IP News from Japan

Regarding the guideline on description of request and drawings, etc. in applications for design registration

The JPO has created and published on its website a guideline on descriptions of requests and drawings, etc. in applications for design registration. The guideline corresponds to the examination criteria of design registrations that were amended on July 22, 2011.
The guideline can be accessed via the following URL:

Regarding JPO's post-disaster measures

The JPO has announced that, exclusively for businesses affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Eastern Japan in March 2011, it will extend grace periods that were originally due to end in August 2011 until March 2012, with regard to multiple procedures such as requests for examination of filed patent applications and payment of patent maintenance fees.

Apple obtains provisional order for injunction against Samsung smartphone sales in the Netherlands

On August 24, 2011, with regard to Apple's patent infringement lawsuit against Samsung, the Hague District Court in the Netherlands issued a provisional order for an injunction against sales. The court did not acknowledge Apple's demand for an injunction against sales of Samsung's Galaxy Tab.

METI agrees to commence PPH with China

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has advanced consultations with China to initiate in 2012 a bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH), which is a system that accelerates patent examination. If this is implemented, it will be possible to bolster the acquisition of patents in China by Japanese companies.