Key revisions to the Japanese patent practice under the PLT

Extension of the term for filing a response

In the case of foreign applicants, the term for filing a response could be extended even under the previous rule. Therefore, the new rule does not substantially affect the extension of the term for foreign applicants.

1) Responding to an Office Action

The legal term for filing a response to an Office Action is 3 months. The term can be extended twice: a two (2) month extension at a first request, and a one (1) month extension at a second request