Since 2001, the JPO prepared and provided patent memorandums at the time of patent grants in order to ensure objectivity and transparency. However, in the past 20 years, a quality control system (that did not exist at the beginning of the operation of the patent memorandum system) was introduced in 2007, and a system for ensuring and checking the validity (objectivity) of judgments in examination including grants has been gradually developed.
Furthermore, the provision and dissemination of patent information, including file wrapper information, has progressed through the online patent information platform (J-PlatPat). Accordingly, the JPO decided to end the patent memorandum system on June 30, 2023. Read more