Facts & Basics
Timely Examination Results
- Upon request, the JPO conducts accelerated examinations for patent, design and trademark applications that meet certain requirements.
- As for patent applications, super accelerated examination is also available.
- The accelerated examination system allows you to acquire IP rights timely in line with your business operation schedules and global business expansion strategies.
Designs: Features and Advantages
- The JPO is one of the leading IP offices that fully conduct substantive examinations on design applications, providing stable design rights with a reasonable examination period. Average FA pendency is about 6 months in 2023.
- Since 2015, when Japan joined the Hague Agreement, the number of design applications filed with the JPO from abroad has been on the rise and doubled in the past 9 years. So has the number of non-resident applicants.
- A growing number of imported goods are seized at customs due to design right infringement. Design right holders, including overseas companies, are actively utilizing their rights in Japan.
- The Design Act has been fundamentally revised in 2019. For an overview of the revised Design Act, refer to the following.
Trademark
- Non-Traditional Trademarks are the subject of protection.
- The applicant who filed the application first will be entitled to register a trademark.
- Examiners conduct examination of absolute and relative grounds for refusal.
- An exclusive right to a trademark is granted after the mark is registered.
(JCN 2000012090003)