Asamura IP (www.asamura.jp/en) is celebrated as the oldest and also one of the most experienced professional patent firms in Japan. It offers a complete turnkey operation for all IP needs, handling Japanese patents, trademarks, and design applications from local and worldwide clients. It has recently been awarded the title of Best Full-Service Intellectual Property Law Firm 2023 – Japan, following which we decided to take a closer look at the company.
The umbrella term ‘intellectual property’ is used to refer to something that has been created from a person’s own brain, for example a story, a song, or a picture. It is an intangible asset or idea that is not physical in nature, but certainly has a creator/owner, and that is the person who thought it up. We’re all thinking things all the time, and don’t expect them to be credited to someone else. This problem is confounded though when it is examined through a business lens. It can cause unmitigated disaster for a company if its intellectual property is infringed upon.
The trouble is, in a world of millions where many people might be thinking about the same thing at the same time, it is remarkably easy for two people to randomly come up with the same idea. That’s why protecting your ideas with intellectual property (IP) rights is so important. They allow you to register your idea in a professional context, such as by taking out a patent, and prevent anyone else from laying claim to it. Of course, although people can conceivably come up with the same idea at the same time, that is very different to someone out and out stealing another person’s ideas or creations, and palming them off as their own. Intellectual Property rights are there to protect people in both situations.
Furthermore, it is divided into several familiar categories, depending on what sort of intellectual property needs protection. There’s patents for inventions, industrial designs, and computer technology. Patents protecting a unique idea can last up to 20 years. Copyright is another familiar term, and this covers literary works which could be dramatic, musical, or artistic in nature. It might also cover computer software, recordings, and broadcasts. Copyright, which is usually notified by the familiar © symbol, stays in place until 70 years after the author has died.
There’s also trademarks, which are unique identifiers for a business. A trademark is an insignia, symbol, or even a phrase that is inextricably linked with a brand. It is exclusively assigned to a particular company, which means the company owns it and it can’t be copied. When you consider it in this way, it is obvious that intellectual property can become synonymous with a business, and it is therefore vital to take steps to protect it.
The laws governing areas such as patents, copyright, and trademark have been in place for many years to enable IP to be protected. They enable people to earn recognition or gain financial benefit from what they invent or create. By striking the right balance between the interests of innovators and the wider public interest, the IP system aims to foster an environment in which creativity and innovation can flourish together.
Asamura IP was established in 1891, and has continued evolving through five generations to become the experienced and knowledgeable company it is today. It has managed to build trusted relationships with many IP law firms across the globe, and this allows it to handle Japanese patent, trademark and design applications from clients anywhere in the world. It takes great pride in delivering exceptionally high-quality services, with a capacity to handle both inbound and outbound IP cases. It boasts more than 34 patent attorneys, who cover technical sectors including mechanical engineering, ICT, and chemical/biotechnology. Wholly dependent on the case and technology to be patented, Asamura IP appoints a suitable attorney who will act on the client’s behalf, and ensure a successful conclusion to each case.
There has been considerable growth in IP-related work in Japan, coming directly from foreign countries. This has necessitated a relocation to a new premises near Tokyo Station (Otemachi), in the heart of Tokyo’s business district. The organisation is now able to handle an increased number of enquiries from domestic and foreign companies alike. It is delighted to have been recognised for an AI Global International Award, attributing its success to its clients’ appreciation of the company’s professional advice. With over 100 years in the Intellectual Property rights business, it certainly knows its stuff!
For further information, please visit www.asamura.jp/en
