EUIPO deepens cooperation with Japan IP office and stakeholders in Japan
On 12-13 September 2025, EUIPO concluded a successful mission to Japan, reinforcing its commitment to fostering international intellectual property (IP) collaboration and its global network of partners under the recently launched IP Alliances initiative. The mission, led by EUIPO Executive Director João Negrão, underscored the EUIPO’s role as a key international IP actor and highlighted strategic advancements in cooperation with the IP office in Japan (Japan Patent Office - JPO). By doing so, EUIPO contributes to creating a reliable international IP rights system for the benefit of both, EU businesses operating and third-party economic actors investing in the EU.
Deepening Collaboration with Japan
In Japan, EUIPO representatives met Commissioner Yasuyuki Kasai, as well as Japanese user associations JIPA (Japan Intellectual Property Association) and JTA (Japan Trade Mark Association) to learn more about their experience with EU Trade Marks (EUTMs) and EU Designs (EUDs), and explore future activities to collaborate.
In addition, a meeting with the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA) reinforced EUIPO’s long-standing partnership with Japanese user associations, marked by annual joint seminars on topics such as EUTMs, GIs, and ADR.
The far-reaching collaboration between the EUIPO and JPO since their first Memorandum of Cooperation in 1998 is set to become even stronger as of 2025. in addition, the EU and Japan are currently working on the launch the very first cooperation project on intellectual property matters. The project is to be implemented by EUIPO, and will engage a wide array of stakeholders including JPO but also with user associations and other interested parties. As an example of this closer cooperation, on 30 September the EUIPO conducted the webinar ‘Key to success for EU businesses when filing a design application in Japan’ providing an overview and comparison of the Japan and EU design systems.
The visit culminated in a high-profile keynote speech at the AIPPI World Congress in Yokohama, where EUIPO Executive Director addressed over 2,000 IP professionals, underscoring EUIPO’s dedication to global IP outreach and collaborative innovation: “Internationally, our cooperation with the Japan Patent Office is a model of what can be achieved. As a pioneer in integrating AI into operations, the JPO demonstrates the power of innovation in public service. Together, we are exploring ways to align regulation, strategy, and practice – not only to strengthen innovation ecosystems in our respective regions, but also to set global standards for how IP-backed financing can drive sustainable growth. The EU and Japan are currently working on the launch the very first cooperation project on intellectual property matters”.
Global IP Leadership and Partnerships
The mission reaffirmed EUIPO’s position as a central player in the international IP ecosystem, with a robust network spanning East Asia and beyond. EUIPO and JPO are among the 5 most important IP offices in the world, and members of TM5 and ID5. Discussions with JPO covered bilateral cooperation, including future initiatives under the TM5 and ID5 programs. Past initiatives include workshops with users and IP offices on examination topics and bad faith organised by JPO and EUIPO (under TM5).
IP users from Japan are also very active applicants both in terms of EUTM and EUD at EUIPO. EUIPO is willing to count on Japan partners to launch new IP alliances in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data, IP valuation and IP-backed financing, Alternative Dispute Resolution, IP green best practices and inclusiveness.
By enhancing strategic partnerships, participating in flagship events, and engaging directly with stakeholders, the EUIPO continues to champion the EU IP system while fostering cross-border collaboration to meet global innovation challenges. By working with national IP offices, international organisations, and user associations, EUIPO plans to form multilateral IP Alliances with partners such as JPO, which connect the dots, establish effective knowledge generation, sharing and distribution, reduce duplicated efforts and enhance cooperation, ultimately benefiting users.
For further details on the EUIPO’s international activities, visit the EUIPO website.