Explanation of Japanese utility model application authorization and annual fee

3-6 months

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

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

20 years, and the validity period of patents for pharmaceutical inventions and pesticide inventions can be extended to 25 years upon application.

yes

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 Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.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

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

• 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.