Rights on intellectual creation such as inventions developed by individuals, and designs and trademarks used by corporations can be protected by applying for registration. Such a "system of industrial property rights" (patent rights, new utility models rights, design rights and trademark rights) is essential for an industrial development, and it is the duty of the Patent Office to accept such applications, examine the content and register them.

The Office is advancing the development of measures while keeping in mind such issues as expanding the scope of objects to be protected against the backdrop of recent growing need to protect such "intellectual property rights." The Office also carries out law revisions and review of examination guidelines (related to items such as software and bio-technology) as necessary in accordance with the results of international negotiations, in addition to the planning and drafting of measures.