Japan to patent methods of treatmentJuly 14, 2003 By the end of July, 2003, Japan will begin accepting patent applications for medical methods. Like most foreign countries, traditionally the Japan Patent Office is accustomed to granting patents for medicine and medical equipment. In an effort to revise Japanese patent law and examination guidelines, the Japanese Patent System Subcommittee has met extensively to develop a systematic approach to accepting patent applications for ‘methods for treatment of the human body by surgery or therapy and diagnostic methods practiced on human.’In June, 2003, the advisory committee found common ground and drafted an outline to amend the country ← Return to News & Events