Which is the competent authority for Japanese invention patent applications?

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)

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

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

yes

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

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

yes.

• Within the period of 9 years and 6 months from the date of application for the invention patent, or within 3 months from the date of receipt of the notification of rejection, the patent type of the invention patent may be changed from invention to utility model/design upon request
• A request to change the patent type from invention to utility model/design can be filed within three months from the date of the JPO’s first decision to reject the application

A conversion fee shall be paid for patent type conversion. Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.

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

1-2 years

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