Annual meeting strengthens bonds with Japanese industry

Advancing innovation through co-operation as the EPO strengthens its partnership with Japanese industry

On 5 March, The European Patent Office (EPO) hosted its 13th annual meeting with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) at the EPO’s headquarters in Munich. The hybrid event was opened by EPO Vice-President of Legal and International Affairs Christoph Ernst, and it brought together 14 representatives from Japanese industry along with JETRO Düsseldorf Director General Kazuyoshi Sugano and Kenichi Bessho, the Consul-General of Japan in Munich.

The fruitful discussions focused on current developments in the European patent system as well as common challenges for Japanese applicants. Major topics included:

Quality and digital transformation

During the discussions, the EPO’s commitment to patent quality and digital transformation was commented on by participants from both sides. Recent developments in these areas were presented, such as the AI-powered tools improving search and examination procedures and the new Legal Interactive Platform which provides users with legal information more quickly and efficiently.

Unitary Patent (UP): growing potential for Japanese companies

Since its launch on 1 June 2023, the EPO has received around 50 000 requests for unitary effect, showing the system is tried, tested, and trusted by users. European applicants lead the way with UP system uptake rates, and so the EPO took the opportunity to emphasise the wealth of advantages offered by the Unitary Patent system. From reducing costs and administration efforts to a simplified legal framework and fee structure - Japanese users were keen to hear more about the benefits UPs provide.

Driving sustainability and innovation

The EPO presented its contributions to sustainable development through initiatives to enhance the accessibility of patent information; new technology platforms with smart search capabilities in areas such as clean energy and space innovation; and tools such as the Deep Tech Finder, which connects investors to more than 10 500 European universities, their spin-outs and other startups with patent applications.

Open dialogue with Japanese industry

An important function of the annual meeting is its contribution to the EPO’s ongoing open dialogue with stakeholders. Key concerns and challenges faced by Japanese companies were discussed, with the EPO and JETRO emphasising the importance of close co-operation and their shared commitment to supporting an efficient, sustainable and user-friendly patent system.

13th annual EPO-JETRO meeting in Munich on 5 March 2025

 

Interview with JETRO Director General Kazuyoshi Sugano

Following the meeting, Mr Sugano took the time to answer some questions during an interview with the EPO. You can watch the recording to learn more about which topics interested him most and what insights he took away from the meeting.