On 8 June 2026, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) presented its latest anti-counterfeiting initiatives in its official 'JPO Quick Reads' column.

Background

To strengthen efforts against counterfeit goods and raise public awareness both domestically and internationally, the JPO has long exchanged information with organisations and businesses and collaborated through public-private partnerships such as the International Intellectual Property Protection Forum (IIPPF).

Key Points

In March 2026, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed among the IIPPF, the Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development (DMS) of Vietnam, and Vietnam-based e-commerce platforms Lazada, Shopee, Tiki and TikTok Shop, with JPO Commissioner Kasai acting as a witness. The MOU is expected to further strengthen measures against counterfeit goods on e-commerce platforms in Vietnam.

The JPO has also published its Anti-Counterfeiting Measures Status Report 2026, reviewing progress in bilateral cooperation, information exchange and public-private collaboration. The Office stated that, together with the IIPPF, it will continue to strengthen cooperation with relevant organisations and e-commerce platforms to create an environment in which IP rights are properly protected.

Practical Implications

Vietnam is a key jurisdiction for tackling counterfeits in cross-border e-commerce. With platforms now brought into the cooperation framework, rights holders should monitor the development of complaint and take-down mechanisms on these platforms and consider them part of their enforcement toolkit in Southeast Asia. Brands selling in Japan and Vietnam may also use the Status Report to assess the local enforcement cooperation landscape.

Source: Japan Patent Office (JPO) (original)