Japan to Cut Patent Fees by Up to 10%

Japan to cut patent fees by up to 10%- Nikkei Asian Review

 

TOKYO -- The Japan Patent Office plans to cut patent application and maintenance fees by up to 10% or so, making it easier for domestic companies to lock down intellectual property rights, sources said Saturday. The change is expected to take effect sometime in 2015. The government agency will also consider lowering trademark-related fees. The Patent Office sees the cuts as a way to help Japan Inc. boost its international competitiveness. A growing number of companies from emerging markets, such as China, are getting the upper hand by snagging patents and trademarks before rivals from Japan and other countries.