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In early 2005 the IP Division of the Tokyo High Court issued an opinion that helped settle a long-running employee invention dispute between Shuji Nakamura and Nichia. It also offered crucial pointers for companies deciding how to compensate their engineers. Yutaka Miyoshi of Mori Hamada & Matsumoto explains what the court's interpretation means for business

Brazil: The Office of the US Trade Representative said that it will extend its review of Brazil's copyright enforcement practices under the Generalized System of Preferences trade programme. Acting after receiving a petition from the International Intellectual Property Alliance, the Office said that its review will last until September 30. During that time, the Office said, it will examine the effectiveness of the action plan issued by Brazil's National Council to Combat Piracy and Intellectual Property Crimes.

James Nurton, London

E-commerce is booming in Japan, and it is inevitable that disputes over search-related advertising, meta-tags and sponsored links will arise. Alan N Sutin of Greenberg Traurig, LLP examines the lessons that can be learnt from recent cases in the US

Japan has made a series of reforms to its patent litigation system designed to make it far more attractive to litigants. Yoshikazu Iwase of Anderson Mori & Tomotsune sets out seven reasons why foreign companies should launch their infringement suits in Japan and outlines the key changes that have made patent litigation an attractive option

Hitachi produces a diverse range of products from home appliances to consumer finance and semiconductors. Last year MIP included the head of the company's IP team, Yasuo Sakuta, in its list of 50 most influential people in IP for his innovative work helping Hitachi extract revenue from its IP assets. Here he explains more about the company's approach to IP

Yutaka Tozaki of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry explains why he believes companies should disclose far more information about their intellectual assets and how his department is encouraging them to do so

A monthly column devoted to the curiosities and controversies of the IP world

The past year has seen a flurry of judicial activity across Asia as countries try to boost their IP courts. Emma Barraclough considers the latest developments, and how they will benefit IP owners

Emma Barraclough, Hong Kong