Notice of Reasons for Refusal includes both non-final and final notices. A Notice of Reasons for Refusal in Japan generally corresponds to a non-final Office Action in the United States. A final Office Action in the United States corresponds to a Decision of Refusal in Japan.

 1. Response Period for a Notice of Reasons for Refusal

The response period for a Notice of Reasons for Refusal in Japanese patent applications is as follows:

(a) Two months if the applicant resides in Japan

(b) Three months if the applicant resides outside Japan

 The response period for a Notice of Reasons for Refusal can be extended.

The maximum extendable period is as follows:

(a) Up to two months if the applicant resides in Japan

(b) Up to three months if the applicant resides outside Japan

 No reason is required when requesting an extension. However, the fee payable to the Japan Patent Office varies depending on whether the response is submitted within the initial response period or after it has expired.

 2. Response Period for a Decision of Refusal

The response period for a Decision of Refusal in Japanese patent applications is three months, regardless of whether you reside in Japan or outside Japan.

 The response period for a Decision of Refusal can be extended by one month if you reside outside Japan.

 Japanese Patent Attorney
Yosuke Katsumi