Annual report by the JPO June 2016

The Japan Patent Office (“JPO”) published its annual report in June 2016, which includes statistics regarding Japanese patent applications for previous years. Some interesting facts are shown below for your reference.

1. Examination periods in major patent offices

・The annual report shows that the JPO’s examination is the quickest among 5 major patent offices.
・Months spent by major patent offices from filing to allowance in 2014:

2. Allowance rates in major patent offices

・The annual report shows that the allowance rate is constantly increasing in Japan.

3. The number of Japanese patent applications filed by foreign

・The annual report shows that foreign companies, especially US companies, are increasing the number of Japanese patent applications being filed.

4. Allowance rates of appealed cases in JPO (Examination + Appeal Examination)

5. The number of examiners in major patent offices in 2014

6. The number of invalidation trials and post-grant opposition