Digital Issuance of Registration Certificates at the Japan Patent Office

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) began the digital issuance of various registration certificates on April 1, 2024. This initiative is part of the government’s Digital Government Promotion efforts aimed at enhancing administrative procedures, contributing to more convenient life and business practices, and preparing for the rapidly developing digital society.

Overview:
The JPO started the online issuance of the following seven types of official documents, for which there was a high demand for digitalization from applicants:

１．Registration Certificates (Patents, Utility Models, Designs, Trademarks)

２．Annual Fee Receipts

３．Notifications Related to Automatic Payment

４．Trademark Renewal Registration Notifications

５．Notifications of Completed Transfer Registrations

６．Identification Number Notifications

７．General Power of Attorney Number Notifications

As of April 1, 2024, these documents can be issued online to applicants or their local representatives who opt to receive them digitally.

Benefits of Digital Issuance:

• Faster and more efficient receipt of registration documents.
• Enhanced convenience and better document management.
• Reduced reliance on physical mail, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Important Note:

• International design and international trademark registration certificates are not included in the online issuance system. Only domestic registrations are eligible for digital issuance.
• Online issuance data cannot be resent later.
• Whenever necessary, a paper registration certificate can be issued upon request.

Source: https://www.jpo.go.jp/system/laws/sesaku/hassou_digitalize.html