Japan – Shortened Period For Requesting Examination

Patent application in Japan are examined only if substantial examination has been requested. The period for requesting substantive examination is now shortened from the previous 7 years period to the current 3 years from the filing date of the application. In the case of a PCT application, the international filing date is deemed as the filing date of the application. The rule will be in force for the new applications filed after October 1, 2001.