For the third time, we take a look at the relatively new Designs that can be protected (and challenged) in Japan–the Interior Designs.
What is a Japanese Interior Design Patent?
Can a layout of a room actually be “intellectual property”? In Japan, yes!
Since the amended Design Act of 2019, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) explains, elements forming “a coordinated aesthetic impression as a whole interior” may be registered as a Design. This is “an exception to the ‘one application per design’ requirement (Article 7 of the Design Act).”[1] Therefore, the JPO can examine and register a configuration of decorative elements for interior design use as an Interior Design patents from April 2020. As of April 1, 2022, 175 have been registered.[2]
What Might be Registered as an Interior Design in Japan?
The JPO gives an updated sampling of registered Designs for interiors, including these.[3]
Sushi restaurant |
Condominium shared lounge |
Makeup shop |
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Retail store (layout) |
Retail store, shelving |
Locker-style cafe service station |
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Why the Interior Design, and What Is the Takeaway?
Japanese aesthetic is well-known for elaborate precision and minimalist beauty. Now the government is trying to bolster branding and shared, franchise-like feels. This seems to show the preference for similarity and reliability coupled with aesthetics, both deeply ingrained in Japan.
Therefore, care is needed when designing an interior space for Japan. On the other hand, some foreign interior layouts and features could be worth protecting and exploiting as a unified “feel” for some markets in Japan. Consult with a Japanese intellectual property professional for help with searches and planning.
Do you have any more questions about Japan’s Interior Designs? Please contact us!
* The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.
** For questions or consultation, please contact us for more information.
Taro Yaguchi
Sources
[1] Japan Patent Office. p. 1 in Part IV, Chapter IV, “Interior Design,” of Examination Guidelines for Design (Provisional translation) (p. 279 of overall Guidelines). https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/system/laws/rule/guideline/design/shinsa_kijun/document/index/0404.pdf PDF. From “Examination Guidelines for Design,” Accessed April 21, 2022.
[2] Japan Patent Office Design group. “改正意匠法に基づく新たな保護対象等についての意匠登録出願動向 [Application developments for newly protected forms of Designs based on the amended Design Act].” https://www.jpo.go.jp/system/design/gaiyo/seidogaiyo/document/isyou_kaisei_2019/shutsugan-jokyo.pdf April 1, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2022.
[3] Japan Patent Office. “内装の意匠登録事例集 [Samples of interior designs].” https://www.jpo.go.jp/system/laws/rule/guideline/design/document/kaisei_hogo/naiso.pdf No date. Found on Japan Patent Office, “改正意匠法に基づく新たな保護対象（画像・建築物・内装）の意匠登録事例について [Examples of new registered designs (graphic images, buildings, interiors) under the revised Design Act],” January 4, 2022, updated March 9, 2022, accessed March 10, 2022.
Header image by sayama from Pixabay
