Recent Amendments to Japanese Employment and Labor-Related Laws
Introduction By the end of 2026, Japan will implement a series of significant amendments to labor and occupational health and safety regulations, reflecting a growing emphasis on workplace safety. These changes, driven by forthcoming guidelines from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), will require employers to adopt new compliance measures across a range …
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Legal Risks Arising from Inaccurate Price and Country of Origin Information on Invoices: Ensuring the Accuracy of Export Documentation
Introduction Nagashima provides a wide range of legal services concerning trade transactions, including security export control, economic sanctions compliance, and related matters for Japan, the United States, China, Europe, and other jurisdictions. In addition to inquiries in relation to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (the “FEFTA”), the United States Export Administration Regulations, economic …
Summary of the 2025 Amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act
Introduction On June 4, 2025, Japan amended the Whistleblower Protection Act, further enhancing protections for whistleblowers while strengthening sanctions for violations and expanding administrative enforcement powers. This is the first amendment in five years since the 2020 revision. Notably, the amendment introduces a clause providing that any dismissal or disciplinary action taken within one year …
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The New Act on Security Interests by Assignment – Significant Changes to Security Interests over Movables and Receivables: Impact on Priority and Perfection Rules
I. Introduction The Act on Contracts for Security Interest by Assignment and Retention of Title (the “Act”), enacted on May 30, 2025, and promulgated on June 6, 2025, is expected to take effect by 2027 (within two years and six months from its promulgation date).
Tokyo Stock Exchange Tightens Rules on MBOs and Controlling Shareholder Buyouts: Enhanced Disclosure and Minority Protection
Introduction On July 22, 2025, the Tokyo Stock Exchange (the “TSE”) introduced revisions to its Code of Corporate Conduct with respect to management buyouts (“MBOs”) and controlling shareholder buyouts (the “Code”) to strengthen fairness and transparency in such transactions.
Digitalization of Civil Litigation Procedures in Japan
I. Introduction The digitalization of civil litigation procedures in Japan began with the introduction of teleconferencing and video conferencing systems under the 2010 amendment of the Code of Civil Procedure. The use of teleconference had become widely adopted, enabling parties or their representatives located far from the courts to participate in preparatory proceedings to arrange …
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Real Estate Crowdfunding Regulations in Japan
I. Introduction Crowdfunding is a method of raising money to finance projects and businesses that enables fundraisers to collect money from a large number of people via online platforms. There exists a variety of crowdfunding platforms serving industries like technology, the arts, and social causes, as well as real estate.
AI Update – AI Inventorship: IP High Court in Japan Rules AI Cannot Be Listed as Inventor
Executive Summary A recent ruling has reinforced that judicial interpretation alone cannot extend inventorship to AI systems under existing patent law. On January 30, 2025, the Japanese Intellectual Property High Court ruled that AI-generated inventions cannot receive patent protection under the current Japanese patent law. [1] The Court held that the current Patent Act only …
Judgment rendered by the Grand Panel of the Intellectual Property High Court on March 19, 2025, regarding the patentability of compositions which contemplate medical procedures both before and after manufacture
Introduction On March 19, 2025, the Grand Panel of the Intellectual Property High Court (the “IPHC”) rendered their judgment in a patent infringement case. The court reversed a Tokyo District Court’s judgment and found that the defendant had infringed the plaintiff’s patent.
Update: A Second Court Decision addressing Patent Linkage and Unfair Competition
Introduction As reported in NO&T IP Law Update No.8, on October 28, 2024, the Tokyo District Court issued a decision in a case involving a biosimilar manufacturer seeking a preliminary injunction against a patent holder (Samsung Bioepis Co. Ltd. v. Bayer HealthCare LLC.