Which is the competent authority for utility model patent applications in Japan?

yes

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 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.

10 years

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 Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.

yes

• 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.

• Grant fee: The applicant should pay the granted fee and the annual fee for the first year within 30 days after receiving the granted notice.
• Annuity: The annual fee shall be paid year by year from the second year from the date of granted, and the payment of the annual fee may be postponed within 6 months if the annual fee is overdue, but a 200% penalty shall be paid at the same time.

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 Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.