What inventions cannot be patented in Japan?

According to the Japan Patent Act and the JPO's Examination Guidelines for Patents, the following items are not patentable in Japan:

• any invention that is liable to injure public order, morality or public health
• laws of nature
• scientific discoveries
• inventions not using the laws of nature (e.g. economic laws, mathematical methods etc.)
• inventions contrary to a law of nature
• arbitrary arrangements (e.g. rules for playing a game)
• mental activities
• personal skills
• mere presentation of information
• aesthetic effects (e.g. paintings, carvings)
• methods for medical treatment of the human body

For more information, see the Japan Patent Act and the JPO's Examination Guidelines for Patents and Utility Models.

• Japan Patent Act (unofficial English translation)
• JPO's Examination Guidelines for Patents and Utility Models

If you require a more detailed answer, please send us your question using the contact form.