The 2026 JPO Status Report: Japan as a Premier Destination for Strategic IP Filing

Steve Denney • 24 April 2026

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has recently released its 2026 Status Report, providing a comprehensive overview of current IP statistics, trends, and policy developments in Japan. The report once again confirms Japan's important position in the global IP landscape and as one of the world’s most efficient, reliable, and user-friendly IP jurisdictions for foreign rights holders.

Some of the standout highlights in the report are discussed below:

1. Examination Pendency: Still the Fastest in the IP5

The JPO’s commitment to delivering the world’s fastest, highest-quality patent examinations is reflected in the data. The report highlights an average first action (FA) pendency (from request for examination to first action) of just 9.1 months, and a total pendency of 14.0 months from request for examination to final grant.


For applicants requiring even faster turnaround, the JPO’s accelerated examination options are highly efficient. FA pendency for accelerated examinations is reduced to 2.3 months, while the “Super-Accelerated” track typically provides a first response in under one month. This level of predictability enables foreign applicants to align their IP prosecution strategy with imminent product launches and market entry.

The pendency trends for trademarks and designs are also impressive, with design FA pendency averaging 5.9 months and trademarks at 6.8 months.

2. The Hague System: Moving on up

Another notable trend in the 2026 report is the continued rise in international design applications designating Japan.


The JPO’s design system is adapting to the digital age, incorporating AI-driven search technology and expanded protection for graphic images and metaverse-related designs. To further support international users, the JPO has also introduced online interview procedures.

3. Appeals: High Success Rates for Applicants

Our foreign IP partners have long benefited from the consistently high allowance rate for appeals against an examiner’s decision of refusal in Japan. Around 75% of applications that face a final rejection during the examination stage are granted at appeal. This high grant rate has remained stable over the past five years, highlighting a system that is thorough, values quality, and gives applicants a meaningful "second opinion" option.

4. Modernised Examination

Japan’s examination system for patents, trademarks, and designs is increasingly geared towards speed, quality, and user-friendly business relevance. Key recent improvements discussed in the report include:


  • Collaborative Examination: The Collective Examination for IP Portfolio Supporting Business Strategy (CEIP) enables coordinated examination of patents, trademarks, and designs by teams of examiners, supporting the broader IP portfolios of modern multinational businesses.
  • Improved Communication: The JPO offers flexible online and on-site interviews, making examiner discussions more accessible for overseas applicants.
  • Temporary Suspension of Examination: A recent reform also allows applicants to temporarily suspend examination of divisional applications while a parent application is under appeal. This provides valuable flexibility to adapt claim strategies based on the outcome of the appeal - which many of our international clients have benefited from.

The KIPB take:

The 2026 report further demonstrates the JPO’s commitment to a user-friendly system and high levels of applicant satisfaction. With reported user satisfaction exceeding 95%, Japan should be part of any global IP strategy.


Please feel free to contact us at KIPB to discuss how these developments may benefit your IP portfolio.

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