“Fortunately
no damage was done either to the employees or to the building,” said
Masahiro Hashimoto, Director General of the Trademark, Design and
Administrative Affairs Department at the JPO.
Hashimoto is attending the Annual Meeting, and thanks the trademark
community for its responce. “Since the earthquake, we have received
many heartfelt words and assistance from our friends and colleagues all
over the world. We are encouraged by their warm and kind support,” he
said.
The JPO took special measures that included extending time limits for
applicants who could not carry out prescribed procedures or contact the
JPO. Many IP offices around the world have agreed to the JPO’s request
to set up special procedures for Japanese applicants who were badly
affected by the earthquakes.