Delegation from JPAA visits epi

On Wednesday 26 November, epi welcomed a delegation of JPAA, the Japan Patent Attorneys Association, at our office in Munich, to exchange views and points for collaboration.

The benefits of the Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court were broadly discussed and views were exchanged on how they can be of service to Japanese industry in particular, as well as a general discussion on the uptake rate of the Unitary Patent over various countries.

Views on Artificial Intelligence (AI) were exchanged. The Japan Patent Office provides the protection of AI related innovations in a way that is quite similar to its approach to software and computer implemented inventions. This is an interesting development and is likely to be followed by other jurisdictions with high AI activity. When it comes to the use of AI in the work of a patent attorney, the approach and guidelines of the both institutes, turned out be remarkably similar.

Of course harmonisation of patent legislation was a prominent topic, and most notable views were exchanged on the topics of colour drawings, prior user rights, and attorney-client-privilege.

We thank the JPAA for their open engagement, time and willingness to exchange views with epi with such a heavy delegation and hope to continue the collaboration going forward.