Paris Convention Filing & Translation
Direct Japanese patent applications claiming priority, with Japanese-language or English-language filing and coordinated translation.
Patents
Patent Protection in Japan
Practical support for overseas counsel, from Paris Convention filing and PCT national phase entry through prosecution and post-grant matters.
Supporting overseas professionals
Clear Instructions. Practical Recommendations.
We work with overseas IP firms and international companies to provide coordinated support in Japan. We clarify the requested scope, explain the available options, and keep you informed in English throughout each matter.
Our patents services
How We Can Assist
PCT National Phase Entry
Review of PCT documents, national phase instructions, translation requirements, and subsequent prosecution.
Office Action Responses
Analysis of the cited prior art and examiner’s objections, with practical recommendations for arguments and amendments.
Appeals
Preparation and handling of appeals against examiner’s decisions in coordination with overseas counsel.
Oppositions & Invalidations
Assistance with opposition and invalidation proceedings, including technical and prior art analysis.
Utility Models
Preparation and filing of utility model applications and assistance with related procedures.
For overseas patent counsel
Direct Patent Filing in Japan — Paris Convention Priority
Planning a Japanese patent application based on your first filing abroad? Send us the priority details and application documents. We will confirm the filing route, Japanese translation schedule, and itemized JPY estimate.
We handle direct Japanese patent applications claiming Paris Convention priority, including applications filed in Japanese and English-language applications followed by a Japanese translation. If you already have a PCT application, please see our PCT national phase entry service.
Documents & Priority Details
- Country or office, application number, and filing date for every priority application
- Complete description, claims, abstract, and drawings for the Japanese application; editable files where available
- Copies of the priority applications and details of any differences from the proposed Japanese filing
- Applicant and inventor names and addresses; details of any assignment or change of applicant
- Certified priority documents, or DAS access codes where electronic retrieval by the JPO is available
- Any existing Japanese translation, preferred terminology, and related search or examination reports
We confirm the priority-document arrangements and any further documents or authorizations needed for your application.
Information for Your Estimate
- Earliest priority date, intended Japanese filing date, and your instruction deadline
- Source language, approximate English word count, number of claims, and drawings containing text
- Whether a Japanese translation is available or should be arranged by us
- Preferred translation method: AI-assisted or human translation, both checked by a Japanese patent attorney
- Any proposed claim amendments, additional drafting, or drawing work
- Whether examination, accelerated examination, or PPH should be requested; reporting and billing requirements
We separate filing, translation or translation review, translation submission where applicable, additional drafting, examination, JPO official fees, and applicable tax or payment charges in the quotation.
Choose the Filing & Translation Route
File in Japanese
The Japanese description, claims, abstract, and drawings are prepared before filing. This route is suitable when a complete Japanese translation can be reviewed and finalized in time for the priority deadline.
The standard filing professional fee is JPY 80,000 and the JPO filing fee is JPY 14,000. Translation is charged separately.
File in English, Then Submit Japanese Translations
The Japanese application is filed with English-language documents, followed by the required Japanese translations. We confirm document completeness, translation timing, and the additional cost before proceeding.
The standard filing professional fee is JPY 80,000 and the JPO filing fee is JPY 22,000. Later translation submission carries a JPY 40,000 professional fee, in addition to the translation charge.
The Japanese filing must still be made within the applicable priority period. The later translation deadline does not extend that filing deadline.
From Instructions to Filing Report
Confirm Priority & Documents
We review the priority details, applicant information, document versions, and intended Japanese filing date.
Agree the Route & Estimate
We confirm the filing language, translation method, terminology, review scope, and itemized costs.
Review & File
We resolve filing queries, submit the agreed application with its priority claim, and arrange the priority documents and any later translation submission.
Report & Docket
We provide an English filing report and electronic filing copies, docket outstanding deadlines, and request examination when instructed.
Paris Convention Filing Fees
| Service | Professional fee | JPO official fee / conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Direct patent filing in Japanese | 80,000 | 14,000. Translation, substantive drafting, amendments, examination, and subsequent prosecution are separate. |
| Direct patent filing in English | 80,000 | 22,000. Japanese translation and its later submission are separate. |
| Submission of Japanese translations after English-language filing | 40,000 | No official fee. This is a submission handling fee; preparation of the translation is charged separately. |
| Claiming priority with the application | No additional fee | No official fee. We confirm any additional document procurement or exceptional work in the quotation. |
| AI-assisted English-to-Japanese translation, checked by a Japanese patent attorney | 20 per English word | AI-generated Japanese translation checked by a Japanese patent attorney. |
| Human English-to-Japanese translation, checked by a Japanese patent attorney | 30 per English word | Translation prepared by a human translator and checked by a Japanese patent attorney. |
| Request for substantive examination | 10,000 | Ordinary JPO fee: 138,000 + 4,000 per claim. For 10 claims: 178,000, before any applicable reduction. |
We confirm the word count, source files, translation or supplied-translation review scope, and delivery schedule before starting. New drafting, substantive amendments, drawing preparation or translation, and urgent or exceptional work are separately identified where applicable.
Illustrative Filing & Translation Costs: 5,000 English Words
| Item | File in Japanese | File in English, then submit Japanese translations |
|---|---|---|
| Filing professional fee | 80,000 | 80,000 |
| JPO filing fee | 14,000 | 22,000 |
| Later translation submission professional fee | — | 40,000 |
| AI-assisted translation: 5,000 × 20 | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| Filing & translation total — AI-assisted translation | 194,000 | 242,000 |
| Alternative translation charge — human translation: 5,000 × 30 | 150,000 | 150,000 |
| Filing & translation total — human translation | 244,000 | 292,000 |
The human-translation totals replace the AI-assisted translation charge; the two translation charges are alternatives. For the English-language route, the total includes the later Japanese translation and its submission, although those steps take place after filing.
These examples exclude examination, substantive drafting or amendments, additional drawing work, office action responses, registration, annual patent fees, and payment charges. Professional fees exclude applicable tax. The examples assume the professional services qualify for Japanese consumption-tax exemption for overseas clients; we confirm the applicable tax treatment for each engagement.
For a 10-claim direct application, an ordinary examination request adds JPY 188,000: our professional fee of JPY 10,000 plus the JPO fee of JPY 178,000. Eligible foreign applicants may qualify for JPO fee reductions. We charge no additional professional fee for eligibility confirmation or the reduction procedure.
Key Deadlines & Official Guidance
- Priority period: a Japanese patent application claiming Paris Convention priority must ordinarily be filed within 12 months of the first filing supporting the claimed priority. We check the priority dates and claim scope for your application.
- Foreign-language filing translation: for an ordinary direct foreign-language application claiming priority, Japanese translations are generally due within 16 months of the earliest priority date. Without a priority claim, the period runs from the Japanese filing date.
- Examination: a request for examination must be filed within three years of the Japanese filing date for a direct application. This period runs from the Japanese filing date, rather than the foreign priority date.
- Priority documents: we confirm whether certified documents must be submitted or electronic retrieval through DAS or another available arrangement can be used, together with the applicable formalities and deadline.
Please send instructions early enough for document review, translation, and filing. We calculate the actual deadlines for each application and confirm any application-specific requirements.
Official information checked: October 4, 2026.
For overseas patent counsel
PCT National Phase Entry in Japan
Send us your PCT publication number, deadline, and translation requirements. We will confirm the documents, Japanese translation plan, and estimated costs for entry into Japan.
Check JPO Fee Reduction Options
Documents for Filing
- PCT application and publication numbers, international filing date, and earliest priority date
- Published application and complete description, claims, abstract, and drawings; editable source files where available
- Any Article 19 or Article 34 amendments, including replacement pages and identification of the version to be used
- Applicant and inventor names and addresses; details of any changes recorded during the international phase
- International search report, written opinion, and international preliminary report on patentability, where available
- Existing Japanese translation, preferred technical terminology, and any related Japanese application or family prosecution information
We confirm any further documents or authorizations needed for the particular application.
Information for Your Estimate
- PCT publication number or complete application documents
- Source language, approximate word count, number of claims, and drawings containing text
- Whether we should arrange AI-assisted or human translation, or review a Japanese translation supplied by you
- Amended claim sets and any proposed amendment for the Japanese application
- Whether examination should be requested at entry, and whether accelerated examination or PPH is requested
- Earliest priority date, intended filing date, reporting requirements, and billing details
Our JPY estimate separates national phase filing, translation or translation review, any amendment work, examination-related work, JPO official fees, and applicable tax or payment charges.
Japanese Translation & Filing Workflow
Confirm the File & Dates
We identify the documents and amendments, check the priority and international filing dates, and confirm the applicable deadlines and instructions.
Agree the Translation Plan
We arrange Japanese translation or agree the review scope for your translation. We confirm technical terminology, drawing text, the document version, cost, and delivery schedule.
Review & File
We review the filing materials and any instructed amendments, resolve necessary queries with you, and submit the agreed national phase documents and translations.
Report & Plan Examination
We provide an English filing report and electronic filing copies, docket the examination deadline, and request examination when instructed.
PCT National Phase Entry Fees
Our standard professional fees are stated in Japanese yen. English-to-Japanese translation checked by a Japanese patent attorney is available from JPY 20 per English word. Choose AI-assisted translation or translation prepared by a human translator; both include a Japanese patent attorney’s check.
We confirm your preferred translation method, source documents, amendments, word count, review scope, delivery schedule, and estimated cost before starting. Any drawing preparation or additional substantive drafting is separately identified in the quotation.
| Service | Professional fee | JPO official fee / conditions |
|---|---|---|
| PCT national phase entry for one patent application | 80,000 | 14,000 national fee. Translation, translation review, voluntary amendments, examination requests, and subsequent prosecution are separate. |
| AI-assisted English-to-Japanese translation, checked by a Japanese patent attorney | 20 per English word | No official fee. AI-generated Japanese translation checked by a Japanese patent attorney. |
| Human English-to-Japanese translation, checked by a Japanese patent attorney | 30 per English word | No official fee. Translation prepared by a human translator and checked by a Japanese patent attorney. |
| Review of a supplied Japanese translation | Quotation on request | Scope depends on the source language, document length, technical complexity, and extent of review required. |
| Priority claim | No additional professional fee | No official fee for the claim itself. Document procurement, translation, and special corrective procedures, if required, are quoted separately. |
| Request for substantive examination | 10,000 | Official fee depends on the number of claims and the international search report; see the table below. |
| Request for accelerated examination / PPH | 60,000 | No official fee for the request. Subject to eligibility; any additional translation, evidence, or amendment work is separately identified in the estimate. |
| Voluntary amendment | 20,000–60,000 | No official fee. Scope and estimate confirmed in advance; hourly rate JPY 40,000. |
Filing fee coverage: Review of complete filing instructions and bibliographic information, preparation and electronic submission of the agreed national phase entry documents, an English filing report, and electronic copies of the filed documents. Preparation or review of a Japanese translation and substantive claim drafting are separate work.
Official Examination Fees
| International search report | Official fee formula | Example: 10 claims |
|---|---|---|
| Established by the JPO | 83,000 + 2,400 per claim | 107,000 |
| Established by an ISA other than the JPO | 124,000 + 3,600 per claim | 160,000 |
| No international search report established | 138,000 + 4,000 per claim | 178,000 |
The examination-request professional fee of JPY 10,000 is additional to these official fees. Each formula uses the total number of claims, including the first claim. We confirm the applicable filing date, search report, claim count, and any available fee reduction for the particular application.
Illustrative Estimates: Two Translation Options
These examples assume a PCT application filed on or after April 1, 2019, a complete 5,000-word English translation scope, 10 claims at examination request, and an international search report established by an ISA other than the JPO. No official-fee reduction is assumed.
| Item | AI-assisted translation | Human translation |
|---|---|---|
| National phase entry — professional fee | 80,000 | 80,000 |
| Translation and patent attorney checking — 5,000 English words | 100,000 (5,000 × 20) | 150,000 (5,000 × 30) |
| National phase entry — JPO official fee | 14,000 | 14,000 |
| Subtotal: entry and translation | 194,000 | 244,000 |
| Examination request — professional fee | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Examination request — JPO official fee, 10 claims | 160,000 | 160,000 |
| Total including examination request | 364,000 | 414,000 |
Illustrations, not fixed packages: Both translation options include checking by a Japanese patent attorney. These totals exclude voluntary amendments, drawing preparation, accelerated examination / PPH, office action work, registration and annuities, applicable tax, and agreed bank or courier charges. They assume that the export exemption from Japanese consumption tax applies. The quotation confirms the selected method, translation scope, and actual cost. Examination is requested only on your instructions.
Currency and tax: JPY is our base currency. Professional fees exclude any applicable tax. Qualifying services supplied to overseas clients are exempt from Japanese consumption tax; where the exemption does not apply, tax is stated in the quotation. USD quotations are available on request, with the exchange rate, validity period, payment currency, and charges specified.
Fee basis: Professional fees follow our schedule effective January 1, 2026. Previously agreed fees continue to apply to accepted matters. JPO official fees are charged at the rates applicable when payment is made.
JPO fees checked: . JPO official fee schedule.
JPO Fee Reductions for Eligible Overseas Applicants
Overseas companies may qualify for reductions in Japanese official patent fees. Foreign applicants are eligible when they meet the applicable JPO requirements; eligibility is assessed under Japan’s rules. Small-entity status in another country does not by itself establish eligibility in Japan.
| Applicant category | Examination request fee | Patent fees for years 1–10 |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) | Pay 1/2 of the ordinary fee | Pay 1/2 of the ordinary fee |
| Eligible SME startups under the JPO requirements | Pay 1/3 of the ordinary fee | Pay 1/3 of the ordinary fee |
Other categories, including qualifying small-scale enterprises, may also be eligible. The applicable category, ownership conditions, and any co-applicants must be confirmed for each case.
Scope: These reductions concern the JPO examination request fee and patent fees for years 1–10. They do not reduce the national phase entry fee, our professional fees, or translation charges. The scheme described here applies to applications for which examination is requested on or after April 1, 2019.
Example: JPY 80,000 Saved on the Examination Request Fee
Using the 5,000-word, 10-claim PCT examples above, with an international search report established by an ISA other than the JPO, the examination request fee would fall from JPY 160,000 to JPY 80,000 if the applicant qualifies for the 1/2 reduction and holds the entire interest in the application.
| Item | AI-assisted translation | Human translation |
|---|---|---|
| Entry and translation subtotal | 194,000 | 244,000 |
| Examination request — professional fee | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Examination request — reduced JPO fee | 80,000 | 80,000 |
| Illustrative total with the reduction | 284,000 | 334,000 |
| Total without a reduction | 364,000 | 414,000 |
| Official fee saving | 80,000 | 80,000 |
These conditional examples have the same scope, exclusions, and tax assumptions as the examples above; they are not the total cost through grant. We charge no additional professional fee for assessing eligibility or handling the fee-reduction procedure. Eligibility must be confirmed before relying on a reduced fee. For joint applications, the payable amount depends on each applicant’s eligibility and share.
Information to Check Eligibility
Please send us the following information about the applicant, together with the PCT or Japanese application number if available:
- Country of incorporation, main business activities, and industry
- Capital or total investment, its currency, and the number of regularly employed staff
- Date of incorporation or commencement of business
- Shareholders or investors and their ownership percentages, including any corporate owners
- Any co-applicants and their respective shares
- Where applicable, the number of Japanese applications already receiving an examination fee reduction in the current Japanese fiscal year
We review the applicable category and confirm the information needed for the reduction procedure. The quotation will identify the official fees after any confirmed reduction. Eligibility assessment and handling of the fee-reduction procedure are included at no additional professional charge; our ordinary filing, examination request, and other service fees remain as stated in the fee tables.
Examination fee cap: Certain categories are subject to a limit of 180 applications per applicant in each Japanese fiscal year (April 1–March 31) for reduced examination request fees. Some categories, including qualifying startups, are outside this cap. This is a limit on examination fee reductions, not on patent fee reductions for years 1–10.
In your inquiry, please mention “JPO Fee Reduction” and provide the applicant information above.
JPO information checked: .
- JPO: Official fee reduction scheme (Japanese)
- JPO: SME requirements and eligibility of foreign companies (Japanese)
- JPO: SME startup requirements (Japanese)
- JPO: Small-scale enterprise requirements (Japanese)
- JPO: Procedure and joint-applicant questions (Japanese)
- JPO: Examination fee reduction cap effective April 1, 2024 (Japanese)
Key PCT Deadlines in Japan
| Procedure | General rule |
|---|---|
| National phase entry | Normally within 30 months from the priority date. |
| Japanese translation | For a non-Japanese application, normally due within the same 30-month period. Translation covers the description, claims, abstract, and text in drawings. |
| Special translation period | If Form No. 53 is filed during the final two months of the 30-month period, the translation may be submitted within two months from that filing. This does not extend the deadline for filing the national documents. |
| Request for examination | Normally within three years from the international filing date, rather than the priority or Japanese entry date. National phase entry alone does not request examination. |
We confirm the applicable dates and treatment of amendments for each application. Please provide the complete materials in time for translation and review; the special translation period should be planned and confirmed for the particular filing.
JPO information checked: .
- JPO: How to advance PCT international applications into the national phase in Japan
- JPO: Procedures and the request-for-examination deadline
For your inquiry, please specify “PCT National Phase Entry” and include the PCT number, earliest priority date, and translation requirements.
Japanese patent prosecution
Japanese Patent Office Action Responses
A practical assessment of the cited references, proposed arguments and claim amendments, and an English report to support your decision on the response.
Materials to Send
- Japanese application number and the complete JPO notice, including its mailing date and specified response period
- Cited references and any available translations
- Current Japanese claims, description, and drawings, together with the original-language application
- Previous office actions, responses, amendments, and any extension requests
- Relevant family prosecution, allowed claims, preferred claim scope, and technical explanations
- Your reference, desired reporting date, and instructions for taking over representation where relevant
English Analysis & Recommendations
- A summary of the examiner’s objections and affected claims
- Analysis of the cited passages and comparison with the claimed features
- Recommended arguments and alternative response approaches where appropriate
- Proposed claim amendments in English, identifying their basis in the application and the effect on claim scope
- Points requiring your technical input, additional evidence, or a decision on scope
- The confirmed deadline, extension options where applicable, and a combined estimate for the instructed analysis and response
A full translation of the notice or cited references can be quoted separately from the English analytical report.
From Citation Analysis to Filing
Review the Notice & References
We confirm the deadline and prosecution stage, analyze the examiner’s reasoning, and compare the relevant claims with the cited disclosures.
Propose Arguments & Amendments
We assess possible distinctions, amendment support, and effects on claim scope, taking account of your commercial priorities and family prosecution.
Report in English & Obtain Instructions
We send the English analysis, proposed claim language, and estimated response costs. We discuss alternatives and obtain your approval of the response approach.
Prepare, File & Report
We prepare the Japanese arguments and amendment documents, file the approved response, and provide an English completion report with electronic filing copies.
Patent Office Action Fees
We provide one combined estimate for the instructed analysis and response before substantive work begins. The estimate identifies translation, examiner interviews, and other additional work separately.
| Service | Professional fee | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Forwarding a JPO office action without comments | No additional fee for matters we handle | Forwarding the notice without substantive analysis or a full translation. Taking over an existing application is quoted separately. |
| Analysis and English report with comments | 60,000 | Review of the objections and cited references, an English assessment, and recommendations for arguments or amendments within the agreed scope. |
| Preparing and filing a response | 20,000–60,000 | Preparation and filing of the instructed Japanese arguments and/or amendments, with a completion report. Analysis is separate. |
| Combined analysis and response | 80,000–120,000 | Indicative combined professional fee when both services above are instructed for one office action; confirmed in a matter-specific estimate. |
| Examiner interview | 20,000–100,000 | Scope and estimated cost agreed in advance. |
| Full translations, additional evidence, appeals & special procedures | Quotation on request | Separate from the standard English analytical report and response work. |
Scope and cost confirmation: Variable-fee work is estimated using our hourly rate of JPY 40,000. The combined range is an estimate for the stated services, rather than a fixed cap covering all work on the application. We confirm any expanded scope and revised estimate before additional work. Subsequent office actions are separate matters.
There is no JPO official fee for an ordinary written response or amendment. Extensions, appeals, and other fee-bearing procedures are separately itemized if needed. The figures above exclude applicable tax and agreed out-of-pocket expenses. The currency and tax conditions stated in the PCT fee section also apply.
JPO fees checked: . JPO official fee schedule.
Response Deadlines & Amendment Requirements
- Initial response period: For an overseas applicant, the ordinary examination-stage period for responding to a notice of reasons for refusal is generally three months from its mailing date. We confirm the specified period in the actual notice and any extension history.
- Extensions: Extensions may be available on request under JPO rules; they are not automatic. The procedure and available period depend on the stage and timing of the request. Notices issued during appeal or pre-appeal re-examination have different extension rules.
- Amendments: Amendments must meet Japanese requirements, including the prohibition on adding new matter. Further restrictions apply to claim amendments in response to a final notice of reasons for refusal. We identify the supporting disclosure and check the applicable restrictions before recommending amendments.
These response-period explanations concern notices of reasons for refusal. A decision of refusal requires a separate assessment of appeal procedures and deadlines. Please send the actual JPO document so we can identify the required action.
JPO information checked: .
- JPO: Formality Examination Handbook, section 04.10 — time limits (Japanese PDF)
- JPO: Extension of response periods during examination
- JPO: Response-period extensions after an appeal is filed (Japanese)
- JPO: Examination Guidelines, Part IV, Chapter 1 — amendment requirements (Japanese)
For your inquiry, please specify “Patent Office Action Response” and include the application number, notice, and response deadline. We confirm the scope and combined estimated costs before starting substantive work.
Our process
From Instruction to Completion
Instructions & Review
We review your instructions, relevant documents, objectives, and deadlines.
Scope & Confirmation
We confirm the requested work, costs, required information, and proposed approach.
Action in Japan
We prepare filings, coordinate translations, and handle the agreed procedures.
Reporting & Follow-up
We report developments in English and coordinate decisions and next steps.
Getting started
Information to Include With Your Instructions
- Requested filing route and scope of work
- Applicant and inventor details
- Application documents and relevant drawings
- Priority or PCT details, where applicable
- Exact deadline and time zone
- Your reference number and reporting instructions
For an initial inquiry, please provide a non-confidential outline. Send confidential materials only after we have confirmed that we can accept the matter.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you assist with PCT national phase entry?
Yes. Our PCT national phase entry section explains the required documents, translation arrangements, quotation information, and principal deadlines.
Can you propose responses to JPO office actions?
Yes. Our patent office action section explains how we analyze citations, propose amendments, report in English, and prepare the approved Japanese response.
Do you handle a broad range of technologies?
Our experience includes mechanical engineering, automotive technology, semiconductor equipment, advanced materials, industrial automation, imaging, medical devices, and business-related inventions.
How are costs and deadlines confirmed?
Send the relevant documents, requested scope, and exact deadline. We will review the matter and confirm the necessary work, timing, and estimated costs.
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Discuss Your Patent Matter in Japan
Send us a brief outline of your matter, the assistance required, and any relevant deadline.