yes
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.
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.
yes
The JPO conducts formality examination only for utility model patent applications.
20 years, and the validity period of patents for pharmaceutical inventions and pesticide inventions can be extended to 25 years upon application.
yes
Inventors have a novelty grace period of 12 months after disclosure (including sale).
Inventors have a novelty grace period of 12 months after disclosure (including sale).
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 Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.
Reinstatement of priority on grounds of "due care" accepted.