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On July 13, 2021, the Prime Minister held a meeting of the Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, the participants engaged in discussions on the Intellectual Property Strategic Program 2021.

Following the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
 “Today, we decided on the Intellectual Property Strategic Program 2021. Strengthening corporate intellectual property strategies is not only an investment in Japan’s future that promotes corporate economic activities, but also an important topic in creating a culturally rich society.
 
Firstly, we will work on reform of the copyright system in the digital age. We will create a new framework that will facilitate copyright processing for digital distribution of contents, thereby swiftly delivering various contents to the public. We intend to reach a conclusion on the copyright system reform to this end within 2021 and make necessary preparations.
 
Secondly, we will prepare a system that encourages companies to make investments in and utilize intellectual properties. We will establish guidelines that promote the disclosure of corporate intellectual property strategies so that companies that strive to invest in such properties can raise a large amount of funding from investors.
 
Thirdly, we will promote standardization in strategically important areas by enhancing support for public and private sectors in setting standards, in order to expand strategic growth markets, such as smart cities, Beyond 5G, and the green market.
 
Amid an intensive competition in the digital era, it is important for Japan to secure global leadership in intellectual property strategies from the perspective of the economic security of Japan as well. In addition, intellectual properties will also bring new business opportunities to local communities. I ask the relevant ministers to swiftly implement the strategic program decided today.”