3-6 months
- via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
- via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.
10 years
Inventors have a novelty grace period of 12 months after disclosure (including sale).
yes
yes. Multiple designs may be included in one design application.
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 Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.
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.
25 years
3-6 months
Reinstatement of priority is accepted on grounds of "due care."