Number of patent applications decreased due to corona impact Clear difference from the US and China 11:44 on July 23
It was found that the number of patent applications in Japan continued to decline, and the difference between the United States and China, which are already recovering from the effects of the new coronavirus, became clear.
The JPO has compared the number of patent applications filed from January to May between Japan, the United States, and China.
As a result, Japan continued to be below the same month last year from January to May, with a 5% decrease in May.
On the other hand, the US decreased in March and April, but increased by 0.1% in May, recovering to the same level as last year, and China fell in February but after March, In May, it increased significantly by 23.4% in May, and the difference between Japan, which continues to decline, and the United States and China, which has recovered from the temporary decline, becomes clear.
Regarding the outlook for the future, it is said that many companies responded to the patent office's investigation, saying that “there will be a decrease” mainly in machinery and chemicals.
Regarding this, Naoto Kuji, Senior Managing Director of the Japan Intellectual Property Association, said, "The performance of Japanese companies deteriorated due to the Lehman shock and their research and development capabilities declined, but the same phenomenon will probably occur with the new coronavirus. It is necessary to change our mindset so that we can share technology and intellectual property and enhance overall competitiveness."