In an effort to increase the efficiency of prior art searches for non-patent literature, and to ensure the appropriateness of patent rights granted to applications, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) has announced a partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Previously, the JPO itself conducted prior art searches for non-patent literature. However, following the agreement, the ITU will now provide the JPO standards-related documents and other non-patent literature to assist examiners in determining patent eligibility. Examiners will also be able to, for the first time, access documents that companies have filed with the ITU to formulate new standards.

For more information, please visit the METI homepage at the link below:
http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2017/0509_001.html