TOKYO: The Japan Patent Office will help startups in developing countries to manage intellectual property such as patent and trademark rights from fiscal 2024, Jiji Press learned Thursday.

The office plans to utilize about 200 million yen out of a fund established by Japan at the World Intellectual Property Organization, so that the specialized UN agency can dispatch experts on business management and intellectual property to emerging companies in such countries.

The establishment of intellectual property management systems in developing countries will benefit not only those countries but also Japanese companies doing business there. Such systems will make it easier to acquire and utilize patent and other rights locally.

The Japan Patent Office is scheduled to sign a joint statement with WIPO to strengthen cooperation Wednesday.

The office had dispatched experts to 85 companies in Japan by the end of fiscal 2022, resulting in a total of 460 patent applications by recipients of its support.

The knowledge acquired through the domestic support service will be shared with WIPO so that similar assistance can be provided in developing countries.

Japan has established a trust fund at WIPO aimed at supporting developing countries in the area of intellectual property.

In fiscal 2024, Japan is expected to contribute about 700 million yen to the fund, part of which will be used to dispatch experts to developing countries.

Japan provided similar assistance on a trial basis in fiscal 2023 ending next month. In fiscal 2024, the assistance will be upgraded to a full-scale project.

JIJI Press