The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has decided to revise the Formality Examination Handbook to align with the operational changes that will allow the omission of submitting certificates such as seal certificates and signature certificates, which are currently required for procedures requiring seals or signatures.

Based on the Regulatory Reform Implementation Plan approved by the Cabinet on July 17, 2020, the JPO has been reviewing procedures that require seals. Following the amendments to related laws in December 2020 and June 2021, most procedures no longer require seals or signatures. Furthermore, effective from April 2025, the submission of seal certificates or certificates of official seals will generally be unnecessary, provided that the applicant or agent makes a statement.

For more details, please visit the Japan Patent Office website. *Japanese only

Check here for the revised Formality Examination Handbook *Japanese only