[Japan] NEW guidelines for designated Goods/Services in relation to Metaverse and Non-Fungible Tokens [NFT]

    New guidelines for "Designated Goods and Designated Services in relation to Metaverse and Non-Fungible Tokens [NFT]" have been published by the Japan Patent Office. The new guidelines in English can be checked from the following URL:
https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/system/laws/rule/guideline/trademark/guideline_virtual-nfts.html

    Simultaneously, the Examination Guidelines (Chapter 46.02) clarifying the rules for designated Goods/Services in relation to Metaverse and Non-Fungible Tokens [NFT], has also been modified, which can be downloaded from the following URL:
https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/system/laws/rule/guideline/trademark/document/syouhyoubin/46-02.pdf

    The Japan Patent Office will apply the new guidelines to all pending trademark applications and applications filed after March 30, 2024.

    Since the new guidelines have broaden the scope of acceptable goods/services, we expect an increase in the number of applications that designate Goods/Services in relation to Metaverse and Non-Fungible Tokens [NFT]. According to the new guidelines, the following goods/services will be accepted by Japan Patent Office: 

◇ Downloadable virtual ●●●●

◇ Online retail services for downloadable virtual ●●●●

◇ Providing chatrooms in virtual environments

◇ Providing online virtual environment-based forums for work collaboration

◇ Hosting virtual environments

◇ Hosting software platforms for virtual environment-based work collaboration

◇ Marketing through product placement for others in virtual environments

◇ Online banking services rendered in virtual environments

◇ Simulated travel services provided in virtual environments for entertainment purposes

◇ Entertainment services provided in virtual environments

◇ Online game services provided via virtual environments

◇ Providing in-game items especially for use in online games provided via virtual environments

　 *** "●●●●" is currently limited to the descriptions that can be solely accepted as a description of goods in Japan. For example, "Downloadable virtual clothing".

    If you seek more detailed information about designated goods and services related to Metaverse and Non-Fungible Tokens [NFT], please contact us.

    In case you require assistance concerning Intellectual Property rights, please contact us using our contact form. Also, we provide computer applications, AI, and etc. that may be useful in IP prosecutions, so in case of any interest, please let us know.

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