human: Are Japanese file histories open to public inspection?
assistant: Japanese file histories are available for public inspection once an application has been published. Usually, the first publication of an application takes place 18 months after the application date (or in case a priority or domestic priority is claimed, 18 months after the earliest priority date). Since March 2006, file histories and the text of communications from the JPO to applicants dating from July 2003 onwards have been available via the JPO’s free “Industrial Property Digital Library (IPDL)”. The IPDL is available at http://www.ipdl.inpit.go.jp/homepg_e.ipdl Please note that currently the electronic file histories can only be accessed via the Japanese page of the IPDL. An easy, step-by-step guide is available in the “Tips & tricks for searching” section: Tips& tricks for searching databases