Kyosei International Patent Office  
japanese rogo
>>Go to Japanese page
 
Home .
Welcome .
Our services .
IP Topics .
FAQs .
Downloads .
Contact Us(and Map) .


Contact us


Utility Models

Q. What documents are required to apply for utility model rights in Japan?

A.

Article 5 of the Japan Utility Model Law provides that to apply for utility model rights in Japan, the following documents must be submitted to the Japan Patent Office (JPO):
  1. A completed JPO application form that includes the following information:
    a. the name(s) and domicile(s) or residence(s) of the applicant(s); and
    b. the name(s) and domicile(s) or residence(s) of the creator(s) of the utility model.
  2. A description of the utility model, including the following information:
    a. the name of the device;
    b. a brief explanation of each drawing, if any; and
    c. a detailed explanation of the device.
  3. The claims
  4. Drawings (if necessary to explain the invention)
  5. An abstract

Although the JPO does not require a signed Power of Attorney (POA) form executed by the applicant(s) when a utility model application is submitted, that might be required for subsequent proceedings, and therefore we ask that such a POA form be provided to us when a party requests that we process a utility model application.

To file a utility model application claiming priority of an earlier application in another country, it is also necessary an original certified copy of the priority certificate (because the JPO will not accept an ordinary photocopy or other non-certified copy), issued by the applicable foreign patent office, that specifies, among other information, the number and filing date of the earlier application

In order for a utility model application to claim priority under the Paris Convention of an earlier application filed in another country, the applicant must submit to the JPO, within 16 months of the filing date of the earlier application, a priority certificate (an original certified copy is essential, because the Japan Patent Office will not accept an ordinary photocopy or other non-certified copy), issued by the applicable foreign patent office, that specifies, among other information, the number and filing date of the earlier application (Utility Model Law Article 11).


<<back


If you have any question about any IP matter that you would like us to answer, please send it to us here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2014 by Kyosei International Patent Office. All rights reserved.