ABSTRACT
The evolution of patent rights enforcement in Japan reflects a strong coordination between industrial policy and patent legislation in order to incentivise innovation for economic development. Japan’s patent law development, from the beginning until 1993, before the country became a member of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Agreement, presents a unique perspective on how implementing an effective patent system has facilitated the take-off of an entire economy. The Patent Monopoly Ordinance 1885 is a milestone in the history of Japanese patent legislation advancement. The procedure of pre-grant patent publication is another characteristic of Japan’s patent legislation that helped to expedite the process of popularising innovative activities among the country’s general public. From the point of view of policy, in addition to Japan, China is not alone in encouraging utility model patent applications in order to nurture an innovative society for economic growth.
