TOKYO -- The Japanese government will introduce legislation to keep patents with potential military applications secret, compensating companies and applicants for forgone licensing income, Nikkei has learned.
Patent filings for technology that can help develop nuclear weapons, such as uranium enrichment, and cutting-edge innovations, including quantum technology, will be reviewed under the proposed economic security legislation. Patents deemed a national security risk if made public will remain undisclosed, with applicants barred from filing overseas as well.