Have a Break

- Written by Patent Attorneys, Patent Engineers, Trademark Engineers, Translators, and Administrative staff -

Hakata Amaou

  • April 24, 2024

#trademark

　The other day, I received a tax return gift from a municipality in Fukuoka Prefecture to which I donated last year. They are “Hakata Amaou” strawberries.

Hakata Amaou

　My children were delighted with the bright red, large strawberries. They ate them in no time.
　The name “Amaou” is said to stand for the initial letters of the words “red, round, large, and delicious,” which represent the characteristics of this strawberry (variety), as well as a wish that it will become the king of sweet strawberries.

Hakata Amaou

　“Hakata Amaou” is the brand name used by the JA Group in Fukuoka Prefecture for sales, and is registered as a trademark (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 5042710) for “fruits” and other designated products. “Amaou” was also registered as a trademark for the designated goods such as fruits before “Hakata Amaou” (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 4615573).
　Under the Trademark Law, the name of the variety cannot be registered as a trademark, but in the case of “Amaou,” the application for variety registration was filed before the product name was decided, so the variety name (“Fukuoka S6”) and the product name (“Amaou”) were different, and as a result, “Amaou” could be registered as a trademark and the brand could be improved. This resulted in the registration of “Amaou” as a trademark, and also led to brand enhancement (Hiro).

Hakata Amaou website
Amaou (Wikipedia: Japanese only)

Nice cookie can

  • April 19, 2024

#design

It’s me, Swimmer.
I got cookies from a popular confectionery store.

cookie can

I knew there was a line at the department store in Nagoya station in the morning, but I was very happy when I got them because they were an item that I couldn’t buy until much further in advance even if I made a reservation.

The tin cans seem to be very popular these days, and there are websites that sell only the cans, as well as people who buy the goods for the cans that hold them. The cookie can I got from a store this time also has a very elegant design using letters, and the cookies are delicious. I am thinking about what I will use it for after I finish eating them.

The tinplate often used for cookie can is made by covering the surface of a steel plate with tin. Tin has long been used for toys and food products because it is less susceptible to corrosion than iron.
We are happy to be able to eat delicious sweets thanks to the wisdom of our ancestors.

Café Tanaka Website (Japanese only)
Tinning – Wikipedia

Iiyokan shika shinai! (Translation: I have only a good feeling about this!)

  • April 10, 2024

#trademark

The other day, I received some sweets with a rather unusual name. It is a souvenir from Ehime　Prefecture, and its name is “I~yokan shika shinai!”.

Iiyokan shika shinai! (I have only a good feeling about this!)

I~yokan shika shinai! is a flavorful madeleine filled with the peel and juice of Iyokan citrus produced in Ehime Prefecture, and is a product of Ichiroku Co., Ltd, a well-known confectionery in Shikoku and Ehime known for its Ichiroku Tart. I don’t think an explanation is necessary, but it is a combination of “Iyokan” and “iiyokan” which meaning good feeling.

Iiyokan shika shinai! (I have only a good feeling about this!)

Actually, I had known about this product for a long time and thought it was a bright and bold name. The fact that it is limited and emphasized with “shika(only)” is also good.

I was definitely going to buy it when I go on a trip to Ehime, but I realized that this is a great name for a souvenir that makes you feel happy when you receive it. Because I have only a good feeling about it!
Naming is very important. I have a feeling that something good will happen. (Syszo)

I~yokan shika shinai! is a registered trademark (J-PlatPat).
Would you like to protect your company’s important product or service name by registering it as a trademark?
Please feel free to contact us for further information and consultation.

Shisa Day

  • April 3, 2024

#design #trademark

April 3 is Shisa Day because of the Japanese syllabary that reads “Shi” (4) and “Sa” (3).
The name “Shisa” is pronounced “shishi(lion)” in Okinawan dialect, and it is said that Shisa has the meaning of driving away evil spirits.

When I visited Okinawa last year on a family vacation, I saw Shisa in many places.
The most impressive shisa was the “Tsuboya Ufu Shisa” near our hotel. “Ufu” means “big” or “large” in Okinawan dialect.

Tsuboya Ufu Shisa (Tsuboya Big Shisa)

A search of J-Plat Pat for items related to the Shisa in the intellectual property field yielded 33 hits for designs related to Shisa figurines and 12 hits for the trademark “Shisa”.(Rabbit)

The Tale of Genji and copyright

  • March 27, 2024

#copyright

　This year’s 2024 Japanese historical drama ‘Dear Radiance, Hikaru Kimi e’ features Murasaki Shikibu, known for her Tale of Genji and other works. Murasaki Shikibu was a poet and writer from the mid-Heian period, whose actual name and exact date of birth and death are not known. However, the term of copyright protection is 70 years after her death, so enough time has passed since the Heian period, and literary works from the Heian period, such as The Tale of Genji, are not copyrighted and are in the public domain. Therefore, they can be adapted into manga form, such as ‘Dreams at Dawn, Asakiyumemishi’ by Waki Yamato. Of course, even though the copyright on The Tale of Genji has expired, the copyright on ‘Asakiyumemishi’ exists.

The Tale of Genji Asakiyumemishi

　The Tale of Genji has also been translated into many modern Japanese versions. Recently, it has been probably best known for its translations by Jakucho Setouchi and Mitsuyo Kakuta. The translator holds the copyright to the modern translations. On the other hand, the translations of The Tale of Genji by Yosano Akiko and Tanizaki Junichiro, both of whom died over 70 years ago, are in the public domain and can be read at the Aozora Bunko. The Tanizaki Junichiro translation is listed as a ‘work in progress’ and could not yet be read.
　I think it would be interesting to take this opportunity to read and compare various modern Japanese translations of The Tale of Genji, but I would like to start by trying again to read ‘Asakayumemishi’, which I failed to finish when I was a student. (Marron)

Guinomi and Masu

  • March 26, 2024

#patent

　We would like to introduce a product related to a patent obtained at our firm (Hattori & Partners) on behalf of our client. They are “Guinomi” ,a sake cup and “Masu” , a square wooden container or measure.　The “Masu” can be used to measure the mass of sake or rice, and can also be used as a sake container.

Guinomi and Masu

　Furthermore, if a lid is attached, it can be used as a wooden box for storing the sake cup as a sake container. Sake drinkers can choose to use the Masu as a container for holding sake, or they can choose to use the sake cups taken out of the Masu box as a sake drinking container. Full of good things !(^^)!

Guinomi and Masu

　You can also enjoy choosing the Masu or the Guinomi according to your mood at the time. To give a gift, you can change the shape and design of the Guinomi to match the taste of the person giving or receiving it.
　This is a thoughtful, elegant, and chic gift for those who are interested in sake. How about this versatile and multifunctional souvenir?

Guinomi and Masu

　In these days of the sake boom, this is a collection of ideas for promoting sake. Japanese Patent Registration No. 7190194 is an example of how a simple, everyday idea can be patented. Furthermore, this product was produced to support Tanegashima pottery. (rice ball)

Braille blocks

  • March 18, 2024

#Inventions of the Day

　I introduce an invention closely associated with today, 18 March. This time I would like to introduce Braille blocks. 18 March is designated as ‘Braille Block Day’, in honor of the world’s first Braille block, which was installed in 1967.

Braille blocks

　Although we often see Braille blocks, they have become part of our everyday scenery and we may not be particularly aware of them. At a time when social awareness is changing, with the Japan Patent Attorneys Association declaring its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion(PDF), I did a little research, as a matter of self-discipline.

　It seems that Braille blocks are officially called blocks for guiding the visually impaired, tactile paving. Needless to say, they provide the visually impaired with the information they need to walk, and are laid on pavements and floors.

　Braille blocks were invented in 1965 by Seiichi Miyake, the first chairman of the Traffic Safety Research Center. On 18 March 1967, Braille blocks were installed for the first time in the world near the pedestrian crossing at the Haraoshima intersection on the old national Route 2 near the Okayama School for the Blind, leading to the establishment of ‘Braille Block Day’, which was introduced at the beginning of this article.

　Due to their usefulness, Braille blocks have been adopted and installed in many countries. In 2012, the first international standard for Braille blocks, ISO 23599, seems to have been developed.

　I thank our ancestors for inventions like the Braille block and hope that many more such inventions will be created in the future to make the world a better place to live for everyone. (blink)

Echizen Railway

  • March 13, 2024

#trademark

Last year I travelled to Fukui Prefecture.
Fukui is called the Dinosaur Kingdom. I saw many things about dinosaurs both inside and outside JR Fukui Station.

During my trip, I had the opportunity to ride on the “Echizen Railway”, a regional railway that runs through Fukui Prefecture.
The exterior of Fukui Station on the Echizen Railway is a soothing red color, and the interior of the station building is made from lots of wood, making it a very nice station building.

Echizen Railway

IC cards are not accepted, so I bought a ticket and boarded the train.

Echizen Railway Echizen Railway

I rode only two stations this time, but the “Echizen Railway” has the Katsuyama Eiheiji Line heading towards Eiheiji and Katsuyama and the Mikuni Awara Line heading towards Awara Onsen, which seems convenient for sightseeing. Next time, I would like to take the “Echizen Railway” and tour around Fukui Prefecture at a leisurely pace.

“Echizen Railway” and the mark, which appears to be a graphic representation of the letter E, were registered as a trademark on 5 September 2003 for the designated services, including “transport by rail” (Japanese Registration No. 4706690, Registration No. 4706691).
(Sakuramochi)

Using Licensable Patent ~IP Business Matching~

  • March 6, 2024

#intellectual property

　Have you ever heard of ‘IP business matching’?
　It is not always the case that a company creates its own original intellectual property rights. A company sometimes uses the licensable patents of other companies to develop new products. IP business matching is the creation of a new IP business by bringing together the seeds of companies holding unused patents and the needs of companies seeking patented technology that can be used to develop their own products.

Business Matching

　For example, the Chubu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry has a guidebook on IP business matching on its website.

https://www.chubu.meti.go.jp/b36tokkyo/sesaku/chizai_businessmatching/matching_toppage.html (Japanese only)

　An example of IP business matching was previously introduced in the program ‘Gogosumatching TV’ on CBC TV (a broadcaster in the Chubu region).

https://hicbc.com/tv/gogosumatchingtv/ (Japanese only)

Business Matching

　Depending on the company using it, the basic technology of the same licensable patent may be used for a completely different product. It is also possible that a new invention may be created by combining the basic technology with another technology. Recently, IP business matching has attracted attention as a form of IP strategy.
　Please contact our Firm for further information. (Conan)

EcoCute

  • February 29, 2024

#trademark

At the beginning of February, the water heater in my home broke down and I had to replace it.
I have replaced my EcoCute, which was first installed in 2010.
It broke down suddenly without warning, so we didn’t have time to consider the manufacturer, model, etc. The contractor suggested the quickest possible installation, which was completed in five days.

(Example of EcoCute)
EcoCute

EcoCute has an image of being both environmentally and wallet-friendly, but I took the opportunity to find out a little more about it.

According to Wikipedia, the official name of EcoCute is “natural refrigerant heat pump water heater” and the name “EcoCute” is a registered trademark of Kansai Electric Power Company, a nickname used by Japanese power and water heater manufacturers. In April 2001, based on a basic patent from Denso and other companies, CORONA CORPORATION launched the world’s first EcoCute, and I was suddenly interested to learn that our client Denso was involved in its development.
Further investigation revealed that research technology aimed at developing car air-conditioners using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a natural refrigerant had caught the attention of researchers at the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, who were studying next-generation hot-water supply systems, and members of a TEPCO research team who were looking for new product development, and they decided to launch a project called “Heat pump water heater using natural refrigerants” by three companies from different industries. (For more information, see website below).
Denso EcoCute Development Story｜Technology｜Natural Refrigerant Water Heater EcoCute | Denso (denso.com) (Japanese only)

One of the notable advantages of EcoCute is that it is equipped with an emergency water intake tap, so that the water in the tank can be used as domestic water when the water supply is cut off due to a disaster.
Daikin’s official website states that a 370-litre hot water storage tank can provide a family of four with about three days’ worth of water for emergency use.
Preparing for Disasters with EcoCute｜EcoCute｜Daikin Industries, Ltd. (daikin.co.jp) (Japanese only)
EcoCute is expected to become more and more popular as it reduces the environmental burden, lowers utility costs and helps to mitigate disasters.

By the way, did you know that ‘Kyuto in Japanese, Cute’ in EcoCute is taken from the word ‘Kyutou in Japanese, hot water supply’? I hadn’t noticed that at all! It’s a very good name♪ (cacao)

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