Greetings
We are pleased to announce that the Supreme Court of Japan, the Intellectual Property High Court (IPHC), the Ministry of Justice, the Japan Patent Office (JPO), the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, and the Intellectual Property Lawyers Network Japan will co-host the Judicial Symposium on Intellectual Property 2026 (JSIP2026).
Now being held for the 10th time, the symposium will bring together judges, attorneys-at-law, administrative patent judges, and other relevant professionals from Japan, the United States, Europe, and Korea. As in previous years, the event will be conducted in a hybrid format, offering both in-person participation and live online streaming.
The program for the first day, organized by the IPHC, will welcome, as overseas guests, judges from the United States, Europe, and Korea who are currently involved in the IP field, and attorneys-at-law from various countries and regions. First, a patent infringement lawsuit where the doctrine of equivalent is at issue will be used as a case study for a mock trial, beginning with trial proceedings centered on a technical explanatory session led by Japanese judges and attorneys-at-law. Following this, as a first-ever initiative, a mock trial will take place before an “International Grand Panel (Worldwide Court)” composed of Japanese and international judges, where attorneys-at-law from Japan and overseas will litigate. Afterward, a panel discussion themed “International Comparison of the Doctrine of Equivalent and the Future of IP Justice” will be conducted. Domestic and international judges and attorneys-at-law who participated in the mock trial will discuss the framework for evaluating the doctrine of equivalent and the ideal state of proceedings in each country to deepen mutual understanding. An opportunity will be provided for panelists to introduce the latest information on IP justice in their respective countries, based on which we will exchange views.
On the second day, following a panel discussion hosted by the JPO, a program jointly organized by hosts will feature a panel discussion on “The Changing Environment Surrounding IP Justice over the Past Decade.” This session will include administrative patent judges, judges, and attorneys-at-law from Japan and abroad. In this panel discussion, participants will exchange views on the future roles that IP justice should play, taking into account the evolving landscape surrounding IP justice, such as the globalization of IP disputes and changes in the technological environment.
We are confident that this symposium will serve as a valuable opportunity not only for attorneys-at-law and patent attorneys involved in IP litigation but also for industry professionals and scholars to learn about the latest information and actual realities of IP dispute resolution procedures in Japan and other countries, thereby further deepening their understanding of Japan’s IP judicial and court systems.
MASUDA Minoru
Chief Judge of the Intellectual Property High Court
It is my great pleasure to announce the opening of the Judicial Symposium on Intellectual Property/TOKYO 2026–“JSIP2026.”
Co-hosted by the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court, the Intellectual Property High Court, the Japan Patent Office, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, and the Intellectual Property Lawyers Network Japan, this symposium has been held annually since 2017. We invite legal practitioners from various countries, including Japan, to share information on their judicial systems and other matters in relation to intellectual property (IP) in order to strengthen international cooperation in the field of intellectual property law.
This year marks the 10th edition of the symposium. On this occasion, we invite experienced practitioners with extensive knowledge and experience in the field of intellectual property law from the Republic of Korea, Europe and the United States. In this Symposium, the overseas and Japanese practitioners will hold mock trials on IP disputes and participate in panel discussions on patent and trademark cases.
“The Intellectual Property Promotion Plan 2026,”which was approved by the Japanese government in June of this year, focuses on measures for strengthening international collaboration in resolving IP disputes and for providing information on IP dispute resolution to Japanese lawyers and private enterprises.
In line with the plan, the Ministry of Justice has been promoting initiatives to address diversified IP disputes that are caused by technological innovation. By way of example, in April of this year, with reference to issues of unauthorized use of likeness and voice by Generative AI, the Ministry established “the Expert Group on Civil Liability Arising from the Unauthorized Use of Likeness, Voice, and Other Personal Attributes.” Over the course of five meetings, the Expert Group examined the legal framework, based on existing legislation and judicial precedents, governing the interpretation and application of tort law in cases involving infringements of publicity rights and related rights. In August of this year, the Ministry published the resulting report, “Interpretative Guidelines on Infringements of Publicity Rights and Related Rights by Generative AI.”
I expect that the Symposium will contribute to further development of the field of intellectual property law in the participating countries, including Japan, and to reinforcing momentum toward international cooperation.
In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who worked so tirelessly to make this symposium possible.
MORIMOTO Hiroshi
Vice-Minister of Justice of Japan
The Judicial Symposium on Intellectual Property has been held continuously since 2017 with the aim of deepening understanding of intellectual property (IP) judicial systems and trial and appeal systems in various countries and regions. This year marks the memorable milestone of the Symposium's 10th anniversary. As one of the organizers, I am delighted to celebrate this occasion and would like to express my sincere respect and appreciation to all those who have contributed to the development of the Symposium over the years.
Over the past decade, the environment surrounding intellectual property has changed dramatically. Digital and AI technologies have advanced rapidly, while intellectual property and other intangible assets have become increasingly important as sources of competitiveness. In light of these changes, it is becoming ever more important for participants to deepen their mutual understanding of IP judicial systems and trial and appeal systems in different countries and regions, thereby supporting global economic activities and fostering innovation.
In the program organized by the Japan Patent Office, we will address, as a patent-related theme, the practice of assessing public use prior art, where differences in decisions among countries and regions have become increasingly pronounced in recent years. In addition, against the backdrop of the growing international expansion of brands and the expansion of electronic commerce, we will take up a trademark-related theme for the first time in ten years since 2017 and conduct an international comparison of trademark non-use cancellation proceedings. Through this program, I hope that participants will identify both the commonalities and differences in trial and appeal practices among countries and regions and further deepen their discussions.
Furthermore, as the joint program of the organizers, discussions will be held under the theme, “Changes in the IP Judiciary and Its Surrounding Environment over the Past Decade,” in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Symposium. As the internationalization and increasing complexity of IP justice continue to progress, the roles and expectations of administrative authorities, the judiciary, and practitioners are also evolving. I hope that this program will provide a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the past decade while considering the future development of IP systems.
I sincerely hope that this Symposium will provide all participants with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the IP judicial systems and trial and appeal systems of Japan and other countries and regions, while also fostering networks that transcend professional and institutional boundaries.
KASAI Yasuyuki
Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office
I am pleased to announce that the Japan Federation of Bar Associations will again this year be one of the hosts of the Judicial Symposium on Intellectual Property. The symposium will provide a valuable opportunity to bring together legal practitioners and government officials involved on the front lines of intellectual property (IP) law from various countries, and to gain a deeper understanding of international IP dispute resolution and recent IP-related topics through mock trials and discussions.
For this 10th edition, this symposium provides a valuable opportunity to hold a panel discussion on the changing environment surrounding IP litigation over the past decade and to consider the future of IP litigation. In today’s society where legal disputes over IP frequently occur across national borders, a deeper understanding of the legal systems of countries around the world is even more crucial in supporting their resolution. We anticipate that this symposium will serve as a platform for fostering such mutual understanding.
With the introduction of digitalization in civil court proceedings, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations is advancing initiatives to realize a more user-friendly and reliable civil justice system. We are committed to continuing our efforts to implement the necessary initiatives to support citizens and businesses in the future.
We would be honored if this symposium serves as an opportunity to enhance mutual understanding of the legal systems related to IP in various countries within our digitized society.
MATSUDA Junichi
President
Japan Federation of Bar Associations
We are honored to celebrate the milestone 10th “Judicial Symposium on Intellectual Property 2026” (JSIP2026) and take great pride in contributing to its successful organization.
The IP Lawyers Network Japan was established in April 2005 as one of the outcomes of the various initiatives undertaken by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations to advance the legal system and legal services in the field of intellectual property. With members spanning Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa, as well as residing overseas.
We have continued to engage in a diverse range of activities, including organizing international symposia, promoting exchanges with overseas partner organizations, supporting intellectual property consultation services throughout Japan’s prefectures, and providing legal support for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, and assisting in anti-piracy efforts.
Over the past decade, the landscape of intellectual property disputes has undergone significant transformation. Globalization has advanced, with identical disputes unfolding simultaneously across multiple jurisdictions, and judicial decisions in a single country influencing global markets and licensing negotiations.
Advancements in AI, biotechnology, software, and standard-essential patents (SEPs) have introduced increasingly sophisticated and complex technologies into intellectual property disputes. In this dynamic landscape, the challenge is to uphold and advance the core principles of IP jurisprudence. This demands fostering a global perspective rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), embracing technological progress, and adapting with agility to change while enhancing resilience.
In recognition of the need to collaboratively explore methods for achieving swift and equitable resolutions to cross-border intellectual property disputes, we have continued to host the JSIP. Its significance is growing as it enables Japan and other nations to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation regarding their respective legal systems, thereby amplifying Japan’s voice as a proponent of the “rule of law.”
This landmark 10th anniversary offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and, with stakeholders from Japan and abroad, consider the future role of the intellectual property judiciary. It is my sincere hope that this symposium proves both engaging and beneficial for all participants, and that its insights will be applied to future judicial and adjudicative processes.
HAYASHI Izumi
President
IP Lawyers Network Japan