JAPAN CREATES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HIGH COURT

The Japanese Government has enacted legislation creating Japan's first intellectual property high court.  The IP court was rushed into existence amid fears of a "tidal wave" of patent disputes.  The court has been given sweeping powers to resolve IP related disputes.

According to Hidetoshi Masunaga, Japan's highest-profile intellectual property lawyer:

This is an extremely positive move, but it is shameful that Japan has been so far behind. Of course, it will be necessary to rapidly study the way cases work abroad, but the most important thing is that the court be both respected and feared. It has to have the experience to demonstrate it is in charge.