About PrivacyPolicy

1. Basic Concept

Information on your use of the service is collected on the Japan Platform for Patent Information (J-PlatPat) which the INPIT provides, to the extent needed for its smooth operation of each kind of search services provided,including any questionnaires or inquiries to the INPIT. The collected information shall be handled as appropriate in accordance with the “purpose of use” as mentioned afterward.

2. Information to be Collected

The internet domain name, the IP address and other information are collected in the form of the access logs etc. on the Japan Platform for Patent Information (J-PlatPat). When the user contacts the help desk by e-mail, the sender’s email address will be notified to the recipient, i.e. the Japan Platform for Patent Information (J-PlatPat).

3. Purpose of Use

The collected information shall be utilized as a reference for planning etc. so as to further enhance and expand the service to the users. Therefore, such information may be forwarded to the INPIT and the relevant departments including the JPO as necessary. Also, for the purpose of contact from the INPIT, the mail address, phone number or fax number may be used.

4. Limit on Use and Provision

The collected information shall not be used for the INPIT itself for any purposes other than the “purpose of use” aforementioned nor provided to third parties unless:

- the request for the disclosure is made based on the regulations

- any illegal actions such as unauthorized access or threat occur

- there is a consent by the owner of information

- there are any other special reasons

Please note that the aggregate disclosure of information processed statistically so as not to identify any specific individual may be allowed.

5. Policy on Security

The INPIT shall take necessary measures such as prevention of a leak and loss or damage of the collected information to properly manage such information.

Also, the INPIT shall take necessary measures to properly manage the collected information even in case that the access logs etc. may be outsourced to the external outsourcing contractors for the purpose of analyzing such information.

6. Others

Any changes to the privacy policy shall be made with prior notice to the users.