---
title: "PCT National Phase Entry Japan: 30-Month Deadline, Late-Entry Restoration, Patent Administrator Rule, Costs & Timeline (2026)"
description: "Complete guide to PCT national phase entry in Japan: the 30-month deadline and the 2-month translation grace, what happens if you missed it (restoration under the “unintentional” standard since 2023, JPY 212,100), the patent administrator rule for applicants entering without a Japanese attorney (Art. 184-11), JPO fees, translation costs, examination request within 3 years, multi-multi claims and PPH — verified against JPO sources."
image: https://www.evorix.jp/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20modern%20office%20setting%20with%20sleek%20minimalistic%20furniture%20A%20large%20glass%20window%20allows%20natural%20light%20to%20flood%20the%20space%20casting%20soft%20shadows%20on%20the%20polished%20wooden%20floor%20In%20the%20foreground%20a%20contemporary%20desk%20is%20adorned%20with%20a%20laptop.jpeg
---

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 2026/05/23

# PCT National Phase Entry Japan: 30-Month Deadline, Late-Entry Restoration, Patent Administrator Rule, Costs & Timeline (2026)

![Picture of 弁理士 杉浦健文](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/top-profile-pic-sugiura-1.jpg?width=50&name=top-profile-pic-sugiura-1.jpg)  弁理士 杉浦健文

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For foreign IP counsel filing PCT international applications into Japan, the national phase entry stage involves precise deadline management, mandatory Japanese translation, and strategic decisions on examination request timing. This complete guide covers the JPO official fees, translation costs, attorney fees, and timeline from entry to grant, written specifically for foreign attorneys and corporate IP managers.

Key Takeaways

- **30-month deadline** from the earliest priority date for national phase entry in Japan
- **Mandatory Japanese translation** of specification, claims, and abstract — usually filed at entry
- Examination request is **separate** and due within 3 years from international filing date
- Typical total cost for foreign counsel: **USD 5,000–9,000** at entry (excluding examination)
- Multi-multi claim ban (since 2022) — claim restructuring at entry significantly reduces examination fees
- PPH available when corresponding foreign applications have allowable claims
- Time from entry to grant: **3–7 years** standard, **1–2 years** with PPH

### Table of Contents

1. [What is PCT National Phase Entry to Japan](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/pct-national-phase-entry-japan#s1)
2. [30-Month Deadline & Required Documents](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/pct-national-phase-entry-japan#s2)
3. [Japanese Translation Requirements](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/pct-national-phase-entry-japan#s3)
4. [JPO Official Fees Breakdown](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/pct-national-phase-entry-japan#s4)
5. [Patent Attorney (Benrishi) Fees](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/pct-national-phase-entry-japan#s5)
6. [Total Cost Estimate](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/pct-national-phase-entry-japan#s6)
7. [Examination Request Strategy](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/pct-national-phase-entry-japan#s7)
8. [Timeline: Entry to Grant](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/pct-national-phase-entry-japan#s8)
9. [Multi-Multi Claim Restriction (2022 Reform)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/pct-national-phase-entry-japan#s9)
10. [Common Mistakes to Avoid](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/pct-national-phase-entry-japan#s10)

## 1. What is PCT National Phase Entry to Japan

PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) national phase entry to Japan is the procedural step where a PCT international application enters the Japanese national system for examination and potential grant. Without national phase entry, a PCT application has no effect in Japan after the 30-month deadline. Japan is a major PCT receiving and elected office and one of the top destinations for PCT national phase entries worldwide.

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) is the competent national office that examines and grants Japanese patents. Foreign applicants must be represented by a Japanese-licensed patent attorney (benrishi) for all communications with the JPO.

## 2. 30-Month Deadline & Required Documents

Japan strictly enforces the 30-month period from the earliest priority date (Art. 184-4(1)), and the period itself cannot be extended. Since April 1, 2023, however, a missed translation deadline can be **restored under the “unintentional” standard** — no longer the old “due care” test — as explained in Section 2b below.

| Item | Requirement | Deadline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| National phase entry petition | Form (Tokugan) | By 30 months from priority |
| Japanese translation of spec, claims, abstract | Mandatory if PCT in non-Japanese | By 30 months; if the national form is filed within the last 2 months before the 30-month date, the translation may follow within 2 months of that filing (“translation special period”, Art. 184-4(1) proviso) |
| Power of Attorney | Signed authorization | At entry or shortly after |
| Examination request | Separate request + fees | Within 3 years from international filing date |

**Deadline strictness**: If the translation is not filed within the 30-month period (or the 2-month special period), the international application is deemed withdrawn in Japan (Art. 184-4(3)). Restoration is possible if the failure was not intentional (Art. 184-4(4)) — see Section 2b.

## 2b. Missed the 30-Month Deadline? Restoration — and the Patent Administrator Rule

**Restoration.** Under Art. 184-4(4) (as amended effective April 1, 2023), an applicant whose international application was deemed withdrawn for failure to file the Japanese translation in time may still file it, unless the failure is found to have been **intentional**. The JPO’s current guidance sets the procedure:

- File the translation together with a **statement of reasons for restoration** (回復理由書) stating why the deadline was missed, the date you became able to act, and that the failure was not intentional — supporting evidence is not required as a rule
- Within **2 months** from the date you became able to file, and no later than **1 year** after the 30-month period expired
- Restoration fee: **JPY 212,100** (patents); waived only where the failure was due to reasons not attributable to the applicant and proven by documents

What changed in 2023

Before April 2023 Japan applied a “due care” standard that was rarely satisfied. The current “unintentional” standard is far more forgiving in practice — a docketing error, a missed instruction or an internal miscommunication is typically not “intentional”. If you discover a missed Japan deadline, act within 2 months of the discovery. Step-by-step procedure, the statement of reasons and the patent-administrator trap: [Missed the 30-Month Deadline for Japan? Restoration Under the “Unintentional” Standard](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-pct-missed-30-month-deadline-restoration).

**Patent administrator (特許管理人).** An applicant residing outside Japan may perform national phase entry *without* a Japanese representative up to the national processing standard time (the expiry of the 30-month period, or the examination request if filed earlier) — Art. 184-11(1). After that:

| Step | Deadline | Consequence |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Appoint a patent administrator domiciled in Japan and notify the JPO | Within **3 months** after the national processing standard time (Regulation Art. 38-6-2(1)) | — |
| If not: the JPO notifies the applicant | 2 months from the notification to appoint | If still not appointed, the international application is **deemed withdrawn** (Art. 184-11(5)) |
| Restoration | Within 2 months of becoming able to act, no later than 1 year after the 2-month period | Statement of reasons required; “unintentional” standard; restoration fee JPY 212,100 |

The most common way a self-entered Japanese case dies

The applicant files the national form and translation from abroad, the 30-month date passes, and no one appoints a patent administrator. The JPO’s notice goes to the applicant’s foreign address; if it is not acted on within 2 months, the case is deemed withdrawn. If you entered Japan without Japanese counsel, appointing a patent administrator is the first thing to do — and a pending [Office Action](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-patent-office-action-response) can only be answered through one.

## 3. Japanese Translation Requirements

Japanese translation of the specification, claims, drawings (text in figures), and abstract is mandatory. JPO does not accept English-only filings for examination. The translation must be accurate, technical, and legally sound — direct machine translation without review is risky.

At Evorix, we use an **AI translation + benrishi review** hybrid that combines speed with patent-law-grade accuracy. Translation cost typically ranges from **JPY 8 per English source word** (volume basis), with quality assurance review included.

**Pro tip**: Translate the abstract and claims carefully — these set the tone for examination. The detailed description can use slightly more efficient translation, but the claims must reflect every word of the original meaning. Translation slips usually surface later as Art. 36 clarity or support objections in the first Office Action — see [how to fix them without adding new matter](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-patent-office-action-description-requirements-article-36).

## 4. JPO Official Fees Breakdown

| Item | JPO Fee (JPY) | USD Equivalent (approx) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| National phase entry filing fee | 14,000 | ~$95 |
| Examination request fee (base) | 138,000 | ~$920 |
| Examination request per claim | +4,000 per claim | +$27 per claim |
| Patent registration fee (1–3 yr annuities at grant) | 8,400 base + 800 per claim per year | Variable |
| Translation late surcharge (if past 30m) | 14,000 | ~$95 |

Example: A patent application with 15 claims would incur an examination request fee of JPY 138,000 + (15 × 4,000) = **JPY 198,000** (~$1,320). Reducing claims to 10 at entry would save JPY 20,000 (~$135) on examination request alone, plus future annuity savings.

## 5. Patent Attorney (Benrishi) Fees

Japanese patent attorney fees vary significantly. At Evorix, our published fees for foreign counsel are designed to be transparent and competitive:

| Service | Fee Range (JPY) | USD Equivalent |
| --- | --- | --- |
| National phase entry handling (basic) | 60,000–120,000 | $400–800 |
| Translation (per English source word) | 8–12 JPY/word | $0.055–0.080/word |
| Examination request filing | 20,000–40,000 | $135–270 |
| Office Action response (per OA) | 120,000–280,000 | $800–1,870 |
| Patent registration & first annuity | 50,000–80,000 | $335–535 |

## 6. Total Cost Estimate

For a typical PCT national phase entry of a 30-page patent with 15 claims (10,000 source words):

| Phase | Cost (USD approximate) |
| --- | --- |
| **Entry stage** (filing + translation + attorney) | **$5,800–8,400** |
| Examination request (at entry or later) | $1,320–1,590 |
| Office Action responses (avg 1–2 OAs) | $800–3,740 |
| Grant + first annuity | $640–800 |
| **Total to grant** | **$8,560–14,530** |

## 7. Examination Request Strategy

Examination request is **not automatic** in Japan. You must affirmatively request examination within 3 years from the international filing date (NOT priority date). Failure to request results in deemed withdrawal of the application.

Strategic timing options:

**Request at entry**: Best when the applicant is confident in commercial value and wants the earliest possible grant. Allows PPH if foreign equivalents are allowed.

**Delay to 3rd year**: Best for portfolio applications where market/technology development needs more time. Preserves option to abandon.

**PPH opportunity**: If corresponding US, EP, or other PCT-PPH eligible applications have allowable claims, file PPH at examination request to dramatically accelerate examination (often 3–6 months vs. 12–18 months standard).

## 8. Timeline: Entry to Grant

| Stage | Months from Entry |
| --- | --- |
| National phase entry | 0 |
| Translation finalized | 0–2 |
| Examination request | 0–24 (your choice within 3 years from PCT filing) |
| First Office Action (standard) | 12–24 from exam request |
| First Office Action (with PPH) | 3–6 from exam request |
| Response to OA | +3 months (60-day deadline + 60-day extension) |
| Allowance / Final rejection | 6–24 months after final response |
| Grant publication | 1–2 months after allowance + 30-day registration fee deadline |
| **Typical total: standard** | **3–7 years** |
| **Typical total: PPH** | **1–2 years** |

## 9. Multi-Multi Claim Restriction (2022 Reform)

Since April 1, 2022, Japan has prohibited **multi-multi claims** — claims that depend on two or more claims and are themselves depended upon by another multi-dependent claim. This is a critical issue for foreign applicants whose original claim sets (especially European-style) often contain extensive multi-multi structures.

**Action required at entry**: JPO will issue rejection under Article 36(6)(iv) for multi-multi claims, and all claims depending on a multi-multi claim are **not examined** on substantive grounds. Restructure claims at national phase entry to avoid this — typically by splitting multi-multi claims into single-dependent or independent forms.

## 10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

**Mistake 1: Filing the foreign-language version "as is" assuming JPO accepts English.** JPO requires Japanese. Late translation costs more and risks missing the 32-month deadline.

**Mistake 2: Ignoring multi-multi claim issues.** Without restructuring, examination is effectively suspended for many claims, wasting fees.

**Mistake 3: Forgetting examination request deadline.** 3 years from international filing date is firm. Calendaring at entry is essential.

**Mistake 4: Not leveraging PPH.** If you have allowed claims in US/EP/KR/etc., PPH cuts examination time by 60–80%.

**Mistake 5: Choosing the cheapest translator without IP expertise.** Translation errors in claims can permanently narrow your patent or render it invalid.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I delay the Japanese translation if I miss the 30-month deadline?

A. If the national form was filed within the last 2 months before the 30-month date, the translation may be filed within 2 months of that filing (translation special period). If the translation deadline itself was missed, the application is deemed withdrawn, but since April 2023 it can be restored if the failure was not intentional: file the translation with a statement of reasons within 2 months of becoming able to act (no later than 1 year after the deadline) and pay the JPY 212,100 restoration fee.

Q. Do I need a Japanese patent attorney?

A. Not to file the national phase itself: an applicant residing outside Japan may enter without a Japanese representative until the national processing standard time (Art. 184-11(1)). After that, a patent administrator domiciled in Japan must be appointed and notified to the JPO within 3 months; otherwise the JPO issues a notice, and if no appointment follows within 2 months the application is deemed withdrawn. All later prosecution, including Office Action responses, must go through the patent administrator.

Q. How long does the examination take?

A. Standard examination averages 10–14 months from request to first Office Action. With PPH, expect 3–6 months. Total time to grant: 3–7 years standard, 1–2 years with PPH.

Q. What if I want to amend claims at entry?

A. You can file voluntary amendments at entry or before examination begins. This is the optimal time to restructure for multi-multi claim compliance and to focus claims on commercially valuable scope.

Q. How much do annuities cost in Japan?

A. Annuities start from JPY 8,400 base + JPY 800 per claim for years 4–6, increasing in tiered brackets. A 20-claim patent has annuities of roughly JPY 24,400 in year 4 rising to JPY 122,200 in years 10+.

Q. Can I switch attorneys mid-case?

A. Yes. Transfer requires a new Power of Attorney and notification to JPO. We handle case takeover for foreign counsel routinely, including reviewing prior prosecution history for strategy.

## After Entry: Prosecution Guides

What happens once the Japanese case is examined

[Missed the 30-Month Deadline for Japan? Restoration Under the “Unintentional” Standard → Read full guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-pct-missed-30-month-deadline-restoration)[Inventive Step Rejections (Art. 29(2)): How the Examiner Builds the Argument — and How to Take It Apart → Read full guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-patent-office-action-inventive-step-article-29-2)[Support, Clarity and Enablement Rejections (Art. 36) → Read full guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-patent-office-action-description-requirements-article-36)[Received a Decision of Refusal? Appeal, Pre-Appeal Reexamination or Divisional → Read full guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-patent-decision-of-refusal-next-steps-appeal-divisional)

## Related Resources

Continue exploring Japan IP topics for foreign counsel

[PPH in Japan: How Foreign Applicants Save 50%+ on Patent Examination → Read full guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/pph-japan-foreign-applicants)[Japan Patent Filing for Foreign Counsel: Documents Checklist 2026 → Read full guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-patent-filing-documents-checklist)[Japan Patent Translation: AI + Benrishi Hybrid Review Process → Read full guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-patent-translation-ai-benrishi)[Japan vs USPTO/EPO/KIPO/CNIPA: IP Cost Comparison 2026 → Read full guide](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-vs-major-offices-cost-comparison)

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### Considering PCT National Phase Entry to Japan?

Evorix offers transparent fixed-fee national phase entry services for foreign IP counsel, with AI-assisted Japanese translation, benrishi quality review, and 24-hour quote turnaround. Save 30–40% on translation costs while maintaining patent-law-grade accuracy.

[Upload the notice — deadline check & fixed-fee quote →](https://www.evorix.jp/en/japan-patent-national-phase-office-action)[How We Work](https://www.evorix.jp/en/consultation)

Sources (verified September 2026)

- Japan Patent Act (Japanese text), Arts. 17-2, 48-3, 50, 121, 184-4, 184-11 — [laws.e-gov.go.jp](https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/334AC0000000121)
- Regulations under the Patent Act, Art. 38-6-2 (patent administrator periods) — [laws.e-gov.go.jp](https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/335M50000400010)
- JPO: extension of response periods for Notices of Reasons for Refusal (practice from April 1, 2016) — [jpo.go.jp](https://www.jpo.go.jp/system/patent/shinsa/letter/kyozetu_entyou_160401.html)
- JPO: relief after expiry of periods under the “unintentional” standard (updated May 18, 2026) — [jpo.go.jp](https://www.jpo.go.jp/system/laws/rule/guideline/kyusai_method2.html)
- JPO Formality Examination Manual 04.10, statutory and designated periods (overseas applicants) — [jpo.go.jp (PDF)](https://www.jpo.go.jp/system/laws/rule/guideline/hoshiki-shinsa-binran/kaitei/document/index/h2904_04_10.pdf)

## Related posts

[![Missed the 30-Month Deadline for Japan? PCT National Phase Restoration Under the “Unintentional” Standard (Since April 2023)](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-thumbnails/face-japan-pct-missed-30-month-deadline-restoration.png?height=200&name=face-japan-pct-missed-30-month-deadline-restoration.png)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-pct-missed-30-month-deadline-restoration)

## [Missed the 30-Month Deadline for Japan? PCT National Phase Restoration Under the “Unintentional” Standard (Since April 2023)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-pct-missed-30-month-deadline-restoration)

![Picture of Takefumi Sugiura – Japanese Patent Attorney](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/4ef5aa3d824852243e3f9a0ef7c7a511) [Takefumi Sugiura – Japanese Patent Attorney](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/author/takefumi-sugiura-japanese-patent-attorney) 

 2026/09/03

A missed 30-month deadline used to be close to fatal in Japan: the old “due care” standard was...

[Read more](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-pct-missed-30-month-deadline-restoration)

[![](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/EVORIX-logo-rich.png?height=200&name=EVORIX-logo-rich.png)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-patent-translation-quality-cost)

## [Japan Patent Translation: Quality vs Cost for Foreign Counsel](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-patent-translation-quality-cost)

![Picture of Takefumi Sugiura – Japanese Patent Attorney](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/4ef5aa3d824852243e3f9a0ef7c7a511) [Takefumi Sugiura – Japanese Patent Attorney](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/author/takefumi-sugiura-japanese-patent-attorney) 

 2026/05/24

Patent translation quality directly determines the scope of protection you receive in Japan. A...

[Read more](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-patent-translation-quality-cost)

[![](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20modern%20office%20setting%20with%20sleek%20minimalistic%20furniture%20A%20large%20glass%20window%20allows%20natural%20light%20to%20flood%20the%20space%20casting%20soft%20shadows%20on%20the%20polished%20wooden%20floor%20In%20the%20foreground%20a%20contemporary%20desk%20is%20adorned%20with%20a%20laptop.jpeg?height=200&name=The%20image%20depicts%20a%20modern%20office%20setting%20with%20sleek%20minimalistic%20furniture%20A%20large%20glass%20window%20allows%20natural%20light%20to%20flood%20the%20space%20casting%20soft%20shadows%20on%20the%20polished%20wooden%20floor%20In%20the%20foreground%20a%20contemporary%20desk%20is%20adorned%20with%20a%20laptop.jpeg)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-patent-office-action-response)

## [JPO Office Action (Notice of Reasons for Refusal) for Overseas Applicants: Deadline, Extensions, Options & Cost](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-patent-office-action-response)

![Picture of 弁理士 杉浦健文](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/top-profile-pic-sugiura-1.jpg?width=50&name=top-profile-pic-sugiura-1.jpg) 弁理士 杉浦健文 

 2026/05/23

Foreign IP counsel managing Japanese patent prosecution will encounter Office Actions (拒絶理由通知,...

[Read more](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/japan-patent-office-action-response)

---

[![知的財産事務所エボリクス/EVORIX/大阪/特許・商標・意匠登](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/%E7%9F%A5%E7%9A%84%E8%B2%A1%E7%94%A3%E4%BA%8B%E5%8B%99%E6%89%80%E3%82%A8%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%20(500%20%C3%97%20250%20px).png?width=500&height=250&name=%E7%9F%A5%E7%9A%84%E8%B2%A1%E7%94%A3%E4%BA%8B%E5%8B%99%E6%89%80%E3%82%A8%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%20(500%20%C3%97%20250%20px).png "知的財産事務所エボリクス/EVORIX/大阪/特許・商標・意匠登")](https://www.evorix.jp)

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---

 

Copyright © 2026, Intellectual Property Law Firm EVORIX® All rights reserved. 

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    },
    "name" : "Can I delay the Japanese translation if I miss the 30-month deadline?"
  }, {
    "@type" : "Question",
    "acceptedAnswer" : {
      "@type" : "Answer",
      "text" : "Not to file the national phase itself: an applicant residing outside Japan may enter without a Japanese representative until the national processing standard time (Art. 184-11(1)). After that, a patent administrator domiciled in Japan must be appointed and notified to the JPO within 3 months; otherwise the JPO issues a notice, and if no appointment follows within 2 months the application is deemed withdrawn. All later prosecution, including Office Action responses, must go through the patent administrator."
    },
    "name" : "Do I need a Japanese patent attorney?"
  }, {
    "@type" : "Question",
    "acceptedAnswer" : {
      "@type" : "Answer",
      "text" : "Standard examination averages 10–14 months from request to first Office Action. With PPH, expect 3–6 months. Total time to grant: 3–7 years standard, 1–2 years with PPH."
    },
    "name" : "How long does the examination take?"
  }, {
    "@type" : "Question",
    "acceptedAnswer" : {
      "@type" : "Answer",
      "text" : "You can file voluntary amendments at entry or before examination begins. This is the optimal time to restructure for multi-multi claim compliance and to focus claims on commercially valuable scope."
    },
    "name" : "What if I want to amend claims at entry?"
  }, {
    "@type" : "Question",
    "acceptedAnswer" : {
      "@type" : "Answer",
      "text" : "Annuities start from JPY 8,400 base + JPY 800 per claim for years 4–6, increasing in tiered brackets. A 20-claim patent has annuities of roughly JPY 24,400 in year 4 rising to JPY 122,200 in years 10+."
    },
    "name" : "How much do annuities cost in Japan?"
  }, {
    "@type" : "Question",
    "acceptedAnswer" : {
      "@type" : "Answer",
      "text" : "Yes. Transfer requires a new Power of Attorney and notification to JPO. We handle case takeover for foreign counsel routinely, including reviewing prior prosecution history for strategy."
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