Dynamic changes are occurring in industrial frameworks and competitive environments both in Japan and abroad including advances in articial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Concurrently, users’ intellectu-al property (IP) strategies are becoming more globalized and complex. Even in such changing times, the Japan Patent Ofce (JPO) is fully committed to improving the IP system and practices to support user businesses and endeavors.This report introduces worldwide IP statistics, and is intend-ed to promptly inform users in Japan and abroad of the latest initiatives taken by the JPO in this era of change.Due to the globalization of businesses, the number of patent applications led abroad from Japan increased by 40,000, and the number of PCT international applications led with the JPO as the receiving ofce (RO) increased by 20,000 in the last decade. In order to support the global IP strategies of users, the JPO has worked on increasing the harmonization of IP systems and practices in various countries and regions, as well as improving and strengthening IP systems in emerg-ing countries. In addition, the JPO has continued to expand its Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) network to facilitate the prompt creation of patent portfolios. In 2019, we be-came the rst IP ofce in the world to implement a PPH program with India.The JPO actively works on cutting-edge technologies as well. The advances in AI and IoT technologies are eliminat-ing the barriers among industries, while companies are actively making use of external partnerships that include different industries in their R&D activities. In this context, the Patent Act was amended to strengthen the evidence collection procedures and to review the method used for calculating damages in order to enable companies to protect their valuable technologies by using the patents they have acquired.Furthermore, as patent applications for AI-related technolo-gies have increased across various technical elds, the JPO, for the rst time in the world, compiled the Patent Examination Case Examples Pertinent to AI-related Tech-nologies which published the case examples in Japanese and English for the purpose of increasing transparency and predictability of patent examinations. The JPO also held an international symposium on examination practices con-cerning AI-related inventions, which revealed how the IP5 Ofces reach examination decisions using the examination case examples.With positive customer experiences becoming increasingly important as a source of competitiveness, the Design Act was amended to support companies in protecting digital technology-based designs and to also help build their brands. This has led to including graphic image designs related to services that utilize new technologies, such as AI and IoT, and interior and exterior designs of buildings that are essential for corporate brand strategies as the subjects of protection. In addition, the related design system that contributes to the protection of series products was ex-panded.The number of trademark applications led for the purpose of business reputation protection continues to increase around the world, and in 2018 the number exceeded 10 million. In Japan, the number of applications has also increased and, accordingly, the average length of time in pendency has likewise increased. In order to promptly and appropriately protect trademarks and contribute to smooth business activities of users, the JPO conducts accelerated examinations and fast track examinations while expediting processing of examinations.The JPO has continued supporting universities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, which are the main drivers of innovation. In FY 2019, the JPO launched the IP strategy designer dispatch project which includes dispatching experts to universities. This project supports universities in nding research results that are not protected as IP rights and formulating IP strategies that lead to the further development of research and its social implementation.We hope that the JPO Status Report 2020 will help you understand these latest IP trends and JPO’s initiatives, and bring you success in business. The JPO will continue to serve its users in 2020 by analyzing various cases that are occurring or could occur in the era of AI and IoT technolo-gies and through dialogue focusing on an IP system that meets the demands of the new era. We ask you to keep an eye on the JPO’s initiatives.Message from the Commissioner長官挨拶2
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