IP News from Japan

U.S. Senate passes Patent Act reform bill

The most significant area of revision in the bill is the change from the first-to-invent rule to the first-to-file rule. At present in the U.S.A., a patent is granted to the first invention, but under the first-to-file rule, a patent will be granted to the first application.

Other areas of revision include the system for post-grant opposition, regulations regarding prior use, and provision of information on prior art.

Microsoft and Acer conclude patent contract regarding Acer

U.S. company Microsoft has announced the conclusion of a patent licensing agreement with Acer (Taiwan). The agreement concerns Acer-manufactured Android on-board smartphones and tablet computers. Microsoft has previously concluded similar contracts with multiple Android device manufacturers, and is continuing to build up its smartphone-related patent portfolio.

Major publishers warn digitizing agencies that "self-catering" is copyright violation

Seven major publishing companies and 122 famous writers and manga artists have notified over 100 Japanese digitizing agencies that so-called "self-catering" constitutes copyright violation. This "self-catering" refers to cutting printed books, scanning them and uploading them as electronic data. In recent years, following the spread of e-book readers such as the iPad and Kindle, demand for digitized books has increased and so has the number of agents practicing "self-catering".

Apple files patent infringement lawsuit against Samsung in Japan

Apple, which has been waging court battles against Samsung Electronics in the U.S.A. and various European countries, has also filed an indemnification lawsuit on the grounds of patent infringement in Japan. The dispute concerns patent infringements related to Apple's iPhone and iPad. Apple is seen to be aiming to keep Samsung Electronics activities in the areas of mobile phones and tablet computers in check.