Japan Creates New IoT Patent Classification

The Japanese Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) issued, earlier this month, a new patent classification (ZIT) incorporating only Internet-of-Things-based (IoT) inventions and technology. As such, from 2017 onwards, any interested party will be able to find data and information related to inventions in the IoT department, through the Japanese PTO platforms.

Internet-Of-Things technology is the technical name given to the so-called smart devices networks, the connection between any physical device, be it a microwave or a vehicle.

The next step is to inspire other Patent Offices to follow suit, which symbolizes the leading position Japan enjoys as the frontline of Intellectual Property legislation innovation.