Finnegan attorneys Naoki Yoshida and Chiaki Kobayashi examine emerging patterns in discretionary denial practices at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board under the Squires Administration, analyzing their impact on corporate intellectual property strategy and practice. This article, published in the Japan Intellectual Property Association's journal, explores how recent administrative changes are reshaping PTAB proceedings and what corporate practitioners need to know to adapt their IP management approaches.

The agreement also grants BMS the option to receive exclusive licenses to Nitto's siRNA therapy for the treatment of lung fibrosis and other organ fibrosis.

Plant variety registration laws do not feature frequently in intellectual property news feeds, but a recent conflict has arisen in Korean Jeju Island where farmers acquired new varieties of Japanese mikan tangerines without formal licenses.

Finnegan attorney Chiaki Kobayashi explores the complex landscape of genus claiming in biotechnology and pharmaceutical patents, examining doctrinal developments and practical drafting approaches. The article, edited by partner John D. Livingstone, provides strategic guidance for navigating means-plus-function claiming methodologies in life sciences intellectual property.

The Nihon Keizai Shinbun reported on the 22nd of July on a new licensing deal between Japanese multination Hitachi and Besterra, a construction company headquartered in Tokyo.

However, it is not always easy for the parties to agree on whether a patent is a standard-essential patent or how to resolve disputes.

6月12日、日本国特許庁（JPO）のホストの下、第19回五庁長官会合が開催され、中国国家知識産権局の張志成副局長がオンラインで出席した。

The guide would assist international and Japanese parties to arrange for equitable licensing of key technologies covered by SEPs.

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has now published its initial edition of the Guide to Licensing Negotiations Involving Standard Essential Patents (issue date: June 5, 2018).

Its IP department has commented that until recently it had focused merely on gaining many patents to defend its products against competitors.

Japan has long been a cornerstone of the global gaming industry.

In this article, we will clarify the current status and challenges of technology transfer at Japanese universities, focusing on TLOs, and how research results at universities are utilized.

Before initiating litigation, in most cases, an IP right holder sends a warning letter to an alleged infringer in an ordinary situation.

With the aim of promoting innovation, standardizing technologies have often been implemented in the information and telecommunication technology (ICT) industry, for example, DVDs and smartphones.

The Japan Patent Office's 2026 Status Report reveals a significant 17% surge in patent applications driven by an unusual December filing spike, while registration rates and examination timelines remain stable.

The Trademark Lawyer Magazine has ranked Sonoda & Kobayashi among its top 10 law firms in Japan, and Sonoda & Kobayashi is hence an award-winning law firm 2023 in Japan.