WHAT'S NEW

On September 4th, the National Police Agency released official figures on arrests for intellectual property infringement in first half of 2008. The Police Agency arrested 362 individuals during the course of 221 investigations. Trademark infringement involved imported counterfeit goods, mostly from China. However, trademark infringement via internet is increasing. However, almost all the goods infringing under copyright law were manufactured in Japan. Again, the infringement via internet is increasing.