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

10 years

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

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.

yes

The JPO conducts formality examination only for utility model patent applications.

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 Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.

1-2 years

Japan Patent Office

English: Japan Patent Office, abbreviation: JPO

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

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

• Grant fee: The applicant shall pay the granted fee within 30 days after receiving the granted notice.
• Annuity: The annual fee for the first to third years must be paid together with the application fee when the patent application is filed, and the annual fee will be paid year by year from the fourth year, and the payment period corresponds to the granted date. 200% of the year's annual fee paid within the month is a late fee.

3-6 months