JPO-INPI Examiner Exchange Program Held

January 10, 2025

On December 2 to 6, 2024, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the National Institute of Industrial Property of France (INPI) held an ^*Examiner Exchange Program at INPI.

The Examiner Exchange Program between the two Offices started from 2020. This year the JPO dispatched its examiners to the INPI for the first time to have an in-person program in France.

Two JPO examiners and two INPI examiners participated in the program. They discussed their common patent cases in two technical fields of terminal parts and electric device, exchanging information on prior art search methods and systems and operation of examination standards. In addition, officials responsible for policy consultations joined the program from both Offices to introduce and exchange opinions on AI utilization status and examination quality management processes for examination practices. Furthermore, presentations were given on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives, training courses and tools to support SMEs and start-ups. A visit to the Unified Patent Court was also organized. These activities enabled the participants to deepen their mutual understanding of both Offices.

The JPO will continue to cooperate on patent examination with the IP Offices of other countries.

* The Examiner Exchange Program is designed to foster a relationship of trust and deepen mutual understanding between the examiners of the JPO and an overseas IP Office and to promote mutual use of prior art search results and examination results through discussions on each other's prior art search methods and examination practices.
 

Participants from both offices

[Last updated 10 January 2025]