Abstract
Looking at the history of intellectual property protection in Japan, although it recognized the need for such protection earlier than other Asian countries, its response to the protection of geographical indications was relatively slow.
The author participated in the process of preparing geographical indication registration dossiers for three Vietnamese products in Japan and in investigative activities conducted in Vietnam by application examiners from the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
This study focuses on Japan's Regional Collective Trademark System (effective April 1, 2006) and Geographical Indication System (effective June 1, 2015), both of which cover indications that include geographical names. In addition, this study identifies and analyzes key considerations for foreign agricultural, forestry, and fishery products seeking protection in Japan, specifically those linked to the place where the products are produced.
