20 Intellectual Property: Japan Increasing IP Competitiveness Japan is actively enhancing its intellectual property competitiveness by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its innovation strategies. The government is exploring policies that recognize the patent rights of individuals who develop AI technologies used to create new inventions, aiming to stimulate domestic innovation and attract global tech investment . This initiative aligns with Japan’s broader efforts to modernize its legal frameworks, including the enactment of its first law promoting safe AI use and development . As Japan positions itself at the forefront of AI-driven innovation, these developments present significant opportunities for legal professionals to engage with evolving IP laws and cross-border collaborations. The strategy set a target to raise the country’s standing in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index to fourth or higher by 2035. Japan ranked 13th in 2024, coming below South Korea in sixth and China in 11th. Learn more in Science Japan. Real Estate: Tokyo beats New York in record quarter for Japan real estate investment Japan’s real estate sector achieved a significant milestone in the first quarter of 2025. According to Jones Lang LaSalle, Tokyo attracted $11 billion in property investments, surpassing New York’s $7.3 billion. This marks the first time since 2007 that Japan’s quarterly real estate investment has exceeded 2 trillion yen. Official figures reveal a 23% year-on-year rise in nationwide investment, fueled by foreign capital capitalizing on Japan’s low interest rates. Foreign investors played a pivotal role, doubling their activity and accounting for about 32% of Tokyo’s transactions. The office sector led the way, dominating deal volume, while retail and hotel sectors also saw notable growth. Osaka and Nagoya also ranked among the world’s most active markets.
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