Draft revision of Patent and Utility Model Examination Guidelines to restrict multiple-multiple dependent claims in Japan - Effective from April 1, 2022 -

Multiple-multiple dependent claims are acceptable under current Japanese patent and utility model practice. However, due to the necessity of international harmonization and improving examination efficiency, the Patent Law Enforcement Regulations, etc., will be revised by a Ministerial Ordinance to introduce provisions that restrict multiple-multiple dependent claims. For that purpose, the JPO published on February 10, 2022, a “Draft Revision of Examination Guidelines in relation to Restrictions on Multiple-Multiple Dependent Claims” (hereinafter “Draft Revision of Examination Guidelines”), in which they announced specific rules and examination procedures relating thereto. The Draft Revision of Examination Guidelines will be applied to patent and utility model applications filed on or after April 1, 2022.