Japan unveils “JPO AI Vision” to guide AI use across its operations
03 September 2026
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has unveiled its “JPO AI Vision,” setting out the basic direction for the use of artificial intelligence across its operations while maintaining human oversight, transparency and appropriate risk management.
The JPO AI Vision outlines the office’s basic direction for harnessing AI to deliver high-quality and timely administrative services. The framework is guided by the principle of human-centeredness and recognizes the need to address potential risks associated with the growing use of AI.
The vision is expected to guide the future introduction and utilization of AI across JPO operations, including administrative processes such as patent examination.
At the centre of the initiative is the goal of using AI to improve the quality and efficiency of JPO services while ensuring that the technology is deployed responsibly. The vision is built around five key concepts.
Promoting the use of AI
The JPO plans to actively accelerate the use of AI and continuously explore effective applications in line with the latest technological developments. It will also regularly review its AI utilization plans to enable a more agile approach as technologies and operational needs evolve.
Human involvement will remain central to the use of AI in JPO services. Staff members will review AI-generated outputs and retain responsibility for making final decisions.
The JPO also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability. Where necessary and feasible, the office will disclose information on processes that use AI and remain accountable for services and information provided through AI-assisted systems.
Risk management and stakeholders
The framework also calls for measures to identify and address risks associated with AI use, including the protection of confidential information.
The JPO plans to conduct risk assessments and examine potential countermeasures before deploying AI in relevant processes. Safeguards will also be considered to prevent the leakage of confidential information through AI-generated outputs.
Collaboration and communication will form another key component of the JPO AI Vision.
The office plans to maintain ongoing engagement with intellectual property users in Japan while working with overseas intellectual property offices and other stakeholders to explore more efficient approaches to AI utilization and share best practices.
The JPO will also coordinate with domestic government agencies and related institutions to ensure alignment with government policies and directions. In addition, it plans to seek input from external AI experts to support the effective and responsible use of emerging technologies.
Building an AI-ready organization
To support the wider adoption of AI, the JPO also intends to strengthen its organizational capabilities and governance.
This includes reviewing business processes and organizational structures to enable more efficient use of AI and encourage greater discussion and experimentation. The office also plans to establish AI governance mechanisms, including a centralized structure for managing AI-related matters and the designation of personnel responsible for AI.
Human resource development will also be a priority, with efforts aimed at improving AI literacy across the organization while developing specialists capable of introducing new AI technologies as needed.
Through the JPO AI Vision, the Japan Patent Office aims to establish a foundation for the responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence as it works to modernize its administrative services and respond to the evolving needs of the intellectual property ecosystem.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
