By when the Japanese translation should be prepared for the patent application filed in a foreign language?
2 month grace period for filing Japanese translation (non-PCT route):
Application filings in foreign languages (non-PCT route):
1) Under the new rule, it is possible to file patent applications in English or other foreign languages.
2) The legal term for filing a Japanese translation remains 16 months from the priority date. However, under the new rule, even if a Japanese translation is not filed within the legal term, the JPO will notify applicants of the failure to file, and the applicants may file the Japanese translation within a 2 month grace period following the notification (that is, within about 18 months from the priority date in total). Please see the flowchart copied below.
