How to protect medical device inventions in Japan

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Cookies Settings

How to protect medical device inventions in Japan

Managing IP Correspondent
June 30 2006

The patentability of methods for controlling the operation of medical devices has long been disputed in Japan. But, as Akihiko Okuno of Sonoda & Kobayashi in Tokyo explains, it is now possible to get protection – provided you draft your claims carefully

Unlock this content.

The content you are trying to view is exclusive to our subscribers.

To unlock this content:

Request Access or Login

Topics

JapanMIP Special FocusJapan Focus 2006 3rd edition (June 2006)Asia-PacificJurisdictions
managing-ip.png
Managing IP Correspondent
Contact
more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Patents
Anders Isaksson 3.jpg
‘Shaping future direction’: ex-AWA leader joins Patrade in strategic growth drive
Patrade has turned to experienced IP practitioner and business development leader Anders Isaksson to strengthen its commercial strategy and expand its reach to clients across Scandinavia
Sukanya Sarkar, August 11 2026
Trademarks
Cassie Hill pic.jpg
The business of coming back: rebuilding a practice after maternity leave
Cassie Hill, partner at Mishcon de Reya, discusses rebuilding client relationships after maternity leave and the pressures facing women at a pivotal stage of their career
August 11 2026
Trademarks
Matthew Asbell2.jpg
Lighting fires in minds: Lippes Mathias partner on inspiring the next gen
Matthew Asbell discusses why empathy is important in law, being inspired by diverse workplaces and working on the latest, greatest large language model
August 11 2026
Patents
Untitled design (27).png
Exclusive: Hecht Partners expands patent capabilities with KWM trio
The new partners add patent trial depth in high-value technology sectors including semiconductors, software, and cloud computing
Sanjana Mishra, August 10 2026
Trademarks
A computer screen with the TEMU website displayed
How Temu protects brands and enforces IP rights
From seller vetting and proprietary screening technology to brand collaboration and industry partnerships, Temu explains how its intellectual property enforcement programme combats infringement on its marketplace
August 10 2026
Patents
Close-up of the Bull statue on with the American flag in the background. Iconic symbol of financial strength and optimism in a bustling city environment.
Beyond the headlines: Is the US UPC charge finally arriving?
A handful of US firms have quietly invested in European patent talent. Recent moves by Baker Botts and K&L Gates suggest that trend may be accelerating
Max Walters, August 10 2026
Trademarks
China.jpg
Preparing for China's TM law updates: A brand owner's checklist
Loke Khoon Tan and Stephanie Yip at Dentons explain what brand owners need to know ahead of January 1 2027, when updates to China’s Trade Mark Law come into force
Loke Khoon Tan , August 07 2026
Patents
AdobeStock_1687985246.jpeg
‘Leverage tools in your arsenal’: using patent law for national security
New US bills signal that firms should work with clients to ensure they are complying with potential regulatory requirements
Sanjana Mishra, August 07 2026
Sponsored content
Mexico creativity concept. Businessman with a light bulb in his hand on national background. Innovation and technology theme.
A new paradigm for patent protection in Mexico
Octavio Espejo of Becerril, Coca & Becerril explains how sweeping patent reforms reshape filing strategies, prosecution, and divisional application practice
Octavio Espejo, August 07 2026
Patents
Kettleman City, CA - Jan 29, 2022: Many cars charging at a Tesla Supercharger station. Supercharger stations allow Tesla cars to be fast-charged at the network within a hour.
Weekly take: The UK tightens its grip on global SEP litigation
The UK Supreme Court’s decision in Tesla v Avanci enhances the UK's attractiveness for global FRAND battles, say lawyers at Simmons & Simmons
Joel Smith, August 07 2026
Gift this article