News

We are pleased to announce the publication of the latest edition of “Legal Protection for Computer-Implemented Inventions: A Practical Guide,” a definitive practitioner’s manual on the legal protection of computer-implemented inventions (CII), published by the global legal publisher Wolters Kluwer.

Yasuhiro Ohtsuka, Managing Partner and Patent Attorney of our firm, participated as the author of the Japan chapter.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of practices in major jurisdictions worldwide regarding the protection of CII, which is essential for modern IP strategies involving AI, IoT, and software-related inventions.

The most notable feature of this guide is its standardized Q&A format. Experts from various jurisdictions—including Japan, the U.S., Europe (EPO), Germany, China, South Korea, and India—respond to the same 27 questions. This unique structure allows readers to directly compare differences in legal systems and practical approaches across borders. It offers concrete guidance on critical practical issues, such as whether a specific invention is patentable in certain countries and how claim drafting strategies should differ to secure rights in each jurisdiction.

Message from Yasuhiro Ohtsuka, Managing Partner

“With the borderless nature of digital technology, how effectively and robustly an invention is protected globally directly impacts a company’s competitiveness. This book is designed so that examination standards and judicial precedents from various countries can be compared on the same scale, making it an extremely practical guide for practitioners building global IP portfolios. I hope this work serves to share the current state of Japanese IP practice with the world and assists our clients in their global business endeavors.”

Book Information

• Title: Legal Protection for Computer-Implemented Inventions: A Practical Guide to Software-Related Patents

• Editors: Claudia Schwarz, Sabine Kruspig

• Publisher: Wolters Kluwer

• Details (Publisher’s Website): Legal Protection for Computer-Implemented Inventions

By leveraging the expertise cultivated through this publication, our firm continues to provide strong support for domestic and international patent acquisition and strategic IP protection in the AI and software fields. For inquiries regarding the handling of computer-implemented inventions for overseas expansion, please feel free to contact us.