Q 1. Do I have to submit signed documents (such as, a Power of Attorney, Deed of Assignment, and Affidavit) when filing a patent application in Japan?
In general, no, you do not. However, submission of those kinds of documents is required in some prosecutions. For instance, in a case where you file an appeal against the examiner’s decision of refusal, you will have to submit an executed power of attorney. When such a case arises, we will provide you beforehand with a form of the document. So please rest assured.