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

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 is accepted on grounds of "due care."

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

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.

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

yes

1-2 years

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.