Based on the Japan Patent Office (JPO)’s Status Report 2024, this article highlights key statistics regarding patent filings in Japan for the year 2023. The data presented here serves as a valuable reference for foreign applicants and practitioners seeking to understand the current landscape of the Japanese patent system.

1.　Annual Number of Patent Applications

300,133 applications (2023)

Since 2020, the number of patent applications filed in Japan had remained relatively flat. However, in 2023, the number increased by 3.6% compared to the previous year, marking a return to growth.

 2. Annual Number of Requests for Substantive Examination

230,184 requests (2023)

The number of Requests for Substantive Examination has remained stable in recent years.

3. Patent Applications Filed by Foreign Applicants

Approximately 71,000 applications (2023)

This accounts for about 23.7% of all patent applications filed in Japan. Applications from the U.S., Europe, and China continue to make up a significant portion.

4. Allowance Rate (Substantive Examination Stage)

75.9% (2022)

Japan’s allowance rate remains high compared to other major jurisdictions:

United States: 69.1%, European Patent Office (EPO): 59.9%, China: 51.1%

 Allowance Rate = Number of Patents Allowance ÷ (Allowance + Rejected + Withdrawn/Abandoned after Request for Substantive Examination)

5. Average Time to First Office Action (from Request for Examination)

10.0 months (2022)

6. Average Time to Final Disposition (from Request for Examination)

14.7 months (2022)

These statistics are essential for developing an effective patent filing strategy in Japan. For foreign applicants and attorneys, understanding the trends in examination and grant practices can help with realistic expectations regarding timelines and outcomes.

For more detailed statistics and graphical data, please refer to the JPO’s official website:
https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/resources/report/statusreport/2024/index.html

Japanese Patent Attorney
Yosuke Katsumi