Which is the competent authority for utility model patent applications in Japan?

• via Paris Convention : 6 months from earliest priority date.
• Hague Agreement route: 6 months from earliest priority date.

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)

yes. Within 3 years from the date of application, or within 3 months from the date of receipt of the rejection decision, the patent type can be changed from design to invention/utility model at the request of the applicant.

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 Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.

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.

Reinstatement of priority on grounds of "due care" accepted.

3-6 months

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

5-7 months

yes

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 Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.