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

The Old Tōkaidō Fifty-Three Stations: Chirifu Station

  • June 17, 2026
#patent #trademark

During the Edo period, Chirifu Station—one of the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō—was located in what is now Chiryu City, Aichi Prefecture.

The Old Tōkaidō Fifty-Three Stations: Chirifu Station

The Old Tōkaidō Fifty-Three Stations: Chirifu Station

The Chiryu City Tourism Exchange Center is located near the stone monument shown in the photo. Upon entering, you are greeted by a plush toy of “Chiruppi,” Chiryu City’s mascot character.

The Chiryu City Tourism Exchange Center

The figurative trademark for the mascot, for which Chiryu City holds the trademark rights, and the standard character trademark for “Chiruppi” were registered 10 years ago (in 2016) with various merchandise items designated as the goods covered by the registration. Note that the pronunciation of the figurative trademark is not “Chiruppi,” but rather “Chiryushi” or “Chiryu-shi.”

Figurative Trademark: Japanese Trademark Registration No. 5888931 (link below), No. 5969661
https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/TR/JP-2016-042337/40/en

Standard character trademarks: Japanese Trademark Registration No. 5888932 (link below), No. 5969662
https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/TR/JP-2016-042338/40/en

In addition, FUJI Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chiryu City, Aichi Prefecture, has filed numerous patent applications for electronic component mounting machines, machine tools, and other products. (Conan)

Health Checkups and “Health Management” – A Look at a Term That’s Become More Familiar and the Story Behind the Trademark

  • June 10, 2026
#trademark

The other day, I went for my annual health checkup. I haven’t received the results yet, but it will undoubtedly be a good opportunity to take a fresh look at my health.

Health Checkups

This fiscal year, with the addition of new subsidies for health checkup costs by the Japan Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kenpo), I get the impression that significant effort is being put into promoting and spreading the concept of “Health Management.” In fact, I often see this term in Kyokai Kenpo newsletters and other materials.
Recently, I’ve also started seeing the term “Health Management” in brochures from corporate insurance companies.

Incidentally, “Health Management” is a registered trademark (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 4922981) of the NPO Health Management Research Association, and it was reportedly registered in January 2006. The classification is Class 44, which includes medical care and health guidance. I was a little surprised to learn that this term has actually been around for quite some time.

On the other hand, upon investigation, I found that there are several other trademarks that include the term “Health Management.” For example, there are “Health Management Plus,” “Health Management Alliance,” and “Health Management Support Plan.” Despite being terms that might be deemed similar, it is clear that all of them are registered in classes that include Class 44.
As for why these are registered, while this is just one perspective, it may be that as the term “Health Management” itself has become widely used and acquired a certain degree of genericness, there are instances where the “Health Management” portion alone is deemed to lack distinctiveness. Therefore, it is likely that the decision on whether a trademark can be distinguished from others is based on the overall composition and combination of the trademark.
The world of trademark registration is truly profound.

If you have questions such as, “I want to register this term as a trademark, but will it be possible?” or “Does it resemble someone else’s trademark?”, please feel free to consult with our firm.

Now, on my way back to the office after successfully wrapping up our annual major event (?!), the bright blue sky was so striking that I snapped a quick photo with the Alex Building—where our office is located—in the background. With renewed enthusiasm, I returned to work♪ (Cacao)

Alex Building

*“Health Management Plus” is a registered trademark of Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.
*“Health Management Alliance” is a registered trademark of Omron Corporation.
*“Health Management Support Plan” is a registered trademark of AIG General Insurance Co., Ltd.

Express Checkout: The Patented Technology Behind 1-Second Checkout

  • June 3, 2026
#patent

Hello, this is Hiro. During a recent business trip to Tokyo, I stayed at APA Hotel. When I took the elevator down to the first floor to check out, my eye was caught by a kiosk labeled “Express Checkout.” Following the instructions, I inserted my key card into the slot, and my checkout was completed in the blink of an eye. Although this is limited to cases where no additional charges are required, it is a very convenient system that allows you to complete the procedure quickly without involving hotel staff. APA Hotel seems to call this “1-Second Checkout.”

APA EXPRESS CHECKOUT APA EXPRESS CHECKOUT

In the lower right corner of the signboard, it said “Patent Registered No. 7430491.” Whenever I see a patent number in my daily life, I can’t help but want to check what it’s about.
　 This patent pertains to a “Room key collection box and checkout system using the same” and it is configured not merely as a collection box but as a device integrated with an operational system.

[Claim 1] (Excerpted verbatim from the patent publication)
The room key collection box includes a housing provided with a room key collection port for collecting a room key in an accommodation facility, and is installed in an arbitrary place to be movable.
A guide path that guides the room key inserted from the recovery port;
A room information reading unit configured to read room information held by the room key;
A room information output unit that outputs the room information to a front office device of the accommodation facility;
A light emitting unit provided at or around the recovery port;
A sensor configured to sense approach of a user
The sensor detects approach of a user and turns on the light emitting unit
A sound output device that emits a reading sound when the room information reading unit normally reads the room information, when the room information reading unit does not normally read the room information, or when a room key moves in the guide path
Wherein an upper surface of the housing is inclined downward toward a front side.

APA EXPRESS CHECKOUT
Figure 1 of Patent No. 7430491 (Excerpt from the Patent Gazette)

To briefly explain the invention of Claim 1, it is a “collection box that automatically performs the acquisition of information necessary for check-out and related processing simply by inserting a room key.”
First, this device is equipped with a collection slot, and the user completes the operation (check-out procedure) simply by inserting the card key. Internally, the inserted key passes through the guide path, and room information is acquired by a reader unit installed along the path.
The acquired information is transmitted to the front desk’s operational system and used for check-out processing and subsequent tasks (such as cleaning the room after the guest’s stay). In other words, this device is not a standalone machine but is designed to integrate with the front desk system.
Furthermore, it incorporates features designed with user convenience in mind. The device is equipped with sensors that cause the area around the return slot to light up when a user approaches. This allows users to intuitively understand where to insert the key. It also features a mechanism that emits sounds based on reading status and operation, providing feedback to users.
Another distinctive feature is that the top surface slopes forward. This is a functional design intended to make the return slot easier to recognize and the key easier to insert, rather than merely a visual design element.
As described above, Claim 1 is characterized by the integration of functions such as “key transport,” “information reading,” “transmission to the system,” and “user guidance.” Although the device appears simple at first glance, the design—which automates business processes triggered by users’ natural actions—is protected by this patent. This serves as a prime example demonstrating that even innovations developed at the service site can qualify for patent protection if expressed as a technical configuration.

Reference: Patent Grant Announcement (APA Hotel (Japanese only))

Taylor Swift and Trademark Registration — A New Defense Strategy in the AI Era

  • May 27, 2026
#trademark

Popular American singer Taylor Swift has made headlines by filing an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to trademark her voice (HEY, IT’S TAYLOR SWIFT.) and her “live images.”

Recent advances in AI technology have been remarkable, making it possible to mimic the voices and faces of celebrities with astonishing precision. The internet is flooded with advertisements and deepfake images that exploit these technologies to promote investments, creating a serious social problem.

Until now, the concept of “right of publicity” has been discussed as a means to protect the names and likenesses of celebrities. While this right protects the economic value associated with an individual’s name and likeness, its scope and criteria for application vary and remain ambiguous across countries and states. In particular, legal debates continue regarding the extent to which this right can be enforced against “AI-generated content.”

Furthermore, while the “Copyright Act” can protect specific songs or photographs, it has limitations in regulating things like “voices that merely resemble the person (AI-generated voices).”

Therefore, Taylor adopted a strategy to register her iconic phrases and live performance images as “trademarks.” Under trademark law, the subject of the rights is clear, and the scope of regulation extends broadly to include not only ‘identical’ but also “similar” items. By securing trademark rights in advance, the aim is likely to ensure stronger and more direct legal recourse against unauthorized use by AI.

“Sound trademarks” have been recognized in Japan since 2015. In the future, we may see an increase in cases where celebrities in Japan—whose voices are distinctive enough to be instantly recognizable—choose “trademark registration” as a new form of brand protection, in addition to their right of publicity. (Chamomile)

Trademark search　(HEY, IT’S TAYLOR SWIFT.)
Trademark search (live image)

Maruchan Seimen Soy Sauce Flavor

  • May 20, 2026
#patent

I’m Swimmer.
I sometimes get an uncontrollable craving for instant ramen, and since I saw a sale on it at a nearby supermarket, I bought a 5-pack.

Maruchan Seimen Soy Sauce Flavor

I’d known about this product for a while, but this was my first time trying it.
Even though they’re dry noodles, they were fully cooked and separated in just 3 minutes, with a nice firm texture—I finished the whole bowl in no time.

Maruchan Seimen Soy Sauce Flavor

On the back of the bag, above the cooking instructions, there’s a patent number listed. I immediately looked it up on J-PlatPat, where I found descriptions of the problems to be solved in instant ramen and the methods used to address them.
I found it quite interesting and decided to try a different flavor next time.

Maruchan Seimen Soy Sauce Flavor

Dried Noodles and Method for Producing the Same
https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/PU/JP-2012-002540/19/en

The Decline of Blu-ray and What Lies Ahead

  • April 21, 2026
#trademark

As we entered 2026, announcements regarding the discontinuation of Blu-ray drive sales began to pour in from various companies.

Notice Regarding the Discontinuation of Blu-ray Drive Sales | Buffalo (Japanese only)
Announcement of end of our external Blu-ray drive sale | ELECOM CO., LTD. ELECOM
Notice Regarding the Discontinuation of External Blu-ray Drive Sales and Support – Logitec INA Solutions Co., Ltd. (Japanese only)

Regarding recorders, TVS REGZA and Sony have made similar announcements, and Pioneer has already withdrawn from the optical disc business.

Blu-ray

The Blu-ray Disc standard was announced in 2002. The terms “Blu-ray,” “BLU-RAY DISC,” and related logos were trademarked by the Blu-ray Disc Association as early as 2001. The year 2006, when consumer products first appeared, was dubbed the “Year One of Blu-ray.”

Blu-ray
*Image courtesy of J-PlatPat

While I feel there are still situations where Blu-ray is needed, the fact that it is heading toward its end without a complete generational shift from DVD seems to be due to the spread of video streaming services and the rise of HDDs, SSDs, and cloud storage as the mainstream storage methods, leading to a decline in demand for Blu-ray, which is at a disadvantage in terms of capacity and cost.
I sometimes purchase Blu-ray discs for video content I want to keep on hand. There used to be a sense of joy in owning them, but it seems there are quite a few users who rarely have the opportunity to use them.

On the other hand, I-O Data and Verbatim Japan have announced plans to continue supplying Blu-ray drives and discs.

Regarding the Provision of Blu-ray Drive and Disc Products by I-O Data and Verbatim Japan(PDF)

While Blu-ray won’t become unusable anytime soon, if you need to store data long-term or keep backups on hand, you may need to reconsider your storage methods. (Syszo)

An Encounter on a Trip

  • April 15, 2026
#Regional Collective Trademark #trademark

The other day, my family and I went on a trip to Shikoku.Br /> Of the four prefectures—Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi—Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture was our main destination.
For dinner, we went to a restaurant serving Setouchi cuisine and tried some local specialties. Among them, the one I particularly liked was “Uwajima Jakoten.”
The Jakoten, served lightly grilled, had a rich flavor that went perfectly with our drinks.
*“Uwajima Jakoten” (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 5083713) and “Dogo Onsen” (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 5071495 and 5435121) are registered as regional collective trademarks.

Dogo Onsen

I’m looking forward to seeing what trademarks I’ll encounter on my next trip! ♪ (Rabbit)

A Collaboration Between Hasegawa Buddhist Altars and Noritake

  • April 1, 2026
#trademark

　The other day, I purchased an incense burner and an offering cup at the “Hasegawa Buddhist Altars” store located in a shopping mall. They are made of Noritake bone china, and when I looked at the back, I saw the logos of both Hasegawa and Noritake.

お仏壇のはせがわとノリタケのコラボレーション

お仏壇のはせがわとノリタケのコラボレーション

　The design next to the “Hasegawa” text (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 5557659) and the Noritake logo are both registered trademarks. While Noritake has several registered logos, the oldest one was registered in 1963! (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 631574)

　We don’t have a Buddhist altar at home, but I really love this Noritake cup. It blends well with our interior decor, and despite its small size, it’s just as beautiful as a standard-sized cup. It allows me to easily place an offering and pray, so I’m very fond of it.

　At Hasegawa, in response to changing lifestyles, they offer a variety of products designed to make “moments of prayer” more accessible. In addition to Noritake Buddhist altar ware, these include living room altars created in collaboration with “Karimoku Furniture” in Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture, and the “Oshidan” (fave altar), where you can enshrine your fave. The “Oshidan” was apparently conceived by a company employee, is trademarked (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 6776045), and was even available at the store I visited. (Marron)

　Oshidan https://www.hasegawa.jp/blogs/corp/worldshopping-guide-hasegawa-co-ltd

Peach Castella

  • March 26, 2026
#collective trademark #trademark

I recently went on a trip to Nagasaki Prefecture.
One thing I absolutely wanted to buy in Nagasaki was “Peach Castella.”

Peach Castella

It’s a very cute treat featuring a fluffy castella sponge cake and sugar decorations shaped like a peach.
In Nagasaki, it’s apparently given as a gift for various celebrations, including the Doll’s Festival.
Perhaps because March is a month full of celebrations, I saw it being sold at various confectionery shops throughout the city.

For example, the Peach Castella shown above is from a shop called “Hakusuido.”
Peach Castella | Hakusuido Official Online Shop

Peach Castella


This one is from a shop called “Mangetsudo.”
Mangetsudo
(I’m sorry for using a pamphlet—it lost its shape after I carried it around for a long time.)

Peach Castella

Even though they’re all peach castella, each shop has its own unique style.
Since many other confectionery shops also sell their own versions of peach castella, I’d love to try them all someday.

The trademark “Peach Castella” is a “collective trademark” (*) owned by the Nagasaki Prefecture Confectionery Industry Association (Japanese Trademark Registration No.: 5151942; Designated Goods: Class 30 “Castella shaped like a peach, Castella”; Registration Date: July 18, 2008).

You can really feel the Nagasaki Prefecture Confectionery Industry Association’s desire to protect Peach Castella as a signature confection and further boost its popularity.

*If you’d like to learn more about “collective trademarks,” please refer to the “Regional Collective Trademark System” section on the Japan Patent Office website below.
https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/system/trademark/gaiyo/chidan/index.html

(Sakuramochi)

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