"Preface" [2012] ELECD 1187; in Shimanami, Ryo (ed), "The Future of the Patent System" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2012) xi

Book Title: The Future of the Patent System

Editor(s): Shimanami, Ryo

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781781000533

Section Title: Preface

Number of pages: 10

Extract:

Preface: patent system at the crossroads
The Institute of Intellectual Property was established in 1989 by the
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as an institute specializing in
intellectual property. In commemoration of its 20th anniversary in 2009,
the Institute decided to publish this book with the hope of simulating
multi-perspective discussion on the patent system and using the insights
gained from the discussion to determine the future direction of the patent
system. In this preface, I would like to briefly explain the loss of momen-
tum in Japan's initiative to become an intellectual property power, the
problems related to the patent system, and the risks that companies face
as patent system users.


LOSS OF MOMENTUM IN JAPAN'S INITIATIVE TO
BECOME AN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POWER

Since the establishment of Japan's Intellectual Property Basic Act in
December 2002, Japan has annually devised an intellectual property
strategic program in order to pursue the goal of making Japan an
intellectual property-based nation. This concept of "making Japan an
intellectual property-based nation" is said to have its origin in the admin-
istrative policy speech given in 2002, only eight years ago, by former
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. Nowadays, the media has already lost
interest in intellectual property strategies, indicating that the "intellectual
property boom" is over.
The majority of people feel that Japan should value intellectual prop-
erty more highly than other countries. They argue that the patent system
plays an important role in protecting and using innovations ...