Initiatives to Protect Intellectual Property

Goods infringing intellectual property rights (IPR) such as counterfeits and pirated goods may hamper economic development and be a threat to peoples’ health and safety. IPR infringement is a serious issue around the world. 

IPR Enforcement at the border

The Japanese government has enhanced the protection of intellectual property in close cooperation with the private sector. Japan Customs, which are responsible for enforcement on prohibited exported/imported goods such as IPR infringement at the border, play their roles in protecting intellectual property. The number of suspension cases of IPR infringement was 26,034 in 2016. IPR infringement cases include copied pharmaceutical items which are a threat to people’s health and welfare as well as electronic devices which may have an increased risk of malfunction or ignition. Japan Customs has strengthened guidelines to enforce these types of contraband for health and safety as well as economic reasons.

The detections of IPR infringing goods from postal items consist of a large number of the total IPR detection cases. Japan Customs has strengthened its enforcement procedures at all ports of entry, and especially at international postal offices.