#Japan #Tokyo #Intellectual Property #Startup Award #IP BASE

The 8th IP BASE AWARD Launched

On August 3, 2026, the Japan Patent Office will begin accepting entries for the 8th IP BASE AWARD. This prestigious award aims to promote the understanding and implementation of intellectual property (IP) among startups. With the tagline 'Where Innovation Meets Recognition,' this year's awards will celebrate outstanding efforts in IP from both startups and their supporters.

Overview of the IP BASE AWARD

Launched in 2019, the IP BASE AWARD has been instrumental in recognizing and encouraging innovative endeavors surrounding intellectual property. The 8th iteration in 2026 strives to elevate the discourse surrounding IP strategies among startups while also enhancing the overall activities of the IP community.

The award consists of two main categories: Startup Award and Supporter Award. Independent judges will assess the entries to determine the grand prize and other awardees in each category.

Event Schedule

The award timeline is as follows:

• - August 3 - October 15, 2026: Application submission period. Note that recommendations will be accepted until October 1, 2026.
• - Late October - Mid-December 2026: Document review and candidate interviews.
• - Early February 2027: Announcement of finalists in the Startup category.
• - March 17, 2027: Pitch assessment and awards ceremony.

During the pitch assessment, finalists from the Startup category will present their business models and IP strategies, followed by a Q&A session. This event provides an excellent opportunity to showcase one's IP activities and initiatives. Interested startups and supporters are encouraged to apply. More details will be available on the official IP BASE AWARD website.

Application Details

Both individuals and organizations involved in startup-related IP efforts can apply or be nominated for this year’s awards, starting on August 3, 2026, via the IP BASE AWARD official site.

Award Categories

• - Startup Category: This is aimed at unlisted startups established within the last ten years that actively acquire and utilize intellectual property rights strategically.
• - Supporter Category: This recognizes IP professionals, such as attorneys and patent agents, as well as venture capitalists, investors, accelerators, incubators, and organizations involved in supporting startups and their IP initiatives.

Types of Awards

There will be various awards presented in each category:

• - Grand Prize Winner: Will receive a trophy and recognition as a leading innovator in their category.
• - Multiple Recognition Awards: These awards acknowledge numerous participants who have scored high on evaluation criteria, with the potential to win the Grand Prize in the future.

Selection Committee

The evaluation will be led by a committee of esteemed individuals including:

• - Chair: Masahiro Samejima (Senior Partner, Uchida & Samejima Law Office)
• - Members: Yukiko Kato (Director, SBI Investment Co., Ltd.), Hiroshi Kawana (KDDI Corporation), Yu Morita (Morita & Otani Patent Attorneys), and Shin Motoki (Mobile Internet Capital).

For more details about the IP BASE AWARD and past winners, you can visit the official website here.

About IP BASE

In response to the challenges faced by startups in navigating the complexities of intellectual property, the Japan Patent Office launched the IP BASE community portal in December 2018. This platform is designed to serve as a hub for essential IP strategies, support measures, and the latest events relevant to startups. The aim is to connect startup personnel, venture capitalists, accelerators with IP specialists such as patent attorneys and lawyers, creating a vibrant startup IP community.

For more information, visit the IP BASE website here.