Translation guide
Refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. In Japanese, the concept is expressed using specific legal and business terms.
intellectual property
Standard term; often abbreviated as 知財 (ちざい) in business.
The broad legal and business concept covering copyrights, patents, trademarks, etc.
The standard term for intellectual property in legal and business contexts. Often abbreviated as 知財 (ちざい) in informal business settings.
Protecting intellectual property is important.
Literally 'intellectual property rights,' but often used interchangeably with 知的財産. Slightly older term, still common in legal contexts.
Infringement of intellectual property rights has become a problem.
Refers to intangible assets in accounting, which includes intellectual property but is broader. Used in financial contexts.
A company's intangible assets include patents and trademarks.
The legal rights associated with intellectual property, such as copyright, patents, and trademarks.
Referring to individual categories like copyright, patent, trademark, etc.
Copyright. Protects literary, artistic, and musical works.
This song is copyrighted.
Patent. Protects inventions and technical innovations.
Trademark. Protects brand names, logos, and symbols.
Design right. Protects the visual design of objects.
Utility model right. Similar to a patent but for less significant inventions, with a shorter term.
Both can be translated as 'intellectual property,' but 知的財産 is the more modern and preferred term in legal and business contexts. 知的所有権 literally means 'intellectual property rights' and is sometimes used interchangeably, but it can sound slightly dated. In formal writing, 知的財産 is recommended.
In Japanese business settings, 知的財産 is often shortened to 知財 (ちざい). For example, 知財部 (ちざいぶ) means 'intellectual property department.' This abbreviation is very common and natural in conversation and internal documents.
Management of IP rights is part of corporate strategy.
彼は新しい技術の特許を取得した。
He obtained a patent for the new technology.
そのロゴは登録商標です。
That logo is a registered trademark.
この製品のデザインは意匠権で保護されています。
The design of this product is protected by design rights.
Utility model rights protect minor inventions.