Intellectual Property Policy
Faculty
H. Kato
Description
Japan is now in the process of reforming its intellectual property (IP) system to restore its competitiveness through effective protection and use of patents, copy-rights and other intellectual property rights.
This class aims to study what is IP system in general, why IP protection is now deemed important, and what issues are on national IP agenda.
The class will discuss the following three main topics. First, it will outline IP laws and policies and, in particular, will focus issues related to biotechnology and information technology.
Second, it will address a new national IP strategy and study new legislation, including Intellectual Property Act. It will also touch upon matters related to promotion of industry-university collaboration with the aim of more use of inventions created by university researchers.
Third, it will take up what are controversial issues within multilateral
organizations such as World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Intellectual
Property Organization (WIPO).
Throughout this lecture, it will take up some case studies on IP field and
explain “IP Strategic Program” developed by Japanese Government.