1. Time limit (period for filing national form paper)

The time limit for having your PCT international application entered into the national phase in Japan is 30 months from the priority date.

2. Procedures

(1) Filing national form paper

(2) Payment of official fees

(3) Filing of Japanese translation

In principle, Japanese translations of the specification, claims, abstract, and drawings of the international application must be submitted within the period for filing national form paper (30 months). However, if a national form paper is filed between the second month before the expiration of the period for filing national form paper and the date of expiration, a Japanese translation can be filed within two months from the date of filing the national form paper. In other words, a Japanese translation can be filed up to two months after the expiration date of the period for filing national form paper. If a Japanese translation is not filed within these periods, the application will be considered withdrawn.

3. Other procedures

(1) Request for examination of application

After filing the national form paper and Japanese translation and paying the official fee, a request for examination of the application must be filed within three years from the international filing date. If the request is not filed within the period, the application will be considered withdrawn.

 (2) Filing Japanese translations of amendments under PCT Articles 19 and 34.

Japanese Patent Attorney
Yosuke Katsumi