Timeline of PCT to Japan National Phase Entry

This guide walks you through the full chronological process of entering the Japanese national phase from a PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application. Japan adheres to strict procedural deadlines, and understanding each time-based step is critical for preserving your rights and maximizing your chances of obtaining a patent.

Stage 1: Priority Date (Month 0)

This marks the beginning of your international patent journey.

• What it is: The filing date of your first application in your home country (e.g., US, EP, CN).
• Why it matters: All future deadlines (PCT, national entry, etc.) are calculated from this date.

Stage 2: File PCT Application (Within 12 Months)

• Deadline: Must be filed within 12 months of the priority date to claim priority.
• Effect: Reserves your rights in 150+ PCT member states, including Japan.
• Benefit: Defers local filings (including Japan) up to 30 months from the priority date.

Stage 3: PCT Publication & Search (By Month 18)

• International Search Report (ISR): Usually issued around Month 16–17. Lists relevant prior art.
• Written Opinion: Provides a preliminary assessment of patentability.
• Publication: At Month 18, WIPO publishes your application (with any Article 19 amendments).

Stage 4: Optional Amendments Before National Entry

• Article 19 Amendment: Optional claim amendment submitted to WIPO before publication (around Month 16–18).
• Chapter II / Article 34 Amendment: If deeper examination is needed, file a Demand by Month 22 for a second opinion (IPRP Chapter II).

Stage 5: Entering the Japanese National Phase (By Month 30)

This is the most critical deadline in the timeline.

• Deadline: National phase entry into Japan must be completed by 30 months from the priority date.
• No standard extensions: Late entry is only possible through a petition for reinstatement under limited circumstances (unintentional delay).
• Required at Entry:
  • National entry request (Form 53)
  • Japanese translation of the full specification (description, claims, abstract, drawings)
  • Power of Attorney is not required at the time of national entry if the initial appointed representative files the entry. A POA is, for example, required in the event of a change of representation thereafter.
  • Optional claim amendments to align with JPO practice
• Translation flexibility: If national entry is filed on time, the Japanese translation can be submitted within 2 months from the filing date of entry.
• Translation requirements: Translations must be filed by a qualified Japanese patent attorney under Article 8 of the Patent Act. The applicant cannot submit translations directly.

Stage 6: Request for Examination (By Month 36)

• Deadline: Must be filed within 3 years from the international filing date (not the priority date).
• Deferred option: Strategic deferral allows time for licensing, market validation, or budget planning before incurring examination fees.

Stage 7: JPO Examination & Office Actions

• Examination begins: Once the request is filed, the JPO examines novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
• Office Actions: If objections arise, responses and amendments must be submitted within 60 days (extensions possible upon request).
• Common practice: Amendments may be necessary to meet Japanese patentability standards.

Origami’s All-Inclusive Support

At Origami International Patent Firm, we help applicants navigate each step of this timeline efficiently and cost-effectively. Our services include:

• Flat-fee national entry: JPY 43,000 (approx. USD 300), covering JPO filing, agent representation, and initial correspondence
• Professional translation: JPY 30 per English word, performed by experienced patent translators and verified by Japanese patent attorneys
• 48-hour turnaround: Rapid and clear communication by a bilingual team
• Post-entry support: Claim amendments, divisional filings, Office Action responses, and strategy consulting

Compared to traditional firms charging USD 600–1,200 for filing alone, Origami provides up to 70% cost savings without compromising quality or compliance.

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