Patent Attorneys Cooperative Association of Japan

The Patent Attorneys Cooperative Association of Japan (日本弁理士協同組合, Nihon Benrishi Kyōdō Kumiai) is a Japanese cooperative organization whose membership is limited to patent attorneys (benrishi). It was established in the early 1970s, beginning as the Tokyo Patent Attorneys Cooperative Association and later adopting its present national name. Its stated purpose is to carry out joint undertakings needed by its members on the basis of mutual assistance, thereby promoting members' independent economic activity and improving their economic standing. The association functions as a shared-services and purchasing body for patent offices and patent attorney corporations. It sells goods and provides services required by these practices, runs training programs for staff of patent offices, and administers a professional liability insurance scheme for patent attorneys. It also operates a range of member benefits, including discount facilities, publications such as the annual Benrishi Techo (Patent Attorney Handbook), and a network of affiliated dealers and insurance agencies. Governance is structured around a general meeting, a general assembly of delegates, a board of directors, and committees. Officers include a chairperson, vice-chairperson, executive director, managing directors, and directors, all selected from among the members. The association has a substantial membership, with 3,673 members reported as of March 31, 2019. It marked its 50th anniversary in December 2021, although commemorative events were postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years the association has expanded its digital and online activities, including the ChizaIPro platform and Zoom-based salon meetings, and has moved its offices within Tokyo. It remains a private, member-owned cooperative rather than a listed company, and it is closely connected to the Japan Patent Attorneys Association and the Japan Patent Office through links and cooperative activities.

The Patent Attorneys Cooperative Association of Japan traces its origins to the establishment meeting of the Tokyo Patent Attorneys Cooperative Association (東京弁理士共同組合), held on December 10, 1971. The organization was formally registered on February 2, 1972. On May 27, 1977, it changed its name to the Japan Patent Attorneys Cooperative Association (日本弁理士共同組合), reflecting a broader national scope. From its early years, the association operated as a mutual-aid body for patent attorneys, providing joint purchasing and services needed by their offices. Over time it expanded its activities to include training programs for patent office staff, professional liability insurance for patent attorneys, and a variety of member welfare and discount services. It also developed a network of affiliated dealers and insurance agencies. By March 31, 2019, the association reported 3,673 members. In December 2021 it reached its 50th anniversary, but the commemorative ceremony and reception were postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In February 2021 the association began holding irregular Zoom salon meetings, an early step in its online engagement. It also launched the ChizaIPro platform, which provides information and services to members. The association has moved its offices within Tokyo. Until November 22, 2023, it operated from Yoshikawa Building 3F, 2-13-26 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo. From November 27, 2023, it has operated from 5F, Shokokaikan / Benrishi Kaikan Building, 3-4-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Its governance includes a general meeting, a general assembly of delegates (with 100 delegates), a board of directors, and committees covering general affairs, planning, purchasing, loans, insurance, welfare, public relations, training, and publishing. The association continues to serve as a cooperative infrastructure for Japanese patent attorneys.

• Establishment meeting of the Tokyo Patent Attorneys Cooperative Association held.

• Tokyo Patent Attorneys Cooperative Association registered.

• Name changed to Japan Patent Attorneys Cooperative Association.

• Membership reported at 3,673.

• First ChizaIPro Zoom salon meeting held.

• 50th anniversary; commemorative events postponed due to COVID-19.

• Last day of operations at Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku office.

• Operations begin at Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku office.

A member-owned cooperative providing shared purchasing, insurance, training, and welfare services to Japanese patent attorneys and their offices.

• Benrishi Techo (Patent Attorney Handbook)

  Annual handbook published by the association; the 2023 edition was on sale.

• Professional liability insurance for patent attorneys

  Insurance scheme handled by the association.

• ChizaIPro

  Online platform providing information and services to members.

• Training programs for patent office staff

  Training courses for employees of patent offices and similar organizations.

1. 1日本弁理士協同組合 公式サイトbenrishi-k.gr.jp
2. 2日本弁理士協同組合 - Wikipediaja.wikipedia.org
3. 3Patent Attorneys Cooperative Association of Japan - Wikidatawikidata.org