- via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
- via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.
The JPO conducts formality examination only for utility model patent applications.
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.
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)
Reinstatement of priority on grounds of "due care" accepted.
1-2 years
25 years
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 Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.
10 years
yes. Multiple designs may be included in one design application.
Filing Language: Japanese
via Paris Convention via Nationalization of PCT Necessary documents:
- Abstract
- Abstract Drawing
- Claim
- Specification
- Drawing
Necessary documents:
- Abstract
- Abstract Drawing
- Claim
- Specification
- Drawing
Attachments (if any)
- Sequence Listing (PDF format and TXT format)
- Microorganism preservation certificate and its Japanese translation
- Microorganism survival certificate and its Japanese translation
- Scanned Copy of Certified Priority Document / DAS
- Declaration of Ownership/Certification of Employment/Assignment of priority
- Assignment for Patent Right Transfer
- Notification issued by CNIPA notify the applicant the application has passed through the security review
Attachments (if any)
- WIPO Publication
- ISR/IPRP
- Entering the Japanese national phase 19/28/34/41 amended
- Sequence Listing (PDF format and TXT format)
- Microorganism preservation certificate and its Japanese translation
- Microorganism survival certificate and its Japanese translation
- Declaration of Ownership/Certification of Employment/Assignment of priority
- Assignment for Patent Right Transfer