Is Japanese Utility Model Application Type Convertible?

1-2 years

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

5-7 months

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 Once the original patent application is converted, it will be deemed withdrawn.

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.

yes

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

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

yes