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Japanese Patent Application FAQs
Annuity
1. We missed one annuity payment. Is there a grace period after the due date during which annuity payments can still be made? If so, how long is such a grace period?
It is possible to maintain the patent by paying a doubled maintenance fee within six months after the due date.
2. When do renewals fees for a patent application have to be paid?
The annuity fees for the 1st to 3rd years must be paid as a registration fee upon issuance (within 30 days from the forwarding date of the notice of allowance). The fourth year annuity must be paid during the third year or prior thereto from the date of registration.