The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has officially launched the EU-Japan intellectual property (IP) Action, on 27 April 2026 in Tokyo, marking the first cooperation on IP between the European Union and Japan. The Action aims to enhance the protection and promotion of IP rights through technical cooperation, policy dialogue, and industry engagement between the European Union and Japan.
The event drew policymakers and industry figures to map out a shared agenda for IP cooperation amid rapid technological changes. Mr. João Negrão, Executive Director of the EUIPO, highlighted the importance of a robust IP framework in fostering innovation and protecting creators in a globalized market. 
“Today’s event marks a milestone: the official launch of the EU-Japan IP Action. As the first dedicated cooperation project on intellectual property between our two regions, organised by the EUIPO and co-funded by the European Union, it carries real promise – for trade, for innovation, and for growth on both sides.”

Mr. Thomas Gnocchi, Deputy Head of Mission at the EU Delegation to Japan, welcomed the launch of the intellectual property project with Japan, at a time when Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and societies. It will benefit both the EU and Japan as we have engaged in a Digital Partnership to align our respective strengths to foster technological progress and fair competition. The Action will support cooperation on key topics from tackling IP enforcement in the digital space, using AI in IP and providing support to SME’s. 
Keynote speeches were delivered by Mr. Yasuyuki Kasai, Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office (JPO), Mr. Hirohiko Nakahara, Secretary-General of the Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters and Mr. Antonio Berengue, Deputy Director, International Cooperation, EUIPO. The speakers collectively underscored that the "new phase" of this cooperation will focus on streamlining IP processes and ensuring that the legal landscape evolves alongside industrial advancements.

Source: Delegation of the European Union to Japan
https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/japan/euipo-launched-new-eu-japan-intellectual-property-action_en