Handbook for PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination in the Japan Patent Office

When any ambiguity in terms of interpretation is found in the provisional translation, the Japanese text shall prevail. The link to the provisional translation of the Handbook is provided below.

Handbook for PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination in the Japan Patent Office (PDF:13,932KB)

1. What’s “Handbook for PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination in the Japan Patent Office”?

The procedures for international applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system are governed internationally by the PCT (Treaty), PCT Administrative Instructions, PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines, and others.

In Japan, to define procedures between the JPO and applicants, the “Act on International Applicants under the PCT,” the “Enforcement Order,” and the “Enforcement Regulations” have been enacted.

Clarifying the operational procedures, criteria, and other related matters in the International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority will promote the effective and seamless operation of the examination conducted by the JPO in its role as an International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority, while also enhancing the transparency and predictability of these procedures.

In this regard, the “Handbook for PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination in the Japan Patent Office” (hereinafter referred to as the “PCT Handbook”) provides a comprehensive overview of the JPO's operational procedures and criteria in this capacity, citing the relevant provisions of the applicable treaty, laws, and other relevant regulations.

2. Revision history

Date	Brief description of revision
January 2026	Editorial and minor changes were made due to the revision of the “PCT Regulations” and “PCT Administrative Instructions” on minimum documentation and prior art, as well as the “PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines.” Some errors were also corrected.
May 2025	Appendix B was updated to align with WIPO Standards ST.14
March 2025	Editorial and minor changes were made due to the start to act as a competent ISA for Uruguay.
July 2024	More references to the “PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines” were added.
January 2024	Forms were updated, such as the International Search Report (due to revision of the forms to correspond to the new WIPO Standards ST.26 for sequence listing.)
July 2022	Editorial and minor changes were made due to revision of “PCT Regulations” and “PCT Administrative Instructions” concerning nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence listing
June 2022	Editorial and minor changes were made due to the start to act as a competent ISA and IPEA for Saudi Arabia, and some errors were corrected.
April 2022	Editorial and minor changes were made due to clarification for Exclusions from Search/Examination
July 2021	Editorial and minor changes were made due to the start to act as a competent ISA and IPEA for India.
December 2020	Editorial and minor changes were made due to changes in the method of interview, etc.
July 2020	Editorial and minor changes were made due to revision of “PCT Regulations”　and “PCT Administrative Instructions”.
October 2018	Editorial and minor changes were made due to revision of “PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines”, etc.
April 2018	Some errors were corrected.
August 2017	The description about the note on informal communication (ISA/207 and IPEA/428) was updated due to the clarification of handling a power of attorney. The description about the notification on informal communication (IPEA/427 and IPEA/429) was updated due to the clarification of determination of the deadline for submittal of amendments and the period of extension of time limit.
January 2017	Appendix B.2 “Non-Patent Literature” was updated due to a revision of WIPO Standards ST.14. §5.1 “Use of the Results of Earlier Search (Additional Form 2)” was updated due to a modification of Additional Form 2. Editorial and minor changes were made due to modifications of other Forms, etc.
April 2016	Amounts of additional fees and competences of Offices/Authorities were updated.
January 2016	Forms were updated, such as the International Search Report; references to the “PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines” were revised; and errors were corrected.
October 2015	First edition was released.

[Last updated 24 February 2026]

Contact Us

Examination Standards Office, Administrative Affairs Division, Japan Patent Office E-mail : PA2A10@jpo.go.jp