If you are hoping to get quick patent results and have Japan in mind, keep in mind that applicants from a number of states are able to have the Japan Patent Office (JPO) examine their PCT international patent applications. Saudi Arabia (SA) will be added to that list as of June 1, 2022.

The patent offices where Japan has agreed to act as a competent International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) are those of the following states (a wide swath of Southeast Asia, and major markets further abroad):

– Republic of Korea (KR)
– The Philippines (PH)
– Thailand (TH)
– Viet Nam (VN)
– Singapore (SG)
– Malaysia (MY)
– Indonesia (ID)
– Brunei Darussalam (BN)
– Lao PDR (LA)
– Cambodia (KH)
– India (IN)
– Saudi Arabia (SA)
– United States of America (US)

The applicant will need to file with the in the appropriate language (usually English or Japanese) and mark the PCT filing with the International Bureau (IB) of WIPO correctly to designate the JPO as ISA. The Search Fee and Preliminary Examination fees, respectively, are JPY 169,000 and JPY 69,000 (about USD 1,330 & USD 540 at 5/2022 rate) as of the price changes of April 2022.

You can review the JPO’s outline and contact a Japanese patent attorney for details.

* The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.
** For questions or consultation, please contact us for more information.

Taro Yaguchi

Sources:

[1] Japan Patent Office. “JPO Further Increases Its Competence to Act in the Capacity as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) for PCT International Applications.” English article. Updated May 25, 2022. Accessed May 26, 2022.