In the Japanese patent law, there is a provision called Article 35 that is not present in the U.S. patent law. This provision stipulates that, in order for an employer to apply for a patent for an invention created by his…
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In Japan, an inventor, or his or her assignee can be an applicant. Also it is common in Japan for an assignee company to file a patent application, as well as a PCT international application. However, an applicant does not…
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Q1 I unintentionally failed to enter the Japanese national phase within the 30-month time limit. Is there any way to reinstate my patent rights, and enter the Japanese national phase? A1 There is a possibility, if your case falls under…
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Q. I would like to know the cost estimate for entering into the Japanese national phase and preparing and filing a Japanese translation within two months from the date of entry. A. Keisen Associates provides a free online fee calculator….
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By Toyomi Ohara, Patent Agent & Technical Adviser The Japanese Patent Office (“JPO”) introduced a revised version of the “Examination Guidelines for Medical Inventions,” in October of 2009. The revised guidelines are applicable to all patent applications being examined after…
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Effective April 1, 2009, provisional exclusive license and/or provisional non-exclusive license can be registered at the Japan Patent Office based on a license agreement before an application is granted a patent. The new recordation system will provide protection for the…
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The Japanese Government’s IP Strategic Headquarters announced plans to revise the patent examination standards for medical inventions of known drug compounds. The new standard will grant patent protection for new and inventive dosage regimens and modes of administration as a…
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I. Extending The Period for Non-Japanese Applicants for Filing an Appeal Against An Examiner’s Final Decision of Rejection From Three Months to Four (effective April 1, 2009) Background and New Rules: The Japan Patent Office’s (JPO) new guidelines for filing…
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Introduction The Japan Patent Office has put into effect new guidelines for the accelerated examination systems for trademarks. The JPO introduced the system for trademarks back in September of 1997 and was implemented in order to speed up the registration…
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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,…
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