The Japan Patent Office issued an announcement regarding “Handling of Procedures Affected by COVID-19 Coronavirus” on April 6, 2020.

For the further information, please refer to the webpage of the JPO.

Japan Patent Office: Handling of Procedures Affected by COVID-19 Coronavirus
<https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/news/koho/saigai/covid19_procedures.html>

If you require any further information and/or comments, please feel free to contact us.

Summary of the announcement

I. Designated Time Limits

Regarding procedures for applications or trials/appeals pending at the JPO that are not able to carried out within the designated time limits due to the Covid-19 outbreak, if the circumstances are considered to be necessary by the JPO, they will be considered to be valid even after the designated time limits have expired.  In conducting the procedures, a document explaining the circumstances of the inability to carry out the procedures within the time limit should be attached.

II. Statuary Time Limits

A relief period will be set for procedures with procedural periods specified by laws or governmental and ministerial ordinances, if the procedures are not able to be carried out due to the Covid-19 outbreak.  In conducting the procedures, a document explaining the circumstances of the inability to carry out the procedures within the time limit should be attached.  If the circumstances are considered necessary by the JPO, the procedures will be considered to be valid.

*Please note that the JPO is conducting their work as usual.