Japan’s move to protect geographical brands(8)

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

Though failing to react in advance, Japanese central and local governments have responded in a proper way. They did take relevant steps after disputes over misuse of Japanese geographical brands in China were reported. They actively applied for trademarks in China and introduced guidelines domestically to protect geographical brands from further damage.

Such a move means a lot to Korean government as similar conflicts are expected to be wired between Korea and China in the near future. The concept of my project is born in this sense with special emphasis on timely and untouched research.

Japan's move to protect geographical brands(7)

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

It is mainly because Japan’s exports of brand farm products could be adversely affected if Japanese geographical product and brand names are registered as Chinese trademarks. 

So far a total of 9 Japanese prefectures, Aomori Prefecture(靑森県), Hokkaido Prefecture(北海県), Yamanashi Prefecture(山梨県), Shiga Prefecture(滋賀県), Wakayama Prefecture(和歌山県), Fukuoka Prefecture(福岡県), Saga Prefecture(佐賀県), Nagasaki Prefecture(長崎県) and Kagoshima Prefecture (鹿児島県) have successfully taken actions to register their trademarks in China.

Japan's reaction to protect geographical brands in China(12)

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

This frontier quest will prove itself to be useful contents to all related parties in the region if relationship among Korea, Japan and China sees rooms for improvement, as a result. 

If so, it goes without saying that my reputation as an expert on issues of intellectual property rights will be shining. As such, I will have more chances to study on this field and even probably draw attention internationally.

On this token, an exclusive and high-quality research will be of great help not only to myself but also to the growth of my organization, Korean Academy of Commodity Science & Technology.

Japan's reaction to protect geographical brands in China(11)

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

Whenever chances are given either at home or abroad, I will be willingly presenting my book and article to the academic field and governmental sector. As a former journalist, I wouldn't sit idle to promote my publications to the media as well. 

As emphasized above, geographical brands haven't been the talk of the town in the Korean academic field. Scholars have failed to spare enough time in delving into the importance of the protection of geographical brands overseas. 

Against this background, my wish is that my subject will play a role of a stepping stone for full-fledged exploration on this issue in the mid-long term. If government officials get practical ideas from my project and put them into actions, it will be my excellent pride. This research involves three countries in Northeast Asia. 

Japan's reaction to protect geographical brands in China(9)

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

On the similar context, books and magazines will be valuably utilized for the purpose of a preparatory research. It is manufacturing and entertainment industry which has generated most disputes over the intellectual property rights between Korea and China. 

Except a few cases surrounding the use of geographical brands for Korean rice and hot pepper sauce in America, geographical brands haven't developed themselves into big issues so far in Korea.

 

So studies and researches also have been focused on cases of private sectors, corporate activities in particular. However, keeping the ever-growing influence of China and recent 'Korean Wave' frenzy in China, it is little doubt that geographical brands will become hot-potato like issues soon.

Japan's reaction to protect geographical brands in China(8)

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

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. 

Japan's reaction to protect geographical brands in China(7)

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

I've been planning schedules to sites where geographical brands are born and to see what has happened in relation to China. Kagoshima Prefecture and its geographical brands including 県シンボルマーク, かごしまの農林水産物認証マーク, かごしまブランドマーク, かごしま黒豚証明書, さつま地鶏 and 薩摩 are one example. 

For this, I've been hosting interviews with involved sections at chambers of commerce and industry of 4 prefectures. Leaders of local communities and officials at the industrial policy section of local governments would be contacted, too.

 

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.

Japan's reaction to protect geographical brands in China(6)

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

Such a move means a lot to Korean government as similar conflicts are expected to be wired between Korea and China in the near future. The concept of my project is born in this sense with special emphasis on timely and untouched research. In terms of methodology, on-site visits and expert interviews are two pillars of my research.

First of all, throughout mid September to mid October of 2013, I will pay a visit to 4 Japanese prefectures among 9 prefectures mentioned above. Specifically, I will visit Aomori Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, Fukuoka Prefecture and Kagoshima Prefecture where geographical brands of each prefecture have been broadly known even outside Japan. 

Japan's reaction to protect geographical brands in China(5)

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

It is mainly because Japan’s exports of brand farm products could be adversely affected if Japanese geographical product and brand names are registered as Chinese trademarks. 

So far a total of 9 Japanese prefectures, Aomori Prefecture(靑森県), Hokkaido Prefecture(北海県), Yamanashi Prefecture(山梨県), Shiga Prefecture(滋賀県), Wakayama Prefecture(和歌山県), Fukuoka Prefecture(福岡県), Saga Prefecture(佐賀県), Nagasaki Prefecture(長崎県) and Kagoshima Prefecture (鹿児島県) have successfully taken actions to register their trademarks in China.

Though failing to react in advance, Japanese central and local governments have responded in a proper way. They did take relevant steps after disputes over misuse of Japanese geographical brands in China were reported.