Japan’s Intellectual Property High Court’s seventh chief judge, Makiko Takabe, was installed on May 5, 2018. Her inaugural greeting is now available on the IP High Court’s website. She has had a long career in the justice system in Japan, with a large portion of that in IP-related issues.
Chief Judge Takabe comments for the IP High Court (which was instituted in 2005),
IP-related litigation has become more complex and difficult with the rapid development of technology. In light of this, we will strive to resolve individual cases appropriately and promptly by utilizing expert knowledge, and render judgements that are convincing for the parties of the case and that provide guidelines for corporate activities.
The IP High Court’s October 2017 brochure touches on “utilizing expert knowledge.” This includes commissioning Judicial Research Officials within the IP High Court to look into technical information needed in a case, and consulting Technical Advisors selected from public institutions nationally to advise on technological details. The IP High Court may also hold special explanatory sessions held in various formats to give judges, attorneys, and others involved in challenging IP cases to grasp the intricacies and background involved.
As Chief Judge Takabe notes further in her greeting, the increase in international IP disputes is on the mind of those in the Japanese IP High Court. As the JPO is developing instructions for AI-involved patent licensing issues in Japan and abroad, hopefully this related issue of making and keeping the Japanese litigation system fair for all will remain a key aim.
(The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. For questions or inquiries, please contact us for more information.)
Taro Yaguchi.
Sources
Japan Intellectual Property High Court. “Chief Judge’s Greeting.” Accessed May 9, 2018.
Japanese Intellectual Property High Court. Guidebook of the IP High Court (October 2017), section 5 “Use of Expert Knowledge about Technology.”
