Author: kazu

Episode 35 In a lawsuit filed by ZOOM Corporation, a Japanese audio equipment manufacturer, against Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as Zoom Inc.) and its Japanese distributor, alleging that the logo for the online meeting system “Zoom” was similar to ZOOM’s own logo and infringed its trademark rights, the Tokyo District Court ruled…

Episode 34 On April 24th, in an appeal trial (Supreme Court Judgment of April 24, 2026, Second Petty Bench, Case No. 356 (Ju) of 2025) concerning copyright infringement of a children’s chair (TRIPP TRAPP) between a Norwegian company and a Japanese company, the Supreme Court ruled that copyright infringement of mass-produced practical goods is only…

Episode 33 In Episode 27, we explained the distinction between copyright law and design law regarding the protection of images in virtual space (metaverse). This time, we will examine the possibility of copyright protection for avatars. Regarding the definition of “avatar,” Wikipedia states, “An avatar is a character image used primarily for communication purposes as…

Episode 32 In Episode 7, we discussed the point that excessive descriptions of the effects of an invention when drafting a patent specification can narrow the scope of rights. Regarding the relationship between an invention’s inventive step and its effects, a court decision (Tokyo High Court, Case 2002 (Gyo-Ke) No. 460, Decision of March 23,…

Episode 31 This article explains exclusion claim in claims amendments and corrections. An “exclusion claim” is a claim that explicitly excludes only some of the matters encompassed by the claimed invention from the claims, while leaving the stated matter intact (Examination Guidelines, Chapter 2, 3.3.1(4) – Amendments to Include Exclusion claim). This article explains “exclusion…