Japan’s move to protect geographical brands(14)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

Needless to say, voices of requesting protection of Korean geographical brands in China will be drawing greater attention as well. In this regard, Japanese government’s recent initiatives have meaningful implication to Korea. Japan’s efforts to apply for trademarks abroad and to present guidelines at home are what Korean government should learn for its sake. 

In other words, this project will address a message that Korean government need to benchmark the researched cases and to come up with necessary measures to prevent potential troubles with China with no delay. 

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands(11)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

In doing so, I can clearly recognize the beginning and developments of the various disputes. This on-site coverage will also give me better understanding of Japanese government’s subsequent actions to protect its geographical brands in China. 

Secondly, I’ve been arranging meetings with officials at Japanese government and governmental agencies to apprehend the background of guideline issuance. Interviews with professionals at the international affairs division of the JPO and JETRO(Japan External Trade Organization) will allow me to draw an overall picture of the past, present and future of Japanese government’s stance on this controversial issue.

Doshisha University introduced degree programs for international students(1)

Doshisha University newly launched two degree programs for international students as part of its globalization pursuit

Doshisha University in Kyoto has been gathering pace for its ongoing journey to globalization. Upholding 'Internationalism' as its educational principle throughout the 136-year-long history, the school has been credited to play an important role in promoting the globalization of higher education in Japan. 

As a result, Doshisha University was chosen one of the 13 core universities for Japanese government's 'Global 30 International Education and Research Initiative' in 2009. Professor Nobuhiro Tabata, Vice President of Doshisha University disclosed: 

"Today in nearly every aspect of society we face issues that are global in scale. As citizens of the world, Doshisha University is committed to providing as high a standard of education as possible relevant to the challenges of future generations and prepares citizens to act with greater awareness and understanding of these challenges."

Japan's reaction to protect geographical brands in China(10)

Japan's reaction to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to South Korea

Needless to say, voices of requesting protection of Korean geographical brands in China will be drawing greater attention as well. In this regard, Japanese government's recent initiatives have meaningful implication to Korea. 

Japan's efforts to apply for trademarks abroad and to present guidelines at home are what Korean government should learn for its sake. In other words, this project will address a message that Korean government need to benchmark the researched cases and to come up with necessary measures to prevent potential troubles with China with no delay.

After completion, my research will be published in the form of a Korean book and an English article in the journal of Korean Academy of Commodity Science & Technology in about 3 months.

Japan's reaction to protect geographical brands in China(4)

Japan's reaction to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to South Korea

Long-lasted disputes and subsequent legal suits over Kagawa Prefecture(香川県)'s Sanuki Udon(讃岐うどん) between Japan's Kabashima Shouji(樺島商事) and Taiwan's Namchow Group are none other than a representative example. 

According to the Japan Patent Office(JPO), actual public notices were given or registrations were made on the basis of applications of third parties in China for 6 Japanese prefectures, Toyama Prefecture(富山県), Fukui Prefecture(福井県), Aichi Prefecture(愛知県), Yamaguchi Prefecture(山口県), Kagawa Prefecture(香川県) and Saga Prefecture(佐賀県). 

Against this background, Japanese government has accelerated its move in two folds since late 2000's; applying for trademarks in China and coming up with guidelines for related parties in Japan.

Japan's move to protect geographical brands(6)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

In doing so, I can clearly recognize the beginning and developments of the various disputes. This on-site coverage will also give me better understanding of Japanese government’s subsequent actions to protect its geographical brands in China.

Secondly, I’ve been arranging meetings with officials at Japanese government and governmental agencies to apprehend the background of guideline issuance. Interviews with professionals at the international affairs division of the JPO and JETRO(Japan External Trade Organization) will allow me to draw an overall picture of the past, present and future of Japanese government’s stance on this controversial issue. 

In this regard, interviews with experts at reputable private organizations and universities including Japan Intellectual Property Association, Intellectual Property Management Center of Kyushu University and Office of Intellectual Property of Waseda University will broaden my horizon by supplying thoughtful views. 

On the similar context, books and magazines will be valuably utilized for the purpose of a preparatory research.