Have a Break

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

The Joy of Coming Home from a Trip

  • September 16, 2026
#trademark

Lately, I’ve been buying a lot of drip-bag coffee while traveling.
Not only at local coffee shops, but also at places like art museums, where they sometimes sell their own original blends—so there are actually quite a few opportunities to buy coffee while on the road.

The other day, when I visited Shimane Prefecture, I bought the following two varieties.

Taisha Coffee

This one is from “Taisha Coffee,” which has a shop near Izumo Taisha Shrine.
The packaging really captures the essence of Izumo Taisha, doesn’t it?
Official Website: https://maruco.co.jp/taishacoffee/

Saiundo Coffee

This one is from “Saiundo,” a long-established Japanese confectionery shop in Shimane.
It was developed in collaboration with a local coffee shop, and the coffee is said to have a flavor that pairs well with the sweetness and texture of traditional Japanese sweets.
Official Website: https://www.saiundo.co.jp/

Even after returning from my trip, I’ve been enjoying the lingering memories of my journey by looking at the packaging and sipping the coffee.

The trademark “Saiundo” was registered on June 26, 2026, with Class 30 “Confectionery” as the designated goods (Rights Holder: Saiundo Co., Ltd., Japanese Trademark Registration No. 7058810).
(Sakuramochi)

No-Tie Shoelaces

  • September 9, 2026
#patent

　This series introduces patented products that we often see without giving them a second thought.
　Today, I’m featuring no-tie shoelaces. These are a new type of elastic shoelace featuring numerous small loops.

　Don’t you find it a hassle to have to retie your sneakers’ laces every time you just pop out for a quick errand? …That said, for those who aren’t quite ready to go barefoot like in sandals, these no-tie shoelaces are highly recommended.

When I searched online, two major Japanese brands—COOLKNOT and CATERPY—caught my eye. I bought the COOLKNOT version. I immediately tried them on the sneakers I recently bought. The number of eyelets doesn’t quite match up, but please don’t mind that (laughs).

No-Tie Shoelaces COOLKNOT

　There seem to be various ways to tie them, but it looks like you can arrange them however you like.

　Once you attach these laces, you can simply grab the tongue and slide your foot in—the laces stretch out, allowing you to slip them on effortlessly. It’s even easier if you use a shoehorn. After you put them on, they return to their original length, so the fit is no problem. They’re made with an elastic fiber called spandex, so they seem perfectly fine for running. There are even versions designed specifically for sports.

　Since a patent number was listed on the back of the package, I looked it up on J-PlatPat (Japanese Patent No. 5079926). That’s when I discovered a surprising fact! It turns out that both “COOLKNOT” and “CATERPY” were originally based on the same technology, but later a patent dispute broke out—perhaps between the manufacturers?—and the losing party apparently shifted to a modified technology to avoid patent infringement.
…It’s hard to notice at first glance, but there seem to be subtle differences between the two companies’ current product lines. If you’re interested, why not look into the patents and trademarks mentioned here?
(blink)

Double Dutch

  • September 2, 2026
#trademark #utility model

Double Dutch is a sport in which jumpers perform various tricks while jumping through a rope spun by two turners standing facing each other. Moves include running jumps at double speed, moves where the turners spin the rope while moving sideways, and moves where jumpers switch places with the turners mid-jump. Recently, it seems that many universities have Double Dutch clubs.

Double Dutch

“Double Dutch” and “DOUBLEDUTCH” are registered Japanese trademarks (Nos. 3366188 and 3366189) in standard characters, with “sports equipment” designated as the goods covered.
https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/TR/JP-1995-059878/40/en
https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/TR/JP-1995-059879/40/en

Note that the trademark owner, the Japan Double Dutch Association (a specified nonprofit corporation), was integrated into the Japan Jump Rope Federation (a general incorporated foundation) in 2021.

　In addition, Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3149031 discloses a design for a jump rope training device well-suited for Double Dutch practice. When using this training device, even if the turner is a beginner, the middle section of the rope does not sag but forms a smooth arc, making it easier for jumpers to time their entry into the rope. While tools can be helpful, the key is consistent practice. (Conan)

Enjoying Summer Fireworks on TV and Thoughts That Connect Us to the Future

  • August 26, 2026
#trademark Fireworks are a quintessential summer tradition. In recent years, more and more fireworks displays have been broadcast live on TV, allowing people who can’t make it to the venue for various reasons to enjoy them as well.

This year, my family and I watched the Okazaki and Nagara River fireworks displays on TV. While it may not quite match the immersive experience of being there in person, watching on TV has its own unique charm. The fireworks, set to background music, were absolutely beautiful, and at the Okazaki Fireworks Festival, a highlight reel filmed by drone was broadcast after the show ended.

The footage, which made it seem as though we were diving right into the fireworks, was as beautiful as a scene from a movie. I feel like I was able to fully appreciate the charm of the fireworks, which the pyrotechnicians had painstakingly crafted.
Okazaki Castle Grand Fireworks Live Broadcast 2026 | TV Aichi (Japanese only)

Amid all this, I began seeing more commercials for the “Harekaze” beer and learned about an initiative called “Harekaze ACTION.” This is a campaign that supports fireworks festivals facing the threat of cancellation by donating a portion of the product’s sales.

Not only does purchasing the beer automatically lead to a donation, but you can also donate using “Harekaze Coins,” which you can receive once a day by visiting the official website.
Fireworks Festival Support Activities | Harekaze ACTION | KIRIN (Japanese only)

Harekaze

Incidentally, “Harekaze” and “Harekaze ACTION” are registered Japanese trademarks of Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd. While attention tends to focus on the fireworks support initiative itself, from my perspective as someone involved in intellectual property, I cannot overlook the fact that the initiative’s name and brand name are appropriately protected as trademarks.

A beer enjoyed while watching fireworks is truly special. Learning about these initiatives makes that drink feel even more special. I can’t help but hope that this quintessential Japanese summer tradition will continue to be passed down for generations to come.

Speaking of which, while organizing some old photos, I came across a picture of fireworks.
This was taken at “Hanabi Fes.”, held at Laguna Beach in Gamagori Laguna Tenbos, which we visited during our 2018 staff trip.♪ (Cacao)

Fireworks

*“Harekaze” (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 6752854, Japanese Trademark Registration No. 6886937) and “Harekaze ACTION” (Japanese Trademark Registration No. 6841058) are registered trademarks of Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd.

Summer Fun and Intellectual Property

  • August 18, 2026
#design #intellectual property #patent

　Every summer, one of my favorite things to do is attend fireworks displays. This year, I visited two fireworks displays and thoroughly enjoyed the spectacular fireworks lighting up the night sky. In addition to the colorful fireworks shown in the photo, creative fireworks shaped like hearts and flowers were also launched, and the crowd was absolutely thrilled.

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

　As I watched the fireworks, my professional background naturally led me to wonder about their relationship to intellectual property. This reminded me of the debate over whether “fireworks that bloom in the sky” can be registered as designs. This topic was actually included in the year 2010 Patent Attorney Examination (short-answer section), so many of you may already be familiar with it.

　The Design Act is a system that protects the designs of articles, buildings, or images. However, fireworks themselves—which appear in the night sky for only an instant before vanishing—are intangible objects that lack a fixed shape and therefore do not qualify as “articles” protected under the Design Act. Consequently, no matter how beautiful, novel, or original the fireworks may be, the display itself as it spreads across the sky cannot be registered as a design.

　On the other hand, items (products) that have a specific shape—such as fireworks shells (registration example: Launch fireworks flying exodermis) or launchers—may be eligible for design registration. Furthermore, if there are technical innovations in the structure of the fireworks shells or launchers, or in the launch methods, they may also be protected by patents.

　We often look up at fireworks without giving them a second thought, but behind their beauty lies advanced technology and ingenuity. Next year, as I enjoy the fireworks displays, I hope to view them from an intellectual property perspective as well (Hiro).

What Is an “IP Landscape”? From Defensive to Offensive Intellectual Property

  • August 12, 2026
#intellectual property #patent #trademark

Have you heard of the term “IP landscape”? Simply put, it refers to “a method of analyzing intellectual property (IP) information to determine a company’s next strategic move in management and business operations.”
In fact, Japanese companies still boast one of the highest numbers of patent applications in the world. Unfortunately, however, in the “17 government-designated strategic fields” (key areas expected to see high growth in the future), such as AI, semiconductors, and quantum technology, Japan currently lags behind other countries like China and the United States.
That is why “IP Landscape” is now being promoted on a national scale.

Until now, intellectual property activities have primarily focused on “defensive IP” aimed at protecting a company’s own technologies. However, moving forward, it is necessary to shift toward “offensive IP”—analyzing competitors’ moves and market gaps (unoccupied areas) to proactively drive business initiatives.
That said, many may feel that “taking on this challenge alone is too difficult…” In fact, INPIT (Industrial Property Information and Training Institute), a public agency, offers an open-application “IP Landscape Support Program.” This is a reassuring program that allows you to put your plans into practice with the help of experts, so why not start by exploring how to utilize these support measures? (Chamomile)
*“IP Landscape” is a registered trademark.

About the “Practical Guidebook on IP Landscaping to Support Business Strategy” | Japan Patent Office, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Japanese only)
[INPIT] IP Landscaping Support Program | Independent Administrative Institution, Industrial Property Information and Training Institute (Japanese only)

About Tofu

  • August 5, 2026
#invention

Starting this year, days with temperatures of 40°C or higher have been officially designated as “extreme heat days”. These extreme heat days have been recorded nationwide for several days in a row, and here in Nagoya, we’ve also been experiencing a string of sweltering days.
In summer, when both the temperature and humidity remain high and my appetite inevitably wanes, I eat chilled tofu almost every day.

Tofu

It is believed that tofu was introduced from China, though there are various theories regarding the exact period—such as the Nara or Kamakura periods. For a long time afterward, people ate a slightly firmer type of cotton tofu made by boiling soybeans, mixing them with a coagulant, and squeezing out the moisture.
However, it wasn’t until the Genroku era of the Edo period that the tofu restaurant “Negishi Sasano-yuki” finally invented silken tofu—which is delicious served chilled. The restaurant is still in business in Tokyo today, more than 300 years later, and it’s a place I’d love to visit someday.

Silken tofu, with its smooth, slippery texture, is nutritious and delicious year-round—whether served cold or warm—making it an indispensable part of the dining table.
By the way, the chilled tofu we eat almost every day at home is made by simply popping a block of pre-packaged tofu onto a plate, grating some ginger over it, topping it with scallions, and drizzling it with dashi-infused soy sauce. Simple is best.
(Swimmer)

Tofu – Wikipedia
笹乃雪 | 創業三百三十三年　豆富料理　根ぎし (Negishi Sasanoyuki homepage: Japanese only)

BASE BREAD Tastes Even Better—What’s the Meaning Behind “BASE”?…

  • July 22, 2026
#trademark

The other day, I had the chance to try “BASE BREAD Chocolate” at a sports gym I stopped by briefly.
BASE BREAD is the flagship product of the “BASE FOOD” series sold by Base Food Co., Ltd., and it’s a marbled-style bread made with Belgian chocolate.

BASE BREAD

Designed as a “complete nutritional food”—meaning it provides about one-third of the daily recommended nutrients based on Japan’s Dietary Reference Intakes, with two packets constituting one serving—it features a balanced blend of 33 essential daily nutrients, including protein, dietary fiber, and 26 types of vitamins and minerals, all derived from over 10 natural ingredients such as whole wheat, soybeans, and chia seeds. The back of the package is densely packed with nutritional information.

BASE BREAD

I’ve often seen this product at supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores, and while I’d been curious about it for a while, to be honest, I’d heard rumors that it “didn’t taste good,” so I’d never actually bought it.
However, it turned out to be much tastier than I expected. The bread is moist, and I didn’t notice any dryness. The slight bitterness might be a characteristic of whole wheat flour, but it balances well with the chocolate, creating a sophisticated flavor with a subtly sweet taste. It’s also quite filling, so I’d definitely buy it again.
The fact that you can enjoy it as a delicious bread—rather than having to force yourself to eat it just because it’s a health food—seems to be the result of repeated improvements. It made me want to try other products in the series as well.

Additionally, the fact that it contains no preservatives makes it a healthy choice. The company is also committed to food safety and security. Apparently, they’ve refined their manufacturing process and moisture control to achieve a long shelf life of about one month at room temperature.

In addition to BASE BREAD, BASE FOOD Co., Ltd. has expanded its product lineup under the common “BASE” brand, including BASE Cookies, BASE RAMEN, and BASE YAKISOBA, and has filed and registered multiple trademarks in Japan that incorporate “BASE” or “ベース.”
The distinctive BASE FOOD logo is said to depict “a nutritionally balanced diet” and “building the foundation for health” using a regular pentagon as its motif.
What is the origin of the BASE FOOD logo? – Help Center (Japanese only)
The word “BASE” (meaning “basis” or “base”) aligns with the brand’s philosophy of building the basis for health, making it a prime example of a brand strategy that effectively utilizes trademarks.

I believe the BASE series offers products that allow people to easily and deliciously replenish their nutrients—even when they skip breakfast, rely too heavily on carbohydrates, or simply don’t have the time to consider nutritional balance. However, a healthy lifestyle cannot be achieved with just one food item; in addition to a diet that includes a variety of foods, moderate exercise and sufficient sleep are also important. That said, complete nutrition foods like these seem to be a strong option for supporting nutritional management in our busy daily lives. (Syszo)

BASE FOOD (Japanese only) https://shop.basefood.co.jp/

2026 FIFA World Cup

  • July 15, 2026
#design #patent #trademark

The FIFA World Cup is held once every four years. The 2026 tournament is currently underway, with the final scheduled for July 20 (Japan time). I’m already looking forward to seeing which country will win.
Since I played soccer when I was a kid, I’ve been following this tournament closely.
Because this tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, there is a time difference with Japan. Most matches take place in the morning Japan time, so I sometimes have to skip the early weekday morning games.

Did you know that intellectual property is involved in sports as well?
For example, tournament names and logos are protected by trademark rights; the structure of the match ball and camera and sensor technologies are protected by patent rights; and uniforms and official mascots are protected by design rights.
Incidentally, FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) holds several trademark registrations in Japan. (Usagi)

FIFA World Cup

*From the official gazette for Japanese Trademark No. 4094032

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