Learn in the textbookThe Copyright Act and the Industrial Property Right Laws
DefinitionThe Patent Act (特許法) protects highly advanced technical ideas that use the laws of nature (inventions, 発明) through registration after filing with the Japan Patent Office and passing examination.
ExplanationRights like the patent right that arise through filing with and registration at the Japan Patent Office are called industrial property rights (産業財産権), which also include utility model, design, and trademark rights. Examination checks such points as whether the invention is new (novelty, 新規性), whether experts in the field could not easily come up with it (inventive step, 進歩性), and whether it can be used in industry. The holder can keep the invention for in-house use only or license it to other companies for a fee.
AnalogyIt is like having a new technology reviewed by the authorities and receiving an exclusive-use permit, so no one else may use it without permission for a set period.
Memory hookRead 特許 as "specially (特) permitted (許)": a right the state grants, after examination, to keep something to yourself.