Japan Patent Office (JPO) Releases On-line Filing Via the Internet

The JPO’s Internet filing system, released in October 2005, permits Western applicants to file patent, trademark and design applications via the Internet.  This system should eventually enable the filing of applications from anywhere in the world, around the clock.  Omori & Yaguchi has adopted this Internet filing system, allowing our firm to better handle urgent cases, even at the “last minute”.

Thus, Omori & Yaguchi can handle such “down to the wire” filings for our USA and European clients, from our Philadelphia Office.  If you have such urgent matters, rather than abandoning such cases, you may want to contact our Philadelphia office and inquire as to how we may assist you.  For further information, please contact us at 1-215-701-6349 or at usmail@omoriyaguchi.com.

Overall, the JPO has been promoting its pioneering “Paperless Project” since 1984, as a means of dealing with the gigantic quantities of data related to applications and technical information.  The resulting Paperless System is designed to computerize operations from filing applications to examination and the distribution of patent information to the public

The JPO started receiving online applications for patents and utility models in December 1990.  In January 2000, it started receiving online applications for designs and trademarks, appeal procedures and the PCT national stage.  Electronic filings of PCT international stage applications began in April 2004.

By 2003, the online filings rates had already reached a high of 97% for patents and utility models.  Also in that year, the electronic filing rate was 93% for design applications, 83% for trademarks, 98% for appeals, and 99% for the PCT national stage.

The new move towards Internet electronic filings further advances the JPO’s aim of utilizing information technology to support its activities.

(Posted February 13, 2006)