IPA IP 2026 Question 5
A question IPA Japan published in 令和8年度 ITパスポート試験 公開問題 問5, translated into English. ITPEC is based on the same exams.
An application for a new business model concerning corporate advertising using the Internet was filed as intellectual property, and the business model was implemented as a computer system. Which of the following is the law that protects this business model as intellectual property?
Explanation
Patent Act — a business model implemented as a computer system can be patented as an invention, a so-called business method patent.
A business idea on its own is not an invention, but when it is realised with information technology, for example a system that delivers advertising over the Internet, it can be granted a patent. In Japan this is the Patent Act, which protects inventions: highly advanced creations of technical ideas.
Answer (d)
Why not others:
- •(a) Design Act — protects the visual design (shape, pattern, colour) of products, not a business method
- •(b) Utility Model Act — protects devices relating to the shape or structure of articles, without examination of substance; a method or a business model is not covered
- •(c) Copyright Act — protects the expression of a work, such as program code, not the idea or method behind it
Key rule: Ideas and methods that use technology are protected by patents (business models included, as business method patents); expression by copyright; appearance by design rights; article shapes by utility models.
Legal Affairs · AI-written, may contain errors
This question comes from the past questions IPA Japan publishes, translated into English by ITPEC Practice. ITPEC Practice is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IPA or ITPEC. See the original paper (PDF) or Report an issue.