1. Overview

A foreign language patent application is a system that allows applicants to submit a patent specification and claims in a language other than Japanese when filing a patent application in Japan.

There are no restrictions on the foreign language used for drafting the application.

However, a Japanese translation must be submitted within one year and four months from the earliest priority date.

2. Purpose and Benefits of the System

(1) Reducing the burden on foreign applicants

(2) Ensuring the priority period

(3) Allowing the correction of mistranslations

When filing a patent application in a country other than Japan, you can submit the application documents written in English to the Japan Patent Office (JPO) without modification.
Since a Japanese translation is not required immediately, translation costs and the time burden are reduced.

3. Required procedures

(1) Documents to be submitted at the time of filing

・Patent specification, claims, abstract, and drawings (if applicable), written in a foreign language
・Application form written in Japanese 

(2) Submission of a Japanese translation

・A Japanese translation of the specification, claims, abstract, and drawings must be submitted within one year and four months from the earliest priority date.

If the translation is not submitted by the deadline, the application will be considered withdrawn.

Japanese Patent Attorney
Yosuke Katsumi