We have published our April 2026 newsletter.
For details about the newsletter, please see the following URLs:
Overall:https://www.harakenzo.com/202604/
- The 6th Japan-ASEAN Patent Experts Meeting
The 6th Japan-ASEAN Patent Experts Meeting - The USPTO and the Department of Justice jointly submitted a statement of opinion regarding patent holders' injunctive relief.
USPTO and Department of Justice Jointly Submit Statement on Injunctive Relief for Patent Holders - Next-generation search tool for examiners developed by the European Patent Office (EPO)
Next-generation Search Tool for Examiners Developed by the European Patent Office (EPO) - A large number of patent applications are expected to be filed in Japan in December 2025.
Massive Number of Patent Applications Filed in Japan in December 2025 - USPTO to make sending patent certificate copies optional.
USPTO Shifts to Opt-in System for Sending Copies of Patent Certificates
Legal:https://www.harakenzo.com/law-202604/
- “Unmanaged Works Adjudication System” starts in April 2026
“Compulsory License System for Unmanaged Works” Starting from April 2026 - Proposed amendment to the Seed and Seedling Law: "Unauthorized export of agricultural products will be prohibited from the time of application for new varieties."
Proposed Amendment to the Plant Variety Protection and Seed Act – Move toward Injunctions against Unauthorized Export of Agricultural Products of New Varieties from Time of Application - Changes to Japan Patent Office fees for international registration applications via Madrid e-Filing
Change in the Japan Patent Office fee for International Registration Applications via Madrid e-Filing