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Japan：Procedures in general

Revision of Seal and Signature Requirements for Procedures at the Japan Patent Office

2025-06-01

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has undertaken a comprehensive review of approximately 800 types of procedures requiring a seal (hanko) in relation to applications and submissions made to the Office. As a result of this review, the JPO has decided to eliminate the seal requirement for most procedures.

Specifically, the use of a seal will no longer be required except for the following cases:
1. Procedures related to pending applications and applicant identification numbers (8 types).
2. Procedures concerning the registration of transfers of rights such as patents (25 types).

Frequently Asked Question:
Q: Is it correct to assume that a signature is not required when the applicant is a foreign national?
A: For the procedures where the seal requirement remains in place, a signature is required in cases involving foreign applicants. However, for all other procedures where the seal requirement has been removed, a signature is not required, even for foreign nationals.