Which is the competent authority for Japanese invention patent applications?

5-7 months

Japan Patent Office

English: Japan Patent Office, abbreviation: JPO

Website: Japan Patent Office (jpo.go.jp)

Japanese Utility Model Patent Search: Japan Platform for Patent Information｜J-PlatPat [JPP] (inpit.go.jp)

3-6 months

10 years

Inventors have a novelty grace period of 12 months after disclosure (including sale).

yes.

• Within 3 years from the filing date, the patent type can be changed from utility model to invention upon request of the applicant
• Utility model patents can be converted to design patents at any time

A conversion fee shall be paid for patent type conversion. Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.

• via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
• via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.

1-2 years

The JPO conducts formality examination and substantive examination of the design patent application, and the substantive examination starts automatically, and the applicant does not need to submit a separate substantive examination request. JPO mainly examines the novelty and inventiveness of designs.

• (*Secret design: applicants can request that their design remain secret for 3 years from the filing date).

yes. Multiple designs may be included in one design application.