Design Search
In Japan, design applications are subjected to substantive examination, and no design right is granted to a design that is identical with or similar to a known design. Thus, before filing an application for registration of a design, it is important to conduct a search for any design that is identical with or similar to the design created by a client.
Further, it is crucial to conduct precise searches for any design right of a third party in Japan related to the product to be manufactured or distributed by the client in order for the client to be safe to manufacture or distribute the product without infringing any third party’s design right.
We provide precise searches using the search tools provided by major IP Offices over the world, including the JPO, as well as specialized search tools with which more detailed information is obtainable.
Application for Design Registration
The Japanese Design Act provides various types of design applications, such as partial design and related design. Selecting a right type of application to achieve a scope of protection suitable for the nature of the product is a key to protection of the design.
For proper protection of design created by clients, we make proposal on the right type of application for the design, and draft the drawings and application document in accordance with the Japanese Design Act for the design to be registered.
Please click here for the flow of design prosecution.
Written Opinion relating to Design
We provide opinions as to whether the design created by the client is registrable in Japan, whether the client’s product infringes on any third party’s design right, or whether a target design right of a third party may be invalidated.
We also offer sound advice as to possible measures to take, if any legal problem is anticipated.
Flow
Registration fee must be paid within 30 days from the mailing date of Decision of Registration.