Services
Nov. 17, 2023
Introduction of "Service by Publication" in response to International Mail Service Suspension
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has introduced a measure known as "service by publication" for documents that cannot be delivered to the intended recipient, by instead publishing the relevant information in the Official Gazette and the Patent Gazette, posting the information at the JPO or making the information accessible by other such means.
Nov. 14, 2023
Comparison of Examination Practices on AI-related Inventions in USPTO, EPO, CNIPA, KIPO and JPO
The Japan Patent Office (JPO), together with the USPTO, the EPO, the CNIPA and the KIPO, has published a comparison table that summarizes the laws, examination guidelines and exemplary cases concerning AI-related inventions, which was approved by the five offices (IP5 Offices) in June 2023.
June 20, 2023
Infringement of Patent Directed to System Composed of Server outside of Japan and User Terminals - Territoriality Issues (IP High Court Grand Panel Case)
The Grand Panel found that production of a system composed of a server located abroad and domestic user terminals constituted infringement of Japanese Patent No. 6526304, owned by Dwango, the appellant, the patent being directed to an invention of a system comprising a server and plural terminal devices connected by a network.
Apr. 18, 2023
Termination of Relief Measures related to COVID-19 at the JPO
As of May 9, 2023, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) will terminate the relief measures implemented in response to COVID-19.
Apr. 18, 2023
Fast-track Trademark Examination Suspended as of April 1, 2023
Fast-track trademark examination has been suspended as of April 1, 2023, owing to overall reductions in the length of examinations.
Feb. 27, 2023
Suspension of Examination of Divisional Applications from Parent Applications Pending Trial
On February 13, 2023, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) announced that the JPO will introduce a measure that allows applicants of patent applications to request suspension of examination of divisional applications filed from applications that are pending trial (appeal) proceedings.
Dec. 19, 2022
Presumption of Damages: Massage Chair Case (IP High Court Grand Panel Case)
The present case is an IP High Court Grand Panel case in which the court upheld the cumulative application of clauses (2) and (3) of Article 102 for the presumption of the amount of damages.
July 22, 2022
Revisions to IP Laws - Restoration of Rights and Expansion of Infringing Actions
On July 15, 2022, a Cabinet Order announcing the dates of implementation of some of the previously reported revisions to the IP Laws was approved by the Cabinet.
May 27, 2022
Japan Patent Office (JPO) Requires Sequence Listings to Comply with WIPO Standard ST. 26 as of July 1, 2022
As agreed by the WIPO member states, all sequence listings accompanying patent applications filed in the JPO on or after July 1, 2022, will be required to comply with WIPO Standard ST.26.
Mar. 7, 2022
Revision of Official Fees (effective on or after April 1, 2022)
There will be a raise in the official fees for patent annuities and trademark registration fees.