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In today’s IP landscape, securing rights as early as possible can significantly influence your business strategy and competitive advantage. To meet this need, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) offers several systems that accelerate examination and prosecution for patent, utility model, design, and trademark applications.

In this article, SKIP explains the key fast‑track systems, their requirements, and how applicants can strategically utilize them.

Patents & Utility Models

Some patent filings require rapid acquisition of rights—whether to support product launches, prevent counterfeits, or satisfy requirements for subsidies or certifications. For these situations, the JPO provides the Accelerated Examination, Accelerated Appeal Examination, and Prioritized Examination systems.

Accelerated Examination / Accelerated Appeal Examination

These systems allow qualifying applications to be examined faster upon the applicant’s request. Eligible categories include:

• Applications by SMEs, individuals, and universities
• Applications with foreign counterparts
• Applications related to working (implementation)
• Green technology applications
• Applications contributing to disaster recovery
• Applications for advancing Asia‑based business initiatives

In addition, if a third party is already practicing the invention commercially, the application may qualify for accelerated appeal examination.

Super Accelerated Examination

The fastest system offered by the JPO, Super Accelerated Examination conducts the first office action within approximately one month of request, and the second action within one month after responses are filed.

Eligible applications must meet both of the following:

1. The application is either (a) both implementation‑related and foreign‑related, or (b) a startup’s application that is also implementation‑related.
2. All procedures within the four weeks prior to the request were filed online.

Prioritized Examination

This system applies when a third party is already practicing the invention after publication of the application. To request prioritized examination, applicants must submit an explanation outlining:

• The applicant’s own working of the invention
• Evidence of third‑party use and its impact
• A copy of any warning letter issued
• Documentation showing the third‑party implementation

Designs

Because designs frequently proceed to manufacturing and sales quickly, the risk of imitation increases before rights are granted. For this reason, accelerated examination systems are also available for design applications.

Trademarks

Trademark registration can take time, but in business, speed matters. The JPO therefore provides an accelerated process when applicants meet certain conditions, enabling faster acquisition of trademark rights.

Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)

The Patent Prosecution Highway allows applicants to leverage a positive examination result in one jurisdiction to expedite examination in another. For example, if Japan grants or allows claims, the corresponding U.S. application can be examined more quickly through PPH.

Japan currently participates in PPH programs with numerous countries and regions across North America, Europe, Asia‑Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.

Fast‑Track IP Strategies: A Key Competitive Advantage

Leveraging these accelerated systems enables companies to strengthen their IP position and stay ahead of competitors. However, each system has detailed requirements and strategic considerations.

At SKIP, we provide comprehensive support—from application strategy to preparing and filing the necessary documentation.

Feel free to contact us anytime for consultation.