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Economy

Hush money: Japan to pay companies to keep sensitive patents secret

Equipment for core infrastructure also screened under economic security law

Fuel rods loaded into a reactor in Japan: Patents related to nuclear technology, such as uranium enrichment, will be subject to review under new legislation.   © Reuters

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.

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