EBC Newsletter – September 30, 2026

The EUIPO – European Union Intellectual Property Office, through the EU-Japan IP Action project, will hold a webinar on 2 October focusing on the differences between EU inter partes opposition proceedings and Japanese practice.

The session will examine key procedural steps, deadlines, timelines and practical considerations for rights holders and practitioners. It will also provide insights into how differences between the EU and Japanese systems can affect filing strategies, risk assessment and post-registration monitoring.

Date: 2 October
Registration: Register here

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is sharing an upcoming European Commission webinar on the Digital Product Passport for batteries, taking place on 30 September, from 20:30 to 22:30.

The webinar will provide an update on the latest developments and key requirements, including a live demonstration of the DPP Registry and a Q&A session.
Participation is limited to the first 1,000 attendees.

Date: 30 September
Time: 20:30–22:30
Register here

The EBC will continue to connect European business with policymakers, diplomatic missions and partner organisations in Japan, while sharing relevant opportunities and developments with the European business community.

Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan

• The Defense Ministry has begun discussions on introducing six “bodyguard” satellites that can protect Japanese satellites from attacks by other countries’ “killer” satellites by fiscal 2035, according to government sources. The ministry aims to strengthen defense preparedness in outer space as China and Russia are developing killer satellites. (The Japan News)
• A growing number of businesses are shifting from allowing employees to work remotely full time six years after the new work paradigm took root during the COVID-19 pandemic. While large numbers of employers continue with hybrid work—a combination of remote work and in-person work in the office—the percentage of people working completely remotely has dropped sharply. (The Asahi Shimbun)
• The Japanese Defense Ministry will open applications next week for its new procurement system, aiming to incorporate startups’ advanced technologies into equipment, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Friday. The ministry hopes the fast-track scheme, which pays in advance the funds needed to develop the assets, will help involve more startups in the defense sector, as it sees their skills in developing unmanned assets and other emerging technologies as essential in conflicts featuring a new type of warfare. (Japan Today)

If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place.