The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has established Japan’s first insurance scheme to cover the cost of overseas intellectual property (IP) litigation, to provide a safety net for SMEs that become embroiled in disputes over IP infringements in other countries. The premium will be halved for SMEs enrolling in this insurance scheme if they belong to a nationwide organization that includes SMEs among its members!
1. Background and Program Objectives
The rise in the number of Japanese SMEs filing patent applications overseas has been accompanied by a growing tendency for such SMEs to become embroiled in disputes over IP infringements in other countries, and especially in China. Should this occur, such SMEs are at a greater risk of being forced to withdraw from the business, or of facing crises that threaten the very survival of the companies, because they are unable to pay the vast sums required to deal with such disputes.
Accordingly, the JPO has established Japan’s first overseas IP litigation insurance scheme in partnership with the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Central Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry, the National Federation of Small Business Associations, Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc., Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd., and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd.
Starting in FY2016, this scheme will serve as a safety net for SMEs that become embroiled in IP disputes overseas. The JPO will subsidize the premiums for SMEs enrolling in the overseas IP litigation insurance scheme by paying half of the cost.
2. Application Period for Overseas IP Litigation Insurance
From June 8, 2016
*SMEs may still enroll after the period of insurance has begun, as long as they enroll before February 1, 2017.
Period of insurance: 00:00 on July 1, 2016 through 12:00 on June 30, 2017
3. Scheme Managers and Underwriters
Organizations managing the scheme
Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Central Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry, National Federation of Small Business Associations
Insurance companies underwriting the scheme
Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc., Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd., Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd.
4. Costs covered by the Subsidy and Subsidy Rate
Half of the premium when enrolling in this insurance scheme
5. Applying for Overseas IP Litigation Insurance
Please contact the relevant group directly to apply.
General Affairs Division, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Tel: 03-3283-7832
Member Services Department, Central Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry
Tel: 03-3503-1258
Department for Support of Cooperation, National Federation of Small Business Associations
Tel: 03-3523-4904
June 8, 2016
Information Dissemination and Policy Promotion Division, Policy Planning and Coordination Department, Japan Patent Office