Stepping Down as Chairperson of the Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters Committee - Part 2

 ■Stepping Down as Chairperson of the Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters Committee - Part 2

From 2015, entering the second half of my 10 years, the stage following the internet and smartphones became an important theme.

Distribution has transitioned to 5G and the cloud, and there are varied environments in terms of devices and usage, such as IoT and VR.

AI- and data-driven advertising and sales strategies became mainstream in the content business.

AI + data became the central theme.

The Next-Generation Intellectual Property System Evaluation Committee was established in 2016, and the New Information Goods Committee was established in 2017. I served as Chairperson for both committees.

This involved AI, 3D printing, and databases. Then, the topic of discussions changed from AI intellectual property to data. I was proud that this was a discussion that led the world.

However, the world actually took the lead, as major companies like GAFA and BAT, as well as powerful nations like the United States, the EU, and China, fought each other over hegemony. Japan is making an effort, such as by pointing to the G20 as a place to work on this issue, but its presence is weak.

On the policy side, there is data utilization based on the Basic Act to Promote the Utilization of Public and Private Data and the promotion of open data.

There is also the preparation of PDS (personal data stores), information banks, and data exchange markets.

The IT headquarters are the main force behind these agenda points, and the Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters is taking a support role.

This is a link between intellectual property policy and IT policy.

In 2018, antipiracy measures attracted attention. This is also a field that brings intellectual property and IT together.

Discussions regarding the government policy for blocking heated up in April, and a countermeasure council was established. Although I served as a Joint Chairperson, talks became complicated. The countermeasure council was postponed indefinitely in October, as a law for blocking could not be established.

In terms of pirated versions, there is a clash between intellectual property strategy (copyrights) and IT strategy (secrecy of communication), which are both rights that are guaranteed by the Law of Japan, and adjustments on both ends are a major issue.

This was an issue that spanned multiple government agencies, such as the Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters; the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts, and Telecommunications; and the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

At the same time, it is expected for the number of policies related to intellectual property, content, IT, and technology to increase.

In 2019, I formulated the 2nd Intellectual Property Strategy Vision, following from the ’13 edition.

The previous version faced the transition from digital to smart, but the principal objective for this version was Society 5.0, AI, and IoT. Social issues, such as SDGs, the declining birth rate and aging population, and environmental energy, also exist in the background.

After 10 years in charge, we are advancing into another stage.

The reason I began to wear Japanese clothes was also the Intellectual Property Headquarters.

On the topic of “Cool Japan,” the discussion involved bringing together different genres, such as fashion, food, and sightseeing, into content. The words “but everybody here is wearing Western clothes” slipped out of my mouth.

Multiple members of the committee said, “Then you should lead us in Japanese clothes.” 10 years have passed since then.

I will continue to wear Japanese clothes as I participate as a member of the committee.