Can I Use IPRP for Japan PCT National Entry?
Introduction
The International Preliminary Report on Patentability (IPRP) under Chapter II of the PCT can be a valuable tool for applicants considering national phase entry into Japan. While Japan is not a formal member of the PPH-GLOBAL program, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) still allows applicants to reference the IPRP as part of their examination strategy. This article explores how you can utilize the IPRP during the Japanese national phase, and whether it can lead to reduced examination time and increased success.
Understanding IPRP and Its Relevance
The IPRP summarizes the findings of the International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. While not binding, it provides early insight into patentability. In Japan, the JPO considers the IPRP as a persuasive—but not controlling—document. Therefore, a positive IPRP can help applicants expedite examination or justify amendments aligned with favorable findings.
Does Japan Accept IPRP for Fast Track?
Unlike the US or some EPO members, Japan does not offer an official fast-track system solely based on IPRP. However, applicants can submit the IPRP with their national phase documents to highlight claim allowance or international unity. This proactive step may reduce the examiner’s concerns and streamline the path to allowance.
Strategies to Leverage the IPRP in Japan
- File a matching claim set: Align your Japanese claims with those found allowable in the IPRP.
- Submit the IPRP as an informal reference: No formal translation is required, but submitting it in English is recommended.
- Use it in pre-examination amendment: Before requesting examination, you may amend the claims based on favorable IPRP feedback.
Origami’s Advisory Approach
At Origami International Patent Firm, we carefully evaluate your IPRP and Japanese prosecution goals. We help you optimize entry timing, claim scope, and documentation to improve your likelihood of success at the JPO. Our cost-effective filing service makes this process seamless.
Learn more at our official service page: PCT to Japan Support
FAQs
Q1. Can I file an IPRP during Japan national entry?
A1. Yes, the IPRP can be submitted optionally to support your entry and prosecution.
Q2. Does JPO automatically consider the IPRP?
A2. No. You must proactively submit it as part of your filing or later communication.
Q3. Does IPRP replace examination in Japan?
A3. No. The JPO conducts its own examination, but may be influenced by IPRP analysis.
Q4. Is a translation of the IPRP required?
A4. No. English submission is sufficient, although a Japanese summary may help.
Contact Information
FYI: Competitive Fee Schedule
Compared to a typical Japanese patent firm, Origami International Patent Firm offers highly competitive and transparent pricing tailored to overseas applicants.
This means that applicants working with Origami can typically expect 50–70% total cost savings compared to conventional Japanese firms, without compromising on quality, responsiveness, or technical accuracy.
| Item For Patent Application | Typical Firm (Service Fee) | Origami Firm (Service Fee) |
|---|---|---|
|
PCT or Paris Extension into JP or Regular Filing in JP |
100,000 JPY |
All-inclusive price 43,000 JPY (about 300 USD) |
| Filing an amendment based on Art. 19 | 30,000 JPY | |
| Filing an amendment based on Art. 34 | 30,000 JPY | |
| Filing a voluntary amendment | 30,000 JPY | |
| Claiming priority to one or more prior applications | 10,000- JPY | |
| Filing a request for examination | 20,000 JPY |
15,000 JPY (about 100 USD) |
| PPH (excluding a request for examination) | 80,000 JPY |
60,000 JPY (about 400 USD) |
| Filing a priority certificate in the absense of DAS code (*1) | 20,000 JPY |
15,000 JPY (about 100 USD) |
| Translation of each procedural document (*2) | 40 JPY/EN Word | 30 JPY/EN Word |
| Response to an Office action (*3) | 200,000 or more JPY |
Workload A: 40,000 JPY (*4) Workload B: 80,000 JPY (*4) Workload C: 120,000 JPY (*4) Workload D: 160,000 JPY (*4) Workload E: 180,000- JPY (*4) |
| Filing a Divisional Application | 80,000 JPY |
60,000 JPY (about 400 USD) |
| Reporting a notice of allowance and paying the registration fee (1st to 3rd year in lump sum as registration fee) | 50,000 JPY |
28,000 JPY (about 180 USD) |
| Payment of annuity | 30,000 JPY |
15,000 JPY (about 100 USD) |
*1. Regarding "Filing a priority certificate in the absence of DAS code", the certificate and DAS code are issued by the Patent Office after a precedent application was filed. Furthermore, one of them is required only when you claim a priority based on the precedent application in Japan. In other words, they are not required if there is no precedent application.
*2. Regarding "Translation of each procedural document", we will charge a translation fee regarding specifications including a description, claims, abstract, and drawings which are needed to file with the JPO. Regarding an office action, we will charge the translation fee thereof if you request us to translate it from Japanese to English for studying it on your side. In other words, we do not charge when you prefer not to translate the office action.
*3. Response to an office action issued by the JPO, an amendment and argument are prepared for responding to it and for arguing that the concerned application should be registered. Please note that the office action is not necessarily issued, it is issued only when there is the reason for rejection regarding a registration of a Patent/Design/Trademark application, the reason being Novelty, Inventive Step, and the like. In other words, we do not charge when there is no office action or when you prefer not to respond to the issued office action.
*4. Regarding our service fee for responding to the office action, it is specified based on from "Workload A" to "Workload E". These workloads depend on degree of difficulty for overcoming the reason for rejection and/or the number of the reasons described therein.
The "Workload A" is, for example, a task of deleting a part of claims;
The "Workload B" is, for example, a task of preparing a comment for overcoming the office action;
The "Workload C" is, for example, a task of preparing and filing a response to the office action;
The "Workload D" is, for example, a task of preparing a comment for overcoming the office action and filing a response thereto; and
The "Workload E" is, for example, an additional or extra task in addition to the "Workload D".
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