Merging Civil and Common Law Traditions in the Patent Validity Challenge System: Japanese Experiences

NOURRITURE DE L'ESPRIT: FESTSCHRIFT FÜR DIETER STAUDER ZUM 70. GEBURTSTAG, p. 271, Horst-Peter Gotting, Claudia Schluter, eds., Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft 2011

University of Washington School of Law Research Paper No. 2011-19

35 Pages Posted: 10 Nov 2011

See all articles by Toshiko Takenaka

Toshiko Takenaka

University of Washington - School of Law

Date Written: July 5, 2011

Abstract

This paper compares patent validity challenge systems in Japan and the United States. Japanese courts long followed German tradition of a bifurcation system where accused infringers could challenge the patent validity only through the invalidation proceeding at the Japan Patent Office. Japanese Patent Law was recently revised to adopt a double track system where accused infringers can challenge the validity both in court and at the Japan Patent Office for facilitating a simple and quick disposal of patent disputes. The new system resulted in unexpected problems because of possible conflicting decisions in patent validity from different authorities. In contrast, the United States has been immune to these problems although it has used a double track system since 1980. This paper examines aspects of U.S. double track system that prevent conflicting validity decisions from the United States Patent and Trademark Office and courts and proposes to adopt these aspects in Japanese double track system.

Keywords: patent, validity, Japanese Patent Law

Suggested Citation

Takenaka, Toshiko, Merging Civil and Common Law Traditions in the Patent Validity Challenge System: Japanese Experiences (July 5, 2011). NOURRITURE DE L'ESPRIT: FESTSCHRIFT FÜR DIETER STAUDER ZUM 70. GEBURTSTAG, p. 271, Horst-Peter Gotting, Claudia Schluter, eds., Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft 2011, University of Washington School of Law Research Paper No. 2011-19, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1957397

Toshiko Takenaka (Contact Author)

University of Washington - School of Law ( email )

William H. Gates Hall
Box 353020
Seattle, WA 98105-3020
United States

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