JPO Laws and Guidelines

JPO Examination Guidelines for Patents and Utility Models

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) provides updated examination guidelines and handbooks for patents and utility models. These resources cover general examination procedures, IoT and AI-related technologies, and life sciences, offering guidance for patent applicants and practitioners.

Partial Revision of the Patent Act and Other Acts

The Japan Patent Office announced the promulgation of Act No. 36, a partial revision of the Patent Act and other related acts, on May 14, 2014. The Act introduces changes including expanding the scope of entities eligible for regional collective trademarks and implementing provisions for the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement concerning international industrial design registration.

Partial Revision of the Patent Act and Other Acts

The Japan Patent Office has issued Act No. 3, a partial revision of the Patent Act and other related acts, promulgated on May 17, 2019. This legislative update modifies existing patent laws and procedures.

Partial Revision of the Patent Act and Other Acts

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has issued Act No. 42, a partial revision to the Patent Act and other related acts, promulgated on May 21, 2021. The effective date for most provisions will be set by Cabinet Order within one year of promulgation.

JPO Revises Signature Identification Procedures

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) revised its procedures for confirming the identification of signatures on procedural and proving documents, effective January 1, 2022. The revisions abolish the general requirement for using a seal, except for certain procedures where personal identity verification is maintained through seal registration certificates or equivalent foreign documentation.