Best Copyright Lawyers in Japan

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Osaka, Japan

Founded in 1945
20 people in their team
English
Yodoyabashi Law Office is an established Osaka-based legal practice with roots dating to the mid 20th century. The firm combines seasoned partners and recently qualified attorneys to deliver a broad range of civil and corporate services, with particular strength in traffic-accident compensation,...

Founded in 2002
50 people in their team
Japanese
English
Compatible area We can respond anywhere in Japan, from nearby prefectures including Kanagawa, Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, and Shizuoka. We are an international patent office that deals globally, from overseas to Japan, and from Japan to overseas.  Business content Intellectual property...
MARKS IP LAW FIRM
Tokyo, Japan

Founded in 2016
10 people in their team
Japanese
English
About UsMARKS IP LAW FIRM is a boutique intellectual property law firm specializing in all trademark matters with an office in Osaka & Tokyo, Japan, established in April 2016. We built on the cornerstones of providing high quality legal services and practical solutions to legal problems, in a...
MORRISON FOERSTER
Chiyoda-ku, Japan

Founded in 1883
5,000 people in their team
Japanese
English
Morrison Foerster transforms complexity into advantage. With our collective intelligence, we shape powerful legal strategies that move your business forward while living our shared values.We solve your most critical multidimensional challenges in a way that provides clarity around the risk you are...
Allegro IP Law Firm
Kanagawa, Japan

Founded in 2016
10 people in their team
Japanese
English
Allegro IP is a unique and exclusive Japanese intellectual property law firm that carries out the missions of supporting overseas clients’ business in Japan with IP rights.Although we are relatively a small boutique firm, we guarantee that experienced patent attorneys methodically handle patent...
Kikuchisogo Law Office
Okayama, Japan

Founded in 1980
4 people in their team
English
Kikuchi Sogo Law Office is a Tokyo based law firm specializing in corporate and commercial matters, offering governance guidance, contract drafting and negotiation, and restructuring advice. The firm emphasizes clear communication with clients, providing explanations and progress reports to ensure...

Founded in 1986
315 people in their team
English
SOEI Patent & Law Firm is a leading Japanese intellectual property practice focused on patents, designs and trademarks, and it serves engineers, inventors and designers who create valuable IP. The firm operates as a Japanese patent, trademark, design and law firm with a head office in Tokyo and...
Meirin Kokusai Law Office
Fukuoka, Japan

Founded in 2012
30 people in their team
English
Meilin Kokusai Law Office is a full-service Japanese law firm founded in November 2012 that has developed a broad corporate and international practice from its principal office in Fukuoka with a Tokyo office and multiple overseas bases. The firm emphasizes integrated, team-based delivery of...
MASUDA & PARTNERS LAW OFFICE
Chiyoda-ku, Japan

Founded in 2008
50 people in their team
Japanese
English
Masuda & Partners Law Office was established in February 2008, led by founding attorney Eiji Masuda. Since that start, our firm has been involved in numerous domestic and international matters, mainly in the areas of corporate legal affairs, business-to-business disputes, and intellectual...
SHUSAKU YAMAMOTO
Osaka, Japan

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Japanese
English
What it means to serve our clientsBecause of the breadth, depth and diversity of technological and legal experience of the SHUSAKU·YAMAMOTO team, we have extensive expertise in serving and protecting anything under the sun that is made by man.Check out the far-ranging Nikkei Leadership Interview...
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About Copyright Law in Japan

Copyright law in Japan is governed by the Copyright Act, which aims to protect the rights of creators and promote the spread of creative works. The Act was first enacted in 1970 and has undergone several amendments to adapt to new technological advancements and international treaties, such as the Berne Convention and the WIPO Copyright Treaty. Copyright in Japan is automatically granted as soon as a work is created, covering a wide range of materials including literary works, music, films, and software. Generally, copyright lasts for 70 years after the death of the author, although there are exceptions depending on the type of work.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several scenarios where individuals or businesses might require legal assistance related to copyright in Japan. These include:

  • Disputes over ownership or infringement of copyright.
  • License agreements and the negotiation of rights with publishers, producers, or other stakeholders.
  • Defense against allegations of copyright infringement.
  • Seeking enforcement of rights against parties who have infringed on your copyrighted works.
  • Navigating international copyright issues, particularly if works are published or distributed globally.
  • Understanding rights related to derivative works or adaptations.

Local Laws Overview

Japan's Copyright Act provides the framework for copyright protection in the country. Key aspects include:

  • Automatic Protection: Copyright is automatically granted without the need for registration as soon as a work is fixed in a tangible form.
  • Scope of Protection: Covers works of authorship, including literary, musical, and artistic works, and software.
  • Moral Rights: Authors are granted moral rights that include the right to attribution and integrity of their work.
  • Term of Protection: Typically lasts for 70 years after the author's death, though some works have different durations.
  • Exceptions and Limitations: Include fair use provisions for research, education, and public interest purposes.
  • Collective Management: Organizations like the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC) manage certain rights on behalf of creators.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of works are protected by copyright in Japan?

Protected works include literary, musical, artistic, and cinematographic works, as well as computer programs, databases, and architectural designs.

How long does copyright protection last in Japan?

Generally, copyright lasts for 70 years after the death of the author. For corporate authors, the term is 70 years from publication.

Do I need to register my work to get copyright protection in Japan?

No, copyright protection is automatically granted without the need for registration.

What are 'moral rights' in the context of Japanese copyright law?

Moral rights include the author's right to attribution and the integrity of their work, allowing them to prevent unauthorized alterations.

Can I use a work for educational purposes without permission?

Certain uses for educational purposes may be exempt under the fair use provisions, but specifics should be verified.

What should I do if someone infringes on my copyright?

Consider consulting a lawyer to explore enforcement options, which may include cease and desist letters, negotiations, or litigation.

Is parody considered fair use under Japanese copyright law?

Parody can be considered fair use if it meets specific criteria, but each case should be evaluated individually.

Are there specific laws for software copyright in Japan?

Software is protected under the Copyright Act and has a similar term of protection as other works.

How does Japan's copyright law address digital and online content?

The law includes specific provisions for digital rights, including protections against unauthorized distribution online.

Can non-Japanese works be protected under Japanese copyright law?

Yes, foreign works can be protected in Japan if they comply with international agreements like the Berne Convention.

Additional Resources

For further assistance and information regarding copyright law in Japan, consider contacting these organizations:

  • Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC)
  • Copyright Research and Information Center (CRIC)
  • Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
  • Intellectual Property High Court

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance regarding copyright in Japan, consider the following steps:

  • Consult a Lawyer: Seek a lawyer specialized in intellectual property law to get tailored advice.
  • Gather Evidence: Document any infringements or issues thoroughly with timestamps, screenshots, etc.
  • Understand Your Rights: Gain a comprehensive understanding of your rights and obligations under Japanese law.
  • Consider Alternative Resolutions: Mediation or arbitration might be effective in resolving copyright disputes.
  • Stay Informed: Keep updated with any changes in the law and how they may affect your rights.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Japan through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Copyright, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.