Sep 2, 2020
Latest Revision of Interview Guidelines for Trademark Examination
Trademark Examination Guidelines published by the JPO were revised on August 24, 2020, to facilitate smoother communication between the examiner and the applicant. The main revisions are as follows:
1. Web-based interviews may be conducted via video conferencing system; web application (Skype for Business) will be available as a temporary measure.
2. Amendments may be sent by e-mail instead of facsimile. It is the responsibility of the applicant to send the amendments by e-mail. The examiner shall only communicate with the applicant regarding administrative procedures such as arranging dates, time and place of the interview.
*The e-mail address of the organization to which the amendment should be sent for each examination room will be included in the contact information in the notice of reasons for refusal. Please note that this is only to confirm the draft amendment by email instead of phone or fax. To complete the procedure, you will be required to submit a formal amendment.
The revised Trademark Examination Guidelines can be found on the JPO’s website below
https://www.jpo.go.jp/system/laws/rule/guideline/trademark/mensetu_guide_syohyo.html (Japanese only)