Trends in Japanese patent applications – JPO Annual Report 2023

1) Trends in numbers of Japanese patent applications

The number of Japanese patent applications filed with the JPO surpassed 300,000 till 2019, but it fell below 300,000 (288,472) in 2020 first time in the past decade. However, the number of applications is gradually increasing from 2020 to 2022.

In 2022, 289,530 patent applications were filed in Japan in total, and among that, 216,638 were domestic patent applications and 75,892 were Japanese national phase applications based on PCT international applications.

2) Trends in numbers of PCT national phase applications

The number of Japanese national phase applications based on PCT international applications (such applications are mostly filed by overseas applicants) is consistently on the rise and reached a record high in 2022.

Meanwhile, the number of PCT international applications filed with the JPO as the receiving office (such applications are mostly filed by Japanese applicants) is slightly decreasing from 2019. 

3) Examination Speed in Japan

The JPO continues to make great efforts to accelerate patent examination procedures, and in 2022, they achieved the following average pendency from the filing of requests for examination:

1. 10.1 months until First Action; and
2. 15.2 months until Final Action.

We believe that the examination speed at the JPO is still the fastest among the IP5.

We will keep you informed of any developments regarding the patent and trademark situations in Japan.  Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@allegropat.com.

Source: JPO Status Report 2023 | Japan Patent Office