When did the Japan Patent Office become available as an International Searching Authority for U.S. applicants?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) became available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for certain U.S. applicants on July 1, 2015. According to the MPEP:

Since July 1, 2015, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) has been available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for PCT applications filed by U.S. nationals or residents in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as receiving Office or in the International Bureau (IB) as receiving Office.

The original announcement of this change was published in the Official Gazette on August 4, 2015.