The number of patent applications filed in Japan in 2014 was 325,989. The number of filings has been gradually decreasing since 2006. The number of patent applications filed from Japan to abroad was 201,410 in 2013 and the number of PCT international applications filed was 41,292 in 2014, showing that the number has almost doubled compared to 10 years ago.
The Japan Patent Office （JPO） is strengthening its patent examination system, aiming at “the world’s fastest and utmost quality”。 In March 2014, the JPO achieved its ten-year goal of shortening the first-action （FA） pendency to 11 months or less, i.e., the length of time it takes for the JPO to issue its first actions. In addition, the JPO has established a Subcommittee on Examination Quality Management in August 2014 for the purpose of conducting an objective evaluation of quality management for examination.
The JPO has also enhanced its cooperation with other IP Offices around the world in order to support globalized business activities. The JPO is currently conducting Patent Prosecution Highway （PPH） programs with 31 countries/regions. This program is designed to enable applicants to acquire rights more quickly. Furthermore, under the Global Dossier Initiative, The JPO is actively contributing to efforts aimed at linking IP Offices’ systems so as to facilitate sharing information with each other on filings and examination, as well make it possible for users to access such information. The JPO is also promoting cooperation with emerging countries such as those in the ASEAN Region, by having examiners meet and discuss their respective examination practices with each other, and thus, enable them to gain a better mutual understanding of examination.
The JPO is also working to assist SMEs/venture companies that form the backbone of economic support in local regions. Starting in FY2014, as means of enhancing its support, the JPO is assigning IP experts such as lawyers and patent attorneys to work at the JPO’s “Comprehensive IP Support Service Counters” located in every prefecture, in order to provide technical consultations on IP issues more promptly. Furthermore, in response to the increasing number of cases in which regions are being revitalized by regional brands, Japan revised its law on regional collective trademarks in May 2014.
From the perspective of making Japan the world’s leading IP-based nation, the Patent System Subcommittee from March 2014 has been discussing system-related issues, which support the innovation system. In March 2015, the bill to revise the Patent Act and other Acts was approved by the Japanese Cabinet and submitted to the Diet.
The year 2015 marks the 130th year since the industrial property system was established in Japan. The number of patents registered in Japan until now is approximately 5.3 million, second to the United States. It is also a milestone year for Japan. During 2015, Japan will accede to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs. In addition, nontraditional marks such as “colors” and “sounds” will become eligible for protection.
（编辑：刘珊）
（中国知识产权报独家稿件，未经授权不得转载。）