Patent Filing in Japan
Japan is one of the most rigorous examination systems in the world and a key market for electronics, automotive, chemistry and life sciences. National phase entry requires a Japanese translation and an examination request.
When is your national phase deadline in Japan?
Enter the earliest priority date of your PCT application (or the international filing date if there is no priority).
Patent filing in Japan: key facts
Reinstatement of rights available (unintentional criterion) for failure to furnish the translation or appoint an agent in time: request within two months from…
Request for examination fee is reduced where an international search report has been established.
Request based. The request must be filed within 3 years of the international filing date.
Published in Japanese after the translation is filed.
20 years from the international filing date.
Typically 1.5 to 3 years after the examination request. Faster through accelerated examination or the PPH.
Years 1–3 paid at registration, then yearly.
Utility models available (10-year term), not for methods or chemicals.
Possible
Official fees for patent filing in Japan
Filing in several countries? Compare fees with other countries →
Standard official fees (general)
From the WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide, updated 22 September 2026. Amounts in JPY. Your exact fees depend on your application: use the calculator above.
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee (patent) | JPY 14,000 | |
| Fee for request for examination (applications filed on or after 1 April 2019) - no ISR established | JPY 138,000 | Plus 4,000 per claim |
| Fee for request for examination (applications filed on or after 1 April 2019) - ISR established by the JPO | JPY 83,000 | Plus 2,400 per claim |
| Fee for request for examination (applications filed on or after 1 April 2019) - ISR established by another ISA | JPY 124,000 | Plus 3,600 per claim |
| Fee for request for examination (applications filed on or after 1 April 2019) - search report by a designated searching organization | JPY 110,000 | Plus 3,200 per claim |
| Fee for request for examination (applications filed before 1 April 2019) - no ISR established | JPY 118,000 | Plus 4,000 per claim |
| Fee for request for examination (applications filed before 1 April 2019) - ISR established by the JPO | JPY 71,000 | Plus 2,400 per claim |
| Fee for request for examination (applications filed before 1 April 2019) - ISR established by another ISA | JPY 106,000 | Plus 3,600 per claim |
| Fee for request for examination (applications filed before 1 April 2019) - search report by a designated searching organization | JPY 94,000 | Plus 3,200 per claim |
| Fee for conversion of documents into electronic format | JPY 2,400 | Plus 800 per sheet |
| Annual fees, years 1-3 (examination requested on or after 1 April 2004) | JPY 4,300 | Plus 300 per claim |
| Annual fees, years 4-6 (examination requested on or after 1 April 2004) | JPY 10,300 | Plus 800 per claim |
| Annual fees, years 7-9 (examination requested on or after 1 April 2004) | JPY 24,800 | Plus 1,900 per claim |
| Annual fees, years 10-25 (examination requested on or after 1 April 2004) | JPY 59,400 | Plus 4,600 per claim |
| Fee for requesting restoration (patent) | JPY 212,100 | |
| Filing fee (utility model) | JPY 14,000 | |
| Fee for technical opinion (utility model) - no ISR established | JPY 42,000 | Plus 1,000 per claim |
| Fee for technical opinion (utility model) - ISR established by the JPO | JPY 8,400 | Plus 200 per claim |
| Fee for technical opinion (utility model) - ISR established by another ISA | JPY 33,600 | Plus 800 per claim |
| Fee for requesting restoration (utility model) | JPY 21,800 |
Fee reductions: Request for examination fee is reduced where an international search report has been established. Fee reductions may apply for certain applicants (individuals, SMEs, micro enterprises, academic institutions and certain other entities); reduced amounts not listed, see JPO fee-reduction leaflet.
National phase entry requirements
Time limit
30 months from the priority date (Articles 22(1) and 39(1)(a)); same for Chapter I and II. If Form No. 53 is filed in the 29th-30th month, the translation may be furnished within two months of that filing.
Translation
Under Article 22: description, claims (as filed, as amended, or both, at applicant's option), any text matter of drawings, and abstract. Under Article 39(1): description, claims, text matter of drawings and abstract, including amendments annexed to the IPER. Amendments under Articles 19 and 34 must be translated (Form 52 or 54) by the national processing deadline.
Late entry and reinstatement
Reinstatement of rights available (unintentional criterion) for failure to furnish the translation or appoint an agent in time: request within two months from when the applicant can act, or 12 months after expiry of the time limit, whichever is earlier. Fee for requesting restoration: 212,100 JPY (patents), 21,800 JPY (utility models). Restoration of the right of priority (Rule 49ter) available under the unintentional criterion.
Agent and power of attorney
Applicants with neither domicile nor residence in Japan must act through a representative resident in Japan (patent attorney, attorney-at-law or other person resident in Japan, or a registered firm). If not appointed within two months of the Office's invitation, the application is deemed withdrawn.
Special requirements of the office
- Name of an officer representing a legal entity, unless represented by a patent attorney
- Appointment of an agent if the applicant is not resident in Japan (within two months of invitation)
- Explanation of changes in applicant name/residence not reflected in the publication or Form PCT/IB/306; document evidencing a change of applicant
- Correct indications of inventors where changed, with reasons and a written oath from all inventors
- Sequence listing in electronic form, where applicable
Other information
- Form No. 53 is the preferred transmittal form; online filing requires prior registration in Japan; paper documents incur an electronic conversion fee
- National fees payable in JPY, usually by patent revenue stamps; overseas applicants pay through a Japan-based representative (4th and later annuities may be paid directly)
- Utility model may be sought; indicate on national phase entry
- Examination must be requested within three years from the international filing date
- Priority document may be furnished within 32 months from the priority date if not filed earlier
- Sequence listings must comply with WIPO Standard ST.26
- Review under Article 25: use Form No. 55
Source: WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide, national chapter, updated 22 September 2026.
What you need to file in Japan
| Document | When |
|---|---|
| National document (entry request) | At entry |
| Japanese translation | Can be filed later |
| Power of attorney | If applicable |
| Assignment, if the applicant changed | If applicable |
A simple signed copy, needed for some later procedures such as withdrawal or appeals.
To record a change of applicant. A simple signed copy.
Decision to grant, then registration fees for the first three years.
Filing requirements in detail
| Extension of the filing deadline | No |
|---|---|
| Late translation allowed | Yes |
| Amendments at entry | Possible |
| Article 19 amendments | Possible |
| Chapter II / Article 34 amendments | Possible |
| PPH fee | 650 |
From national phase entry to grant
- 1Month 30National phase entry
National document and fees filed.
- 2Month 32Japanese translation
Translation filed, if not filed at entry.
- 3Within 3 years of filingExamination request
Request and fee filed.
- 4About 10–14 monthsFirst office action
Notice of reasons for refusal.
- 560 days (+ extension)Response
Amendments and arguments filed.
- 6On allowanceGrant
Registration fees for years 1–3 paid.
- 7Yearly from year 4Annuities
Paid to keep the patent in force.
Patent filing in Japan: questions
What is the deadline for PCT national phase entry in Japan?
30 months from the earliest priority date.
Can I enter the national phase in Japan after the deadline?
Reinstatement of rights available (unintentional criterion) for failure to furnish the translation or appoint an agent in time: request within two months from when the applicant can act, or 12 months after expiry of the time limit, whichever is earlier. Fee for requesting restoration: 212,100 JPY (patents), 21,800 JPY (utility models).
In which language must the application be filed in Japan?
Japanese. Under Article 22: description, claims (as filed, as amended, or both, at applicant's option), any text matter of drawings, and abstract. Under Article 39(1): description, claims, text matter of drawings and abstract, including amendments annexed to the IPER.
Do I need a local patent attorney in Japan?
The PCT applicant or its successor in title. Applicants without a Japanese address must appoint a Japanese patent attorney (benrishi).
Is a power of attorney needed, and must it be legalized?
A simple signed copy, needed for some later procedures such as withdrawal or appeals.
Are there official fee reductions in Japan?
Request for examination fee is reduced where an international search report has been established. Fee reductions may apply for certain applicants (individuals, SMEs, micro enterprises, academic institutions and certain other entities); reduced amounts not listed, see JPO fee-reduction leaflet.
How does examination work in Japan?
Request based. The request must be filed within 3 years of the international filing date.
How long does it take to get a patent in Japan?
Typically 1.5 to 3 years after the examination request. Faster through accelerated examination or the PPH.
Is utility model protection available in Japan?
Utility models available (10-year term), not for methods or chemicals.
How much does patent filing in Japan cost?
The cost is the official fees of the patent office plus professional fees. The standard official fees from WIPO are listed on this page; the calculator works out the exact official fees for your application (pages, claims, applicant type) after a quick email check, and our team sends a full quote on request.
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