filed within 3 years, the application is deemed withdrawn. (Periods vary by field and examination status.)
Key Systems to Know
Request-for-examination system
Applications are not examined automatically; a request must be filed within 3 years, or the application is deemed withdrawn.
Grace period (exception to loss of novelty)
Even after disclosure (presentation, publication, exhibition), the novelty exception applies if you file within 1 year (extended from 6 months to 1 year in 2018).
Accelerated / preferential examination
If conditions are met, examination can be expedited; a “super accelerated” track is also available.
Opposition & invalidation trial
Anyone may file an opposition within a set period after registration; interested parties may request an invalidation trial.
Term of right
20 years from filing. Pharmaceuticals etc. may be extended up to 5 years, plus a term-compensation extension for examination delays.
PCT international application
A single application has the effect of filing in many countries. National-phase entry in Japan is within 30 months of the priority date.
Recent Developments (2024–2026)
2025
AI inventorship — “only natural persons”
The IP High Court held that inventors under the Patent Act are limited to natural persons (rejecting AI as inventor). The JPO continues to study inventorship for AI-assisted inventions.
2026
Digitalization of patent certificates
From April 1, 2026, patent certificates and annuity receipts are unified as electronic PDF data (paper delivery discontinued in principle).
2025–26
Revision of international filing fees
PCT international filing fees were revised over 2025–2026. Please check JPO notices for the latest fees.