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Japan

Rakuten continues patent dealing as it seeks to disrupt Japanese telcos

Internet firm known best for e-commerce has picked up patent rights from the likes of Verizon and AT&T, but its new cloud-only mobile network puts it head to head with IP rich incumbents

Rakuten continues patent dealing as it seeks to disrupt Japanese telcos
11 May 2019

Everything you ever wanted to know about global AI patent activity

WIPO has published an in-depth Technology Trends report focusing on IP in the artificial intelligence space. We provide the top 10 takeaways

10 May 2019

Bringing video game IP to China: big risks, big payoff

Nintendo has reached a deal with Tencent to bring its lucrative IP to China. It is well-positioned to succeed where other game companies have faltered

Latest

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9 May 2019

Toyota taking aim at GE hybrid patents as it offers its own for free

The dispute over the validity of 5 GE-owned patents goes back to before the automakers big initiative announced last week; early returns from the PTAB have not been favourable for the Japanese firm Read more

26 Apr 2019

How IP is powering rugby's global growth

This year's World IP Day theme is ‘Reach for Gold’. IP and sport will cross over again this October when Japan plays host to both IPBC Asia and the Rugby World Cup Read more

19 Apr 2019

Supplier Denso is a key cog in Toyota’s open patent plan

The auto company is the biggest shareholder in the parts giant, a growing IP power which is ramping up its ability to make electric vehicle parts Read more

18 Apr 2019

Nobel Laureate’s licensing spat underscores the importance of patent support in universities

Lack of IP funds and staff at Kyoto University may have left immunotherapy pioneer Tasuku Honjo with a poor deal in agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical. Read more

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Designs

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18 Mar 2019

Japan could join Korea in hosting English-language patent litigation

The government is quickly moving on to its next proposal for patent litigation reform, weeks after successfully pushing amendments on damages and evidence collection onto the legislative agenda Read more

21 Feb 2019

Startups from Southeast Asia have little to fear from IP but much to gain

At IPBC Southeast Asia, members of the region’s dynamic startup ecosystem heard that while IP may not yet be a critical threat to their business, it presents unique opportunities Read more

7 Feb 2019

An insider look at the IP Asia Elite

The newest members of IAM's IP Asia Elite give us the inside scoop on what makes a great IP function tick   Read more

13 Sep 2018

Patent litigation in Japan should be more attractive option, says JPO commissioner

In opening speech at IPBC Japan, Naoko Munakata suggests that rethinking rules around evidence collection and damages awards may make the system more "user-friendly" to start-ups and bigger companies Read more

Finance

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8 Mar 2019

IP Bridge approaches milestone transition to private backing

The public-private INCJ is getting ready to exit in the IP business run by Shigeharu Yoshii (pictured, centre). The patent fund operator’s second act will tell us much about Japan’s IP market Read more

22 Jan 2019

Blockchain startup’s new tack reveals much about what IP managers need most

Operem is still working toward building a blockchain platform for patent trading, but its first product reflects demand for tools that enable open innovation efforts and trade secret protection Read more

29 Oct 2018

Fujifilm spins 900+ patents to Shenzhen firm in $28m deal

O-Film, which supplies camera modules to top smartphone brands, acquires a sizable IP portfolio as part of the deal. It will also take over the Japanese firm's Tianjin-based joint venture business focused on auto. Read more

30 Jul 2018

Seiko Epson assigned nearly 2,000 patents to NPE Longitude Licensing

The electronics company's largest ever divestment nets Ireland-based chip IP licensor a second major Japanese portfolio. Read more

FRAND/SEPS

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25 Mar 2019

Broadcom’s lawsuits against the auto industry escalate, but other patent owners stay out of court

Filings against Daimler and BMW follow court actions against Toyota and VW - and it could only be a matter of time before others start to get more assertive Read more

25 Mar 2019

Qualcomm wins JFTC reversal, but faces other questions on Asian competition front

After nine years of legal manoeuvring, the US chipmaker has won approval for its licensing practices in Japan. But in other parts of the region, antitrust doubts remain Read more

5 Mar 2019

Dominion Harbor CEO discusses China strategy re-think

NPE boss says the decision to set up a licensing team in Beijing last year is starting to pay off. The acquisition of 1,000 new patents from Panasonic announced yesterday is a further boost Read more

4 Jan 2019

All the major China IP stories you missed over the holidays

Retrial ordered in Huawei v InterDigital; Apple representatives threatened with detention in continuing injunction flap; national IP appeals court opens doors and much more from the Middle Kingdom Read more

Law & Policy

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25 Mar 2019

Qualcomm wins JFTC reversal, but faces other questions on Asian competition front

After nine years of legal manoeuvring, the US chipmaker has won approval for its licensing practices in Japan. But in other parts of the region, antitrust doubts remain Read more

18 Mar 2019

Japan could join Korea in hosting English-language patent litigation

The government is quickly moving on to its next proposal for patent litigation reform, weeks after successfully pushing amendments on damages and evidence collection onto the legislative agenda Read more

22 Feb 2019

Japanese industry, government divided on patent reforms

Japan Inc is not on board with the JPO’s plans to boost damages and bring in new discovery procedures Read more

21 Feb 2019

Startups from Southeast Asia have little to fear from IP but much to gain

At IPBC Southeast Asia, members of the region’s dynamic startup ecosystem heard that while IP may not yet be a critical threat to their business, it presents unique opportunities Read more

Litigation

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25 Mar 2019

Broadcom’s lawsuits against the auto industry escalate, but other patent owners stay out of court

Filings against Daimler and BMW follow court actions against Toyota and VW - and it could only be a matter of time before others start to get more assertive Read more

18 Mar 2019

Japan could join Korea in hosting English-language patent litigation

The government is quickly moving on to its next proposal for patent litigation reform, weeks after successfully pushing amendments on damages and evidence collection onto the legislative agenda Read more

8 Mar 2019

IP Bridge approaches milestone transition to private backing

The public-private INCJ is getting ready to exit in the IP business run by Shigeharu Yoshii (pictured, centre). The patent fund operator’s second act will tell us much about Japan’s IP market Read more

5 Mar 2019

Dominion Harbor CEO discusses China strategy re-think

NPE boss says the decision to set up a licensing team in Beijing last year is starting to pay off. The acquisition of 1,000 new patents from Panasonic announced yesterday is a further boost Read more

Market Developments

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4 Apr 2019

Toyota offers 24,000 patents royalty-free in bid to boost hybrid business

The Japanese automaker is ‘opening up’ patents related to hybrid electric vehicle technology that it has previously licensed to Nissan, Ford, Subaru and Mazda, in a move that expands on its previous fuel cell pledge Read more

25 Mar 2019

Qualcomm wins JFTC reversal, but faces other questions on Asian competition front

After nine years of legal manoeuvring, the US chipmaker has won approval for its licensing practices in Japan. But in other parts of the region, antitrust doubts remain Read more

18 Mar 2019

Japan could join Korea in hosting English-language patent litigation

The government is quickly moving on to its next proposal for patent litigation reform, weeks after successfully pushing amendments on damages and evidence collection onto the legislative agenda Read more

8 Mar 2019

IP Bridge approaches milestone transition to private backing

The public-private INCJ is getting ready to exit in the IP business run by Shigeharu Yoshii (pictured, centre). The patent fund operator’s second act will tell us much about Japan’s IP market Read more

Non practising entities

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11 Apr 2019

Funai’s biggest patent disposal yet looks like a monetisation play

The Japanese OEM completed a big patent acquisition from Lexmark in 2013 to boost its inkjet business, and a new deal suggests it wants to get more money out of those 1,500 assets Read more

4 Apr 2019

Toyota offers 24,000 patents royalty-free in bid to boost hybrid business

The Japanese automaker is ‘opening up’ patents related to hybrid electric vehicle technology that it has previously licensed to Nissan, Ford, Subaru and Mazda, in a move that expands on its previous fuel cell pledge Read more

8 Mar 2019

IP Bridge approaches milestone transition to private backing

The public-private INCJ is getting ready to exit in the IP business run by Shigeharu Yoshii (pictured, centre). The patent fund operator’s second act will tell us much about Japan’s IP market Read more

5 Mar 2019

Dominion Harbor CEO discusses China strategy re-think

NPE boss says the decision to set up a licensing team in Beijing last year is starting to pay off. The acquisition of 1,000 new patents from Panasonic announced yesterday is a further boost Read more

Patent pools

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25 Mar 2019

Broadcom’s lawsuits against the auto industry escalate, but other patent owners stay out of court

Filings against Daimler and BMW follow court actions against Toyota and VW - and it could only be a matter of time before others start to get more assertive Read more

4 Jan 2019

All the major China IP stories you missed over the holidays

Retrial ordered in Huawei v InterDigital; Apple representatives threatened with detention in continuing injunction flap; national IP appeals court opens doors and much more from the Middle Kingdom Read more

19 Jun 2018

Longhorn IP unit acquires former Sharp semiconductor patents from Foxconn

Longhorn IP, the Texas-based NPE, has launched its fifth portfolio, a collection of semiconductor patents originally owned by Sharp. The licensing company, run by Khaled Fekih-Romdhane and Chris Dubuc, is calling its new vehicle Katana Silicon… Read more

4 Jun 2018

NTT Docomo dials up IP Bridge as it diversifies its licensing strategy

Mobile network operator NTT Docomo has become the latest Japanese firm to partner with IP Bridge, the patent fund run by CEO Shigeharu Yoshii. A wireless-focused subsidiary of NTT, the world’s fourth largest telco by revenue, Docomo has previously… Read more

Strategy

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4 Apr 2019

Toyota offers 24,000 patents royalty-free in bid to boost hybrid business

The Japanese automaker is ‘opening up’ patents related to hybrid electric vehicle technology that it has previously licensed to Nissan, Ford, Subaru and Mazda, in a move that expands on its previous fuel cell pledge Read more

5 Mar 2019

Dominion Harbor CEO discusses China strategy re-think

NPE boss says the decision to set up a licensing team in Beijing last year is starting to pay off. The acquisition of 1,000 new patents from Panasonic announced yesterday is a further boost Read more

22 Feb 2019

Japanese industry, government divided on patent reforms

Japan Inc is not on board with the JPO’s plans to boost damages and bring in new discovery procedures Read more

21 Feb 2019

Startups from Southeast Asia have little to fear from IP but much to gain

At IPBC Southeast Asia, members of the region’s dynamic startup ecosystem heard that while IP may not yet be a critical threat to their business, it presents unique opportunities Read more

Technology licensing

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11 Apr 2019

A deep dive into the Toyota portfolio

After the Japanese auto giant’s announcement that it will make 24,000 patents available for licensing royalty-free, we look at its assets reading on vehicle-electrification technologies Read more

4 Apr 2019

Toyota offers 24,000 patents royalty-free in bid to boost hybrid business

The Japanese automaker is ‘opening up’ patents related to hybrid electric vehicle technology that it has previously licensed to Nissan, Ford, Subaru and Mazda, in a move that expands on its previous fuel cell pledge Read more

25 Mar 2019

Broadcom’s lawsuits against the auto industry escalate, but other patent owners stay out of court

Filings against Daimler and BMW follow court actions against Toyota and VW - and it could only be a matter of time before others start to get more assertive Read more

25 Mar 2019

Qualcomm wins JFTC reversal, but faces other questions on Asian competition front

After nine years of legal manoeuvring, the US chipmaker has won approval for its licensing practices in Japan. But in other parts of the region, antitrust doubts remain Read more

Trademarks

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1 Oct 2017

An IP-based business model for equity research

Regulatory reforms and technological disruption are transforming the research functions within major financial institutions. Now Japan’s biggest bank is attempting to harness IP big data to give it an inside edge on equity analysis Read more

1 Oct 2017

Building Japanese corporate IP departments of the future

Amid dramatic industrial changes, Japanese companies have the chance to take a major leap forward and deploy IP activities to greater effect throughout enterprises. This will involve not only IP teams, but also management and business divisions Read more

5 Sep 2016

Sharp sell-off begins as Foxconn turnaround plan takes effect on the Japanese company’s IP portfolio

In the wake of Foxconn’s historic $3.5 billion purchase of a majority stake in Sharp, streamlining and rationalisation of the Japanese company’s extensive IP portfolio are high on the agenda for its new Taiwanese owners.   According to research… Read more

Trade secrets

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18 Mar 2019

Japan could join Korea in hosting English-language patent litigation

The government is quickly moving on to its next proposal for patent litigation reform, weeks after successfully pushing amendments on damages and evidence collection onto the legislative agenda Read more

22 Feb 2019

Japanese industry, government divided on patent reforms

Japan Inc is not on board with the JPO’s plans to boost damages and bring in new discovery procedures Read more

21 Feb 2019

Startups from Southeast Asia have little to fear from IP but much to gain

At IPBC Southeast Asia, members of the region’s dynamic startup ecosystem heard that while IP may not yet be a critical threat to their business, it presents unique opportunities Read more

7 Feb 2019

An insider look at the IP Asia Elite

The newest members of IAM's IP Asia Elite give us the inside scoop on what makes a great IP function tick   Read more

Valuation

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5 Apr 2019

Analysis of Fujifilm’s portfolio shows R&D strategy has opened doors to high-growth industries

The Japanese photography and imaging company has focused on developing peripheral technologies to expand into the medical and pharmaceuticals sectors; but while its holdings have increased in quality over the years, it still has a way to go Read more

21 Feb 2019

Startups from Southeast Asia have little to fear from IP but much to gain

At IPBC Southeast Asia, members of the region’s dynamic startup ecosystem heard that while IP may not yet be a critical threat to their business, it presents unique opportunities Read more

29 Oct 2018

Fujifilm spins 900+ patents to Shenzhen firm in $28m deal

O-Film, which supplies camera modules to top smartphone brands, acquires a sizable IP portfolio as part of the deal. It will also take over the Japanese firm's Tianjin-based joint venture business focused on auto. Read more

7 Jun 2018

Intellectual Ventures, Amex veterans to launch blockchain-powered IP trading platform

New start-up Operem hopes to launch IP exchange by year's end after closing series A funding round in April. CEO Tim Londergan says the project can lure financial investors into the IP world.  Read more

Trending

1

Toyota taking aim at GE hybrid patents as it offers its own for free

2

Patent owners sound alarm over proposed “compulsory licensing for SEPs” in Japan

3

Rakuten continues patent dealing as it seeks to disrupt Japanese telcos

4

Everything you ever wanted to know about global AI patent activity

5

Bringing video game IP to China: big risks, big payoff

Find an expert

Marta Kawczyńska
Polish and European Patent and Trademark Attorney
Warsaw, Poland
POLSERVICE Patent and Trademark Attorneys Office
View full biography
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