The Man Who Changed Japan
Sakamoto Ryōma (1836-1867), a legendary figure in the Meiji Restoration, has recently become popular in Japan.
Meiji Restoration is a revolution that overthrew the government under the Edo shogunate which enforced national isolation policy (Edo period: 1603-1868) and brought a modern Japanese government under the imperial rule (Meiji period: 1868-1911). To overthrow the Edo shogunate, Sakamoto Ryōma negotiated the alliance between Chōshū and Satsuma provinces. He also founded the first company in Japan (Kameyamashachū) which imported weapons. Such achievements greatly contributed to the realization of the Meiji Restoration.
Amidst this time background, in 1871, the patent system in Japan started under the new government. However, it did not fit with the society at the time and was abolished after a year. Then, “Patent Monopoly Act” was issued in 1885 and the first patent system substantially started in Japan. The trademark system started in 1884, the design system started in 1888, and the utility model system started in 1905.
In 1890, a new system that required the applicants to file applications through their representatives was implemented. At this time, anyone was allowed to be a representative. Then, the rule was changed in 1909; the new role stipulated that the procedures for an application to be filed before the Japan Patent Office must be handled by patent attorneys. Thus, our patent attorney’s system was born. Last year on July 1 (national day of patent attorneys), “110th year anniversary ceremony for the patent attorney’s system” was held in Tokyo.
If Sakamoto Ryōma’s contributions to the Meiji Restoration did not exist, our current patent system might not have developed as fast as it had done.