| Filing Language: Japanese | 
Necessary documents: 
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Attachments (if any): 
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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).
 
- via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
 - via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.
 
10 years
yes.
- Within the period of 9 years and 6 months from the date of application for the invention patent, or within 3 months from the date of receipt of the notification of rejection, the patent type of the invention patent may be changed from invention to utility model/design upon request
 - A request to change the patent type from invention to utility model/design can be filed within three months from the date of the JPO’s first decision to reject the application
 
A conversion fee shall be paid for patent type conversion. Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.
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 Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.
Inventors have a novelty grace period of 12 months after disclosure (including sale).
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.
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)
- via Paris Convention : 6 months from earliest priority date.
 - Hague Agreement route: 6 months from earliest priority date.