Due to the “fourth wave” of novel coronavirus cases in Japan, Tokyo as well as some western prefectures of Japan were declared under yet another State of Emergency from April 25 to May 11. The relatively rigorous following of warnings in the first State of Emergency in the spring of 2020 has waned, with governors becoming increasingly frustrated at people’s ignoring the warnings to avoid parties and travel.
This time, the Japan Patent Office updated its COVID-19 updates portal but has apparently not instituted any changes to policies. It simply warns that the temperatures of people trying to enter the JPO headquarters will be measured and those with fevers will be sent away. The JPO continues to urge people to file electronically and work remotely when able. Our updated summary of JPO COVID policies from April 1, 2021 remains the go-to resource.
The Intellectual Property High Court also announced it will continuing to deal with cases and hearings, but noted that in some cases it will be holding video conference hearings and ask people to refrain from attending in person if it is possible. It also offers to adjust its arrangements to help those concerned about traveling to the court.
As tensions again have risen and the slow rollout of COVID vaccines gradually plays out in Japan, the Japanese will keep doing what they have been good at doing–persevering and hoping for the best.
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Taro Yaguchi
Sources
Intellectual Property High Court of Japan. “緊急事態宣言の発出を受けた裁判業務について(令和3年4月26日) [Court operations under the state of emergency (April 26, Reiwa year 3)].” https://www.ip.courts.go.jp/aboutus/notice/index.html April 26, 2021. Accessed April 29, 2021.
Japan Patent Office. “新型コロナウイルス感染症拡大に伴う対応等について [Measures in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus]” as updated April 26, 2021. Accessed April 29, 2021.
