Japan’s Unfair Competition Prevention Act of 1993: An Introduction and Overview

Summary:

The Unfair Competition Prevention Act (UCPA) is a comprehensive legal framework in Japan that aims to promote fair competition and protect businesses from unfair practices. Enacted in 1993, the Act covers provisions on misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair trade practices, and regulations on business identifiers. With amendments over the years, the UCPA has strengthened the protection of intellectual property and has been applied in various cases, including misappropriation of trade secrets and brand infringement. The Act has played a crucial role in shaping an ethical and competitive business landscape in Japan, making it an essential tool for safeguarding innovation and fair competition.