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Monetize Your Patent Portfolio by Entering Japan

Introduction

For global patent holders, the Japanese market presents a significant opportunity to monetize innovation. As the third-largest economy in the world with a strong manufacturing and tech sector, Japan values well-defined intellectual property. Entering the national phase in Japan through the PCT system can strategically unlock licensing, litigation leverage, and commercialization pathways.

Why Japan Matters

Japan has a robust and transparent patent system, making it an attractive jurisdiction for high-tech industries. Fields such as automotive, semiconductors, biotechnology, and robotics thrive here, backed by strong patent enforcement. Moreover, Japanese companies place a high value on IP-backed technologies when considering joint ventures, M&A, or licensing deals.

National Phase Entry and Monetization

The decision to enter Japan under the PCT is not merely procedural. It can serve as a gateway to revenue generation. Here’s how:

  • Licensing Deals: Japanese firms often seek external innovation, especially in green energy and AI. A pending or granted patent in Japan can facilitate licensing negotiations.
  • Patent Assertion: If competitors are manufacturing or selling infringing products in Japan, you can enforce your rights through the IP High Court, known for its balanced judgment and technical expertise.
  • Asset for Investment: A strong patent portfolio in Japan increases corporate valuation and IP attractiveness during fundraising or exit strategies.

How to Enter Japan’s National Phase

Applicants must enter the national phase within 30 months from the priority date. Required documents include a Japanese translation of the application, power of attorney, and amendments if necessary. See full details at our official PCT-Japan support page.

Origami’s Strategic Filing Support

At Origami International Patent Firm, we combine low-cost filing with sophisticated strategy tailored to monetization goals. We analyze each client’s IP position to advise whether enforcement, licensing, or co-development is optimal post-filing.

FAQs

Q2. Can I license a pending patent?
A2. Yes. Licensing discussions can begin based on pending applications, especially if the claims are clearly defined.

Q3. Is enforcement in Japan strong?
A3. Yes. Japanese courts are known for efficient resolution and detailed technical rulings. Injunctions and damages are available.

Q4. Do Japanese firms seek foreign patents?
A4. Absolutely. Many firms actively monitor overseas filings to identify licensing or acquisition targets.

Contact Information

6-23-4, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo-to 150-0001, Japan
+81-50-6875-3628
info@origamipatentfirm.com
https://origamipatentfirm.com/en/origami-international-patent-firm-assist-pct-or-paris-extension-into-jp/
*We would appreciate it if you could set up the domain for @origamipatentfirm.com, regarding the above your email address. If not, our email might end up in the spam folder.

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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