Patent searchers outside Japan can now overcome the obstacle of a language barrier by using the new system designed for English-speaking patent professionals.

Over the past few years Japanese patent information has become more widely available. But because of the language barrier, non-Japanese speakers found it difficult to access such information. Steve Vlasta Vitek, a freelance technical translator, mostly from Japanese, wrote an article that put the spotlight on the linguistic problems encountered by English speakers reading Japanese documentation. Among the obstacles they face are the twin hurdles of a complicated writing system and an often challenging grammar.

But now, it is possible for English speakers to search the entire Japanese patent literature. With the introduction of JP-NETe, a new patent search system, the doors to the intricacies of the Japanese patent system have now been opened.

The provider of this service, Japan Patent Data Service Co., Ltd., has been in business for over 20 years, specializing in various patent information products and services to meet the requirements of patent experts and searchers in Japan. In 2007, the company launched the simple and user-friendly new English search system named JP-NETe. This system makes it possible to search Japanese unexamined patent documents published after 1989 by using English technical terms, applicant and inventor names, IPC, and application and publication numbers. All of the bibliographic data, abstracts, drawings and file history data including citation data can be easily available through this new search system in a variety of printing formats.

Here's how it works:

·         Start searching Japanese patents by downloading the application and create your login.

·         Choose from several search menus available: Keyword Search by technical terms, IPC Search, Applicant or Inventor Name Search, Application or Publication Number Search and Date Range Search and File History Search including Citation Data. To help in conducting these complicated searches, JP-NETe provides two kinds of search systems: the “Simple Search System” and the “Command Search System”.

·         A simple search system allows the searcher to use various kind of technical terms, IPCs, applicant names, etc. by simply selecting the field code from the pull-down menu, and entering the relevant terms in the appropriate entry box.

Search results. The Publication Number, IPC, Application Number, Title of Invention and Applicant Name are displayed on the search results. The three main options for viewing search results are: English abstract with a main drawing, English abstracts with four drawings (if any), and three English abstracts and three drawings.

Printing formats. The patent searcher can select from: Hit List (search results), English abstracts with citation data, three English abstracts per page, an English abstract with all drawings, and File history, including the process of examination, appeal and registration, cited and citing, reference data, etc.

Best of all, the JP-NETe English search system is currently provided free of charge for all experts interested in getting Japanese patents information.

For a nation that's making its mark on intellectual property and hoping to establish itself as a hub of invention and creativity, Japan needs to bring its patent activities into a new age. With English as the more universal language of business, clearing the hurdle for English speakers searching for Japanese patents is an excellent first step in this direction.