1840.06 The Japan Patent Office (JPO) as an International Searching Authority [R-10.2019]

Since July 1, 2015, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) has been available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for PCT applications filed by U.S. nationals or residents in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as receiving Office or in the International Bureau (IB) as receiving Office. The original announcement appeared in the Official Gazette at 1417 OG 63 on August 4, 2015. An announcement modifying the arrangement with the JPO appeared in theOfficial Gazette at 1454 OG 51 on September 4, 2018.

For any limitations or restrictions with the JPO as an ISA, please refer to the PCT Information section of the Official Gazette found on the USPTO’s website (www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ official-gazette).

For additional information, e.g., subject matter limitations, additional search fees, cited documents, etc., please refer to Annex D of the PCT Applicant’s Guide found on WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/pct/en/guide/index.html).