Protecting Internal Design in Japan

2021.08.16
Aki Ryuka
Japan Patent Attorney, Certified for IP Litigation
Attorney at law, California, USA


Designs of internal parts are protected by design law in Japan, as far as they can be seen when they are sold. The IP High Court said in the decision Ne-1119, in 2003, “Designs are protected so that purchasers or consumers do not confuse products with others. Therefore, products are protected if their designs can be seen when they are sold.”

Art. 4.2 of the European Community Design Regulations requires that a component part be visible during normal use, however, it is different in Japan.

Examples of internal designs

1. Engine , Registration No. 1257361

2. Engine Cover, Registration No. 1258,613

3. Spark Plug, Registration No. 1348,267

Should you need any other information, please feel free to contact us.