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

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

10 years

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 Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.

yes. Multiple designs may be included in one design application.

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

• via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
• via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.

yes

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

yes

5-7 months