Intellectual Property Basic Act (Act No. 122 of 2002).

The purpose of this Act is to promote measures for the creation, protection and exploitation of intellectual property. Intellectual property means inventions, devices, new plant varieties, designs, works and other property that is produced through creative activities by human beings.
Measures for the creation, protection and exploitation of intellectual property shall be promoted with the objective of achieving an intensification of the international competitiveness and sustainable development of the Japanese industry.
The Act provides for: responsibilities of the National Government, local governments, universities, business operators, etc.; promotion of research and development; granting of intellectual property rights; establishment of the Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters which shall develop a strategic program on the creation, protection and exploitation of intellectual property; etc.