March [General] Newsletter

Meeting between the Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Industry, the Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office, the Deputy Commissioner for Patent Engineering and the Director General of WIPO

On January 29, 2026, a meeting was held between Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ochi. During the meeting, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ochi expressed his gratitude to Director-General Tang for his cooperation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo. The two sides also agreed to further cooperate on improving the convenience of the international application and registration system in order to promote innovation through intellectual property.

On the same day, a meeting was held between Director General Tan and Commissioner Kasai and Deputy Commissioner Yasuda. At the meeting, it was confirmed that the two sides will continue to cooperate on initiatives such as WIPO GREEN and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the field of intellectual property (IP) through the Japan Fund. The two sides also confirmed their intention to cooperate toward the introduction of ePCT at the JPO. Furthermore, the two sides exchanged views on future initiatives related to AI.

Among the above, ePCT in particular is an online management system for PCT international applications provided by WIPO, a web-based procedural platform for securely filing applications, making amendments, checking progress, and communicating with the International Bureau and search authorities, and its introduction at the JPO has been progressing in recent years. A trial will begin in December 2025, and for example, the following documents will be viewable and available through ePCT:

• Notification of international application number and international filing date (PCT/RO/105)
• Notification of receipt of search copy (PCT/ISA/202)
• Notification of transmittal of the International Search Report and the written opinion of the International Searching Authority or the decision not to establish an International Search Report (PCT/ISA/220)

Once ePCT is officially introduced at the JPO, it is planned to discontinue the mailing of major documents issued by WIPO, which are currently also sent by mail. In addition, it will become possible to file international applications using ePCT with the JPO as the receiving office, which is expected to improve the convenience of international applications and increase the number of applications filed.

Practical training for patent examiners of the National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam

For a total of five days from January 26 to 30, 2026, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) conducted training on patent examination practices in the pharmaceutical field for patent examiners from the National Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP Viet Nam).

The training consisted of face-to-face case studies with instructors, using actual cases from the pharmaceutical field to teach participants about search techniques and criteria for determining novelty and inventive step that are unique to each technical field.

In response to requests from students, lectures were also given on searching for compound structural formulas for claims containing compounds written in Markush format, as well as on methods for determining novelty and inventive step.

The trainees gave the following impressions about the training:
"The instructor provided easy-to-understand materials and enthusiastic instruction. I gained a lot of valuable knowledge about how to search for claims containing Markush-type compounds, and how to determine novelty and inventive step."

It is expected that the JPO will continue to provide training such as the one mentioned above to patent examiners in emerging countries such as Vietnam, where Japanese companies are expected to expand their business. This could potentially bring about the following benefits for Japanese companies seeking to obtain patents in these emerging countries:

• By spreading the JPO's examination methods among patent examiners in the emerging countries, it will be possible to improve the credibility of JPO examinations and increase the likelihood that inventions patented at the JPO will also be patented in the emerging countries. This will improve predictability for Japanese companies when acquiring rights in the emerging countries, enabling them to acquire rights more smoothly.
• The examination capabilities of examiners in the emerging countries will be improved, and the speed of examinations in those countries will be increased, which will enable Japanese companies to quickly obtain rights in those countries.

Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement

The Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and Bangladesh was signed on February 6, 2026.

The Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement includes provisions regarding industrial property rights, the main contents of which are as follows:

1. Simplifying and Transparency of Procedures
(1) International Agreements
It was stipulated that Bangladesh should join the following international agreements: (However, Bangladesh has been granted a grace period to comply with these provisions.)
・The Patent Cooperation Treaty, which allows for the filing of patent applications internationally
・The Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks, which allows for the filing of trademark registration applications globally in one go
(2) Publication of the screening criteria
In Bangladesh, it has been stipulated that efforts will be made to make the examination criteria public once they have been created.
(3) Publication of patent applications
In Bangladesh, it has been stipulated that efforts shall be made to publish patent applications promptly after 18 months have elapsed from the filing date or, if priority is claimed, from the earliest priority date.

2. Strengthening protection of intellectual property
(1) Strengthening protection of trademark rights
It was stipulated that the condition for determining whether a trademark is well-known shall not require that the trademark be registered in the country or another country. It was also stipulated that efforts shall be made to reject trademark applications filed in bad faith.
(2) Exceptions to lack of novelty of design
The provision recognizes the importance of a grace period during which certain public disclosures of creative works are not taken into account when determining whether a design is novel or original.
(3) Subject matter protected by patents
It was stipulated that all technical fields, including pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals, would be subject to patent protection.

3. Strengthening enforcement
(1) The power of judicial authorities to order the destruction of infringing goods
The Act provides that in civil judicial proceedings, judicial authorities have the power to issue orders to destroy items that infringe design rights, trademark rights, copyrights, and related rights. (However, Bangladesh has been granted a grace period for implementing this provision.)
(2) Ensuring the authority to order the destruction of infringing goods and ex officio injunction procedures at the border
It provides that competent authorities have the power to order the destruction of goods that infringe trademark rights and copyrights (Article 12.61), and that customs authorities are given the power to suspend imports or exports of infringing goods.
(3) Criminal penalties for importing infringing goods (Article 12.63)
The law stipulates that the commercial importation of goods that intentionally infringe trademark rights or copyrights will be subject to criminal proceedings and penalties. (However, Bangladesh has been granted a grace period to implement this provision.)

In the future, the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement is expected to advance legal arrangements regarding intellectual property rights, such as patent rights, in Bangladesh and promote the use of international applications.

Furthermore, as Japanese companies continue to expand their business into Bangladesh, it is expected that the number of patent applications filed by Japanese companies in Bangladesh will increase.

"Connecting the Patent Office in Kagoshima" event held

In recent years, the Japan Patent Office has been visiting various parts of Japan and holding "Connecting the Patent Office" events in various regional cities across the country to support the use of intellectual property in business.

On January 19, 2026, the "Connecting Patent Office in Kagoshima" event was held in Kagoshima City with the theme "Taking on the challenge of exports, preparing for risks. Protecting and nurturing the earning power of the Kagoshima brand through intellectual property."

Three sessions were held at the aforementioned "Connecting Patent Offices in Kagoshima."

In Session 1, Akiko Sato, Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Economics at Kyushu University, gave a lecture titled "Japanese companies' expansion into emerging countries and the various risks lurking in international business: Why is intellectual property protection important in emerging countries?"

In Session 2, Nobuyuki Yamaguchi, Director of Yamaguchi Sangyo Co., Ltd., gave a lecture titled "From a local company to the world: Turning learnings into strategies for overseas expansion in practice," and Saki Tominaga, Representative Director of LINK SPIRITS Co., Ltd., gave a lecture titled "Taking Kagoshima shochu to the world: challenging exports and preparing for risks."

Session 3 was moderated by Professor Kanako Murakami, Assistant to the President (Social Collaboration) of Kagoshima University, Deputy Director of the South Kyushu and Southwest Islands Innovation Center, and patent attorney. The three panelists were Kayoko Tsukiji, Representative Director of Kyushu Tsukiji Co., Ltd.; Saki Tominaga, Representative Director of LINK SPIRITS Co., Ltd.; and Takuya Nakamura, Intellectual Property Office, Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry. The panel discussion was based on the theme of "Intellectual Property Activities of Kyushu Companies Earning Money Overseas."

As "Connecting Patent Office" events such as the above-mentioned "Connecting Patent Office in Kagoshima" are held in various locations in the future, it is thought that this could encourage companies from regional cities to expand overseas, expanding the trend of acquiring intellectual property such as patents overseas.

Newsletter translated into English

Meeting between Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Commissioner and Director General for Technical Affairs of the Japan Patent Office, and Director General of WIPO

On January 29, 2026, a meeting was held between Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and Mr. Toshiyuki Ochi, Parliamentary Vice‑Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
In the meeting, the Parliamentary Vice‑Minister expressed his gratitude to Director General Tang for his cooperation regarding the Osaka–Kansai Expo.
Both sides also agreed to further strengthen their collaboration in order to promote innovation through intellectual property, including improving the convenience of international application and registration systems.

On the same day, a meeting was also held between WIPO Director General Tang, JPO Commissioner Yasuyuki Kasai and JPO Director General for Technical Affairs Futoshi Yasuda.
At that meeting, it was confirmed that cooperation through the Japan Fund in supporting developing countries in the field of intellectual property would continue, specifically with regard to WIPO GREEN and initiatives supporting SMEs and start‑ups.
It was also confirmed that both sides would continue working together toward the introduction of ePCT at the JPO.
Further, the parties exchanged views on upcoming initiatives related to artificial intelligence.

Among the matters raised above, particular attention was given to ePCT, which is an online management system for PCT international applications provided by WIPO. It is a web‑based procedural platform enabling secure submission, amendment, monitoring of procedures, and communication with the International Bureau and International Searching Authorities.
In recent years, the JPO has been advancing towards the introduction of ePCT. A trial began in December 2025, and currently, for example, the following documents can be viewed and obtained through ePCT:

• Notification of the International Application Number and the International Filing Date (PCT/RO/105)
• Notification of Receipt of Search Copy (PCT/ISA/202)
• Notification of Transmittal of the International Search Report and the Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority, or of the Decision not to Establish an International Search Report (PCT/ISA/220)

Once ePCT is formally introduced at the JPO, postal transmission of major documents issued by WIPO, which are currently still mailed, will be discontinued.
Moreover, it will be possible to file international applications using ePCT with the JPO as the receiving office, making international filing more convenient and potentially increasing the number of applications.

Patent Examination Training for Examiners of the Intellectual Property Office of Viet Nam

From January 26 to 30, 2026, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) conducted a five-day training program on patent examination practice in the pharmaceutical field for patent examiners of the Intellectual Property Office of Viet Nam (IP Viet Nam).

This training, through face‑to‑face case studies with lecturers, used actual cases in the pharmaceutical field as a basis for studying search methods and the criteria for assessing novelty and inventive step specific to each technical field.

At the request of the participants, lectures were also given on conducting searches using structural‑formula search methods for claims including compounds written in Markush form, as well as on methods of assessing novelty and inventive step.

Participants made the following comments about the training:
“The lecturer prepared easy‑to‑understand materials and gave thorough instruction. I gained valuable knowledge on how to conduct searches and assess novelty and inventive step for claims containing compounds in Markush form.”

Training such as the above, conducted by the JPO for patent examiners in emerging countries such as Viet Nam, where further business expansion by Japanese companies is expected, is likely to continue in the future. Potential benefits for Japanese enterprises seeking acquisition in those emerging countries may include, for example:

• Spreading the JPO's examination methods among examiners in those countries can improve the reliability of JPO examination, such that it is more likely that inventions patented at the JPO can be similarly patented in those countries. This, in turn, enhances predictability for Japanese companies when obtaining rights abroad and enables smoother acquisition of rights.
• Improving the examination skills of examiners in those countries can increase the speed of examination, enabling Japanese companies to obtain rights more quickly.

Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement

Japan and Bangladesh signed the “Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement” on February 6, 2026.

The Agreement includes provisions concerning industrial property rights. Its main content is summarized below.

1. Simplification and Transparency of Procedures
(1) International Agreements
Accession to the following international agreements was prescribed (with Bangladesh being granted a transition period before implementation):
・The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), enabling unified international patent filing
・The Madrid Agreement concerning the International Registration of Marks, enabling unified international trademark applications
(2) Publication of Examination Guidelines
Bangladesh is to endeavor to publish its examination guidelines following preparation.
(3) Publication of Patent Applications
Bangladesh is to endeavor to publish patent applications promptly after 18 months from the filing date, or from the earliest date of priority claimed.

2. Strengthening of Intellectual Property Protection
(1) Enhancement of Trademark Protection
It was stipulated that, in determining whether a mark is a well-known mark, registration of that mark either domestically or abroad shall not be required. It was also stipulated that Bangladesh will endeavor to refuse applications for marks filed in bad faith.
(2) Exception to Loss of Novelty for Designs
It was stipulated that, in assessing whether an industrial design has novelty or originality, the importance of a grace period during which certain disclosures to the public are not taken into account shall be recognized.
(3) Subject Matter of Patent Protection
It was stipulated that all technical fields, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, shall be eligible for patent protection.

3. Strengthening of Enforcement
(1) Authority of Judicial Bodies to Order Disposal of Infringing Goods
It was stipulated that, in civil judicial proceedings, judicial authorities shall have the power to order the destruction of goods infringing design rights, trademark rights, copyrights, and related rights (with Bangladesh being granted a transition period before implementation).
(2) Authority of Border Authorities and Ex Officio Action
It was stipulated that authorities shall have the power to order destruction of goods infringing trademark or copyright rights (Article 12.61), and that customs authorities shall be empowered to take ex officio suspension measures with respect to infringing goods being imported or exported.
(3) Criminal Penalty for Importation of Infringing Goods (Article 12.63)
It was stipulated that the deliberate importation, on a commercial scale, of goods infringing trademark rights or copyrights shall be subject to criminal procedures and penalties (with Bangladesh being granted a transition period before implementation).

In the future, the “Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement” is expected to promote the establishment and improvement of legal frameworks for intellectual property rights such as patents in Bangladesh, and to encourage use of international application systems. Furthermore, expansion of business activities by Japanese enterprises in Bangladesh is anticipated, along with an increase in Japanese patent filings there.

Holding of “tsunagaru-tokkyocho in Kagoshima”

In recent years, the Japan Patent Office has been holding “tsunagaru-tokkyocho” (“Connected JPO”) events across Japan, visiting various regions to support the use of intellectual property in business.

This time, on January 19, 2026, “tsunagaru-tokkyocho in Kagoshima” was held in Kagoshima City under the theme of “Taking on Export Challenges, Preparing for Risks - Building the Earning Power of the Kagoshima Brand through Intellectual Property.”

At “tsunagaru-tokkyocho in Kagoshima”, three sessions were held.

In Session 1, Associate Professor Akiko Sato of the Graduate School of Economics, Kyushu University, gave a lecture titled “Overseas Expansion of Japanese Companies into Emerging Countries and the Various Risks Hidden in International Business - Why is Intellectual Property Protection Important in Emerging Countries?”

In Session 2, Mr. Nobuyuki Yamaguchi, Director at Yamaguchi Industry Co., Ltd., delivered a lecture titled “From Regional Company to the World - Turning Learning into Strategy for Overseas Expansion,” and Ms. Saki Tominaga, Representative Director of LINK SPIRITS Co., Ltd., gave a lecture titled “Kagoshima Shochu to the World - Taking on Export Challenges and Preparing for Risks.”

In Session 3, Professor Kanako Murakami, Patent Attorney and Assistant to the President (for Social Collaboration) of Kagoshima University and Deputy Director of the Southern Kyushu and Nansei Islands Innovation Center, served as moderator. Ms. Kayoko Tsukiji, President and CEO of Kyushu Tsukiji Co., Ltd., Ms. Saki Tominaga, Representative Director of LINK SPIRITS Co., Ltd., and Mr. Takuya Nakamura of the Intellectual Property Office, Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry participated in a panel discussion on the theme “Intellectual Property Activities of Kyushu Companies Earning Abroad.”

With future implementation of “tsunagaru-tokkyocho” events such as this across Japan, overseas expansion by local companies is expected to proceed further, and the trend of acquiring intellectual property rights such as patents abroad is likely to expand.