Japan

PVP Office Contact Information

 

Plant Variety Protection Office
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)
1-2-1 Kasumigaseki - Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-8950

Website: https://www.hinshu2.maff.go.jp/en/en_top.html 

Takuto Kozu (Mr.), Toshiya Kobayashi (Mr.)
E-mail: jpvp@maff.go.jp

Specific requirements in relation to UPOV PRISMA
Are there any specific requirements in relation to UPOV PRISMA that are not required when filing an application directly to the PVP Office?

When filing an application in Japan, you or your agent in Japan (if you are not a resident) can import the data entered in UPOV PRISMA to be translated and transferred into Japan’s E-application system. As the use of Japan’s E-application system is limited to residents, if you are not a resident of Japan, you will need your agent in Japan to obtain a user ID from the Japanese PVP office and complete the filing. This allows to confirm the identity of your agent, and make sure that, the imported data is connected to your application, in the Japan’s E-application system.

Application data
Will I receive confirmation that my application data has been received successfully?

You or your agent in Japan (if you are not a resident) can check whether your application has been successfully received on the Japan’s E-application system which for domestic residents.

Plant Material
When applicable, where should I send the plant material?

After your application has been checked, and the DUS test has been planned, the PVP office will send you or your agent in Japan (if you are not a resident) a notification about the specifications, number, shipping period and address for submitting the plant material required for the DUS test.

Payment
How and when do I pay the PVP application fee?

After you or your agent in Japan (if you are not a resident) submit the application data through Japan’s E-application system, you must pay the application fee. You can pay the fee either via “Pay-easy” which is the domestic collection agency system or with revenue stamps. Please note that receipts are not issued for these payments. In addition, you also need to pay the testing fee. The PVP office or the testing organization will send you or your agent in Japan (if you are not a resident) a notification regarding payment of the testing fee concurrent with or after the notification of submission of materials.

Will I receive confirmation that the payment has been received?

You or your agent in Japan (if you are not a resident) can confirm whether the payment of the application fee has been received in Japan’s E-application system. Please note that this confirmation applies only to the application fee.

Agent / Local Representative
Do I need an agent or local representative in the country, if I am not a resident?

If you are not a resident, you have to contract an agent in Japan.

UPOV PRISMA Note: Agents that have already created an AGENT Account in UPOV PRISMA can indicate the territories in which they operate. Those agents will appear in a list. In cases where agents need to be accredited by the PVP Office, the agents will only be added to the list of agents available in UPOV PRISMA after the PVP Office has confirmed that the necessary accreditations have been given.
Filing Date
What is considered to be the filing date? (Note: For instance, are there any documents that the applicant must submit to the PVP offices in addition to the application form in PRISMA and the documents required in the application form in PRISMA. If so, please indicate such documents. Are there any documents that the applicant must send in paper format to the PVP Office. If so, please indicate such documents.)

The Filing date is the day your application is received by the PVP office through Japan’s E-application system.

Even after a filing date has been assigned, if any deficiencies or errors are found in the submitted documents, you or your agent in Japan (if you are not a resident) may be required to make corrections.

UPOV PRISMA Disclaimer: The authority entrusted with the task of granting breeders’ rights (PBR authority) retains full responsibility in relation to the requirements concerning the filing date of applications in accordance with the legislation of the member of the Union concerned.

Dates for submission
For testing or plant material purposes, are there dates for the submission of applications?

There is no application deadline related to the start of the DUS exam except Chrysanthemum L..

In the case of Chrysanthemum L., if an application is accepted by November 30th, it will be able to be taken the DUS exam starting in July of the following year, unless there are special circumstances.

Additional requirements
Are there any additional requirements?