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If you have filed an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and wish to protect your invention in Japan, you must complete the PCT national phase in Japan.

This article explains what the national phase entry in Japan means, the deadlines, procedures, and official fees required by the Japan Patent Office (JPO).

What Is PCT National Phase Entry in Japan?

PCT national phase entry in Japan refers to the process of transitioning a PCT international application into a domestic Japanese patent application for examination by the JPO.

  • Once a PCT application is filed and the Receiving Office (RO) assigns the international filing date, it is treated as if filed in Japan on that date (unless Japan was excluded as a designated country).
  • If the national phase entry deadline is missed, the application will be considered withdrawn in Japan.

Therefore, timely national phase entry is essential if you want to obtain Japanese patent rights based on your PCT application.

National Phase Entry in Japan
National Phase Entry in Japan

Deadline for PCT National Phase Entry in Japan

  • The deadline is 30 months from the priority date (PCT Articles 22 & 39; Article 184-4 of Japanese Patent Law).
  • If no priority is claimed, the deadline is 30 months from the international filing date.

Missing the deadline means your PCT application is deemed withdrawn in Japan.

Extensions are generally not available, so strict attention to the 30-month limit is required.

Procedure for PCT National Phase Entry in Japan

To complete the PCT national phase in Japan, applicants must file the following with the JPO before the deadline:

  1. Domestic application documents
  2. Japanese translation of the PCT specification (description, claims, abstract, drawings)
  3. Notification of patent agent (if represented by a Japanese patent attorney/Benrishi)
  4. Payment of national phase entry fee (official fee: JPY 14,000)
  5. Translation of amendments under PCT Articles 19 or 34 into Japanese

For details, see our guide: Procedures for Transitioning PCT International Applications to Domestic Filing in Japan.

Fees for PCT National Phase in Japan

Filing appeals against rejectionn, additional fees will apply.

For more information, please reach out to our patent office.

National Phase Entry Fee: JPY 14,000 (flat)

Examination Request Fee: Varies depending on the international search authority; reductions may apply for eligible applicants

Patent Annual Fees (Years 1–3): JPY 4,300 per year + JPY 300 per claim

Additional costs may apply for:
- Corrections of translation errors
- Filing appeals against rejection

Contact us for an accurate cost estimate tailored to your case: Get a Quote.

Why Work with a Japanese Patent Attorney?

Foreign applicants must appoint a local patent attorney (Benrishi) to handle the PCT national phase in Japan.
A local representative ensures:

  • Correct preparation of translations
  • Compliance with JPO formalities
  • Timely responses to office actions

At APEX Patent Solutions, we provide comprehensive support for foreign clients entering the national phase in Japan.

Summary: PCT National Phase in Japan

  • Deadline: 30 months from the priority date (or international filing date if no priority).
  • Required actions: File Japanese translations, pay JPO fees, and appoint a local representative.
  • Fees: JPY 14,000 entry fee + additional examination and registration fees.
  • Representation: Foreign applicants must appoint a Japanese patent attorney (Benrishi).

Completing the PCT national phase entry in Japan is essential for securing patent protection.

Contact us today to ensure a smooth transition into the Japanese national phase and avoid missing critical deadlines.