Hitherto, multiple dependent claims in patent or utility model applications that depend from other multiple dependent claims have been permitted in Japan.
As you may be aware, it usually takes about 11 to 14 months from the filing date of an application before the Japan Patent Office (JPO) issues either a first Office Action or a Notice of Allowance in a trademark application.
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has announced relief measures regarding the handling of procedures related to patents, utility models, designs and trademarks that are affected by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
The Japanese government has declared a state of emergency in relation to COVID-19 pandemic in several cities including Tokyo metropolitan city until May 6, 2020.
On April 3, 2020, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) made an announcement regarding the effect of COVID-19 on procedures such as the filing of patents, utility models, designs and trademarks.
In the present case, an inventive step of an invention relating to an ophthalmic formulation containing a doxepin derivative for treating allergic eye diseases was at issue.
