Japan Patent Office Supports Startups: Strengthening Initiatives to Protect Intellectual Property through "IP BASE"
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) is strengthening its efforts to support startup companies with new technologies and ideas. At the recently held "SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026" event, the initiatives of "IP BASE," an intellectual property support community for startups, were introduced.
For startups, "intellectual property (such as patents)" is crucial for protecting their own technologies and services. However, many companies struggle with a lack of specialized knowledge and the time-consuming nature of the procedures involved. To address this, the JPO is providing support for corporate growth by offering expert advice and information.
In this latest initiative, a new support measure involving the dispatch of intellectual property experts to venture capital (VC) firms is also drawing attention. By fostering collaboration between investors and experts, the JPO aims to create an environment where startups can expand their businesses with greater peace of mind.
Through these ongoing support efforts, the JPO hopes to increase the number of innovative companies emerging from Japan to take on the world. Properly utilizing intellectual property is expected not only to enhance corporate value but also to contribute to the development of the Japanese economy as a whole.