IP News Flash The Japan Patent Office Will Implement The Super Accelerated Examination System Starting October 1, 2008

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) will launch a pilot program that specifically aims to expedite examination for internationally filed applications with concrete commercial intent or that require a quick examination turnaround. The "Super Accelerated Examination System," as it is called, proposes to reduce the period it takes the current Accelerated Examination System by about half; from 5.9 months to about three months from application to the final decision.

Eligibility is as follows:
a) Applicants that have already requested an examination, but for which the examination process has not yet started (i.e., Reasons for Refusal and other office actions have been taken)

b) "Working invention-related application", i.e., applications filed by an applicant or a licensee who has already commercialized the invention or plans to commercialize the invention within two years from the filing date

c)"Internationally filed Applications", i.e., applications that were filed with both the JPO and at least one foreign IP Office 

d)Applicants that file online

Note that applications filed as an international application under the PCT are currently not eligible due to difficulties in processing such files.

The pilot will run for about six months after which the program will be reaccessed for continuation or termination. For a more detailed description of the pilot program, please contact our office.

For more information on this pilot,please contact our office.  (Posted September 25, 2008)

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