Japan Patent Office to shorten examination time for design applications of startups

From April 2025, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) will shorten the examination time for design applications from start-ups as applicants. Start-ups will be entitled to enjoy the existing accelerated examination system for design rights, under which the examination time for design applications will be shortened from an average of approximately 6 months to approximately 2 months.

Previously, only design patent applications were eligible for accelerated examination when the applicant encountered potential counterfeiting infringement issues or in emergency cases such as post-earthquake recovery. However, starting from April 2025, companies that have been established for less than 10 years, have no more than 20 employees and are not large entities, or sole proprietorships that have been established for less than 10 years will be eligible for accelerated examination.

According to a JPO survey of venture capital firms in fiscal 2021, about 85.3% of startups that attach importance to intellectual property rights find it easier to obtain investment from investors.