3-6 months
3-6 months
The JPO conducts formality examination and substantive examination of invention patent applications. The applicant should submit a request for substantive examination within 3 years from the filing date. The JPO makes an granted decision if it determines after review that no grounds for refusal have been found.
Inventors have a novelty grace period of 12 months after disclosure (including sale).
- via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
- via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.
5-7 months
- Inventions under the via Paris Convention : 12 months from the earliest priority date.
- via Nationalization of PCT inventions: 30 months from the earliest priority date.
Inventors have a novelty grace period of 12 months after disclosure (including sale).
Filing Language: Japanese Necessary documents:
- Exterior Design Picture (Six Views)
- A Brief Description
Attachments (if any):
- Scanned Copy of Certified Priority Document / DAS
- Declaration of Ownership/Certification of Employment/Assignment of priority
- Assignment for Patent Right Transfer
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)
The design does not lose its novelty if it is disclosed by the designer in Japan within 12 months from the filing date/priority date.