Japan Changes IPR System to Keep Abreast of Globalization, JPO Report Says

TOKYO — Amid progressing globalization of country economies, Japan is reinforcing its intellectual property protection structure, such as updating its patent laws and expanding its Patent Prosecution Highway network with other countries for speedier patent application processing (see “Japan-Initiated Patent Prosecution Highway Pilot Program Commences” [25 WIPR 23, 9/1/11]), according to the Japan Patent Office annual report for 2011 published on August 1.

The 366-page report said that as the government makes efforts to improve intellectual property rights protection, businesses are steadily shifting to weigh IPRs as more important elements than before.

Of eight leading industrial sectors, Japan surpassed the ...