Japan National Phase

1. Due Date for the entry
Where the applicant of a PCT application would like to enter the PCT application into Japan national phase, the applicant needs to file a special transmittal form (hereinafter, “National Document”) within 30 months after the priority date of the PCT application. In addition, if the PCT application is described in any language other than Japanese, the applicant needs to file the Japanese translation of the PCT application within 30 months after the priority date in principal. However, the applicant may file the Japanese translation within 2 months after filing the National Document.

2. Missing of National Document and Japanese translation
Where National Document is NOT filed to JPO within 30 months after the priority date, the PCT application will be deemed to have been withdrawn in Japan. Further, where the Japanese translation of the PCT application is NOT filed within 30 months after the priority date or within 2 months after filing the National Document, the PCT application will be deemed to have been withdrawn in Japan.

3. Translation of Amendment under PCT Article 19 or 34
Where amendments have been filed under PCT Article 19 or 34, the translations of such amendments must be submitted to the JPO within 30 months after the priority date or within 2 months after filing the National Document. However, the applicant may file the Japanese translation of the PCT application within above-mentioned period and then file the Japanese translation of the amendment.

4. Request for Substantive Examination
Where the applicant hopes to proceed the PCT application to substantive examination, the applicant must request for a substantive examination within 3 years after the International filing date.