Information processing device, information processing method, computer program, and non-temporary computer-readable medium

Abstract

This helps to minimize omissions when conducting trademark searches in multiple countries. [Solution] An information processing device equipped with a processor and a memory for storing instructions that the processor can execute, used when different researchers conduct trademark searches in each country for the same target trademark in multiple countries, wherein when at least one instruction is executed by the processor, first search result information including first identification information for identifying the first prior application in the first country, which is a prior application selected by the first researcher who conducted the trademark search for the target trademark in the first country, is obtained from the first researcher's first terminal device, it is determined whether a second prior application in the second country that is associated with the same trademark as the first prior application identified by the first identification information exists in the second country, if a second prior application exists in the second country, existence information indicating that a second prior application exists in the second country is generated, and existence information is transmitted to the second researcher's second terminal device that conducts the trademark search for the target trademark in the second country.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a computer program, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a trademark investigation system including information generation means for generating investigation result information about a trademark for which an application is desired by statistically processing registration availability information in a plurality of countries.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when conducting a trademark investigation in a plurality of countries for a certain trademark, it is necessary to conduct a trademark investigation for each country. Also, in a trademark investigation, it is crucial to extract without omission prior applications that may be an obstacle. However, since the investigators in each country are different from each other, there is a risk of omission in the country where the trademark investigation is conducted by an inexperienced investigator.

[0005] In addition, since the criteria for determining similarity or non-similarity of trademarks are different in each country, the results of similarity or non-similarity determination in one country do not necessarily match the results of similarity or non-similarity determination in another country. However, the inventor noticed that the results of similarity or non-similarity determination in one country and the results of similarity or non-similarity determination in another country tend to be relatively consistent. For this reason, the inventor came to think that notifying the investigator in the other country of the prior application in the other country associated with the same trademark as the trademark associated with the prior application selected by the investigator in one country would contribute to suppressing the occurrence of omission when conducting a trademark investigation in a plurality of countries.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, a computer program, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium that can suppress omissions and errors when conducting trademark searches in multiple countries. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device relating to one aspect for achieving the above objective is: Processor and An information processing device comprising a memory that stores at least one instruction that the processor can execute, used when different researchers in each country conduct trademark searches for the same trademark under investigation in multiple countries, When at least one of the instructions is executed by the processor, the information processing device, The first search results information, including first identification information for identifying the first prior application in the first country, which is selected by the first searcher who conducted the trademark search on the trademark subject to the search in the first country, is obtained from the first searcher's first terminal device. To determine whether a second prior application exists in the second country that is associated with the same trademark as the first prior application identified by the first specific information, If the second prior application exists in the second country, existence information is generated indicating that the second prior application exists in the second country. The existence information is transmitted to the second terminal device of the second researcher who conducts a trademark search for the trademark under investigation in the second country.

[0008] Furthermore, an information processing method relating to one aspect for achieving the above objective is: An information processing method used when different researchers conduct trademark searches in each country for the same trademark subject to search, A step of obtaining first search results information, including first identification information for identifying the first prior application in the first country, which is selected by the first searcher who conducted the trademark search for the trademark under investigation in the first country, from the first searcher's first terminal device, A step of determining whether a second prior application in a second country exists that is associated with the same trademark as the trademark associated with the first prior application identified by the first identification information, If the second prior application exists in the second country, the step of generating existence information indicating that the second prior application exists in the second country, The process includes the step of transmitting the existence information to a second terminal device of a second researcher who conducts a trademark search for the trademark under investigation in the second country.

[0009] Furthermore, a computer program relating to one aspect for achieving the above objective is: A computer program including at least one instruction executed by the processor of an information processing device used when different researchers in each country conduct trademark searches for the same trademark under investigation in multiple countries, When at least one of the instructions is executed by the processor, the information processing device shall: The first search results information, including first identification information for identifying the first prior application in the first country, which is selected by the first searcher who conducted the trademark search on the trademark subject to the search in the first country, is obtained from the first searcher's first terminal device. To determine whether a second prior application in a second country exists that is associated with the same trademark as the first prior application identified by the first specific information, If the second prior application exists in the second country, generate existence information indicating that the second prior application exists in the second country. The existence information is transmitted to the second terminal device of the second researcher who conducts a trademark search for the trademark under investigation in the second country.

[0010] Furthermore, a non-temporary computer-readable medium relating to one aspect for achieving the above objective includes: The above computer program is stored.

[0011] According to the information processing device with the above configuration, when different researchers conduct trademark searches in multiple countries for the same target trademark, if a second prior application exists in a second country that is identical to the trademark linked to the first prior application identified by the first identification information, the device generates existence information indicating the existence of the second prior application in the second country. The information processing device then transmits the generated existence information to the second terminal device of the second researcher conducting the trademark search in the second country. As a result, the second researcher can easily grasp that a second prior application exists in the second country that is identical to the trademark linked to the first prior application identified by the first identification information. Consequently, it is possible to suppress omissions and errors when conducting trademark searches in multiple countries. Furthermore, the same effect can be achieved with the information processing method, computer program, and non-temporary computer-readable medium with the above configuration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] This disclosure provides an information processing device, an information processing method, a computer program, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium that can suppress omissions and errors when conducting trademark searches in multiple countries. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a first external database, a second external database, an information processing device, a first terminal device, and a second terminal device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment"). [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the information processing method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an example of an input screen. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an example of an image displayed on the display unit of the second terminal device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the information processing method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an example of an input screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an information processing method according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an information processing method according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an input screen.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (Overall Configuration) The information processing apparatus 40 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first external database 10, a second external database 20, a first terminal device 30, an information processing apparatus 40, and a second terminal device 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first external database 10 and the information processing apparatus 40 can communicate with each other via, for example, the Internet or the like. The second external database 20 and the information processing apparatus 40 can communicate with each other via, for example, the Internet or the like. The information processing apparatus 40 and the first terminal device 30 can communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. The information processing apparatus 40 and the second terminal device 50 can communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly.

[0016] In this embodiment, we assume that different researchers conduct trademark searches for the same trademark in multiple countries. In this embodiment, we will describe the information processing device 40, etc., assuming the following scenario. For example, a person who intends to adopt a trademark, or a person who acts as an intermediary between the prospective adopter (hereinafter referred to as the prospective adopter) and each researcher (hereinafter referred to as the intermediary), etc., simultaneously requests a trademark search for the trademark in the first country from a first researcher who conducts a trademark search in the first country and a trademark search for the trademark in the second country. Therefore, in this embodiment, we assume that the first researcher and the second researcher commence the trademark search for the trademark at the same time. The prospective adopter and the intermediary request the trademark search from the first researcher and the second researcher, for example, by email. Subsequently, the first researcher and the second researcher each report the results of the trademark search for the trademark to the prospective adopter or the intermediary as soon as the trademark search is completed. The results of the trademark search conducted by the first investigator on the target trademark and the results of the trademark search conducted by the second investigator on the target trademark may be reported to the prospective adopter or intermediary simultaneously, or they may be reported to the prospective adopter or intermediary at different times. In this case, for example, the information processing device 40 is used to prevent omissions in the trademark search conducted by the second investigator on the target trademark, which may be based on the results of the trademark search conducted by the first investigator on the target trademark. Specifically, the information processing device 40 is used to notify the second investigator that a prior application exists in a second country that corresponds to a prior application selected by the first investigator. In this specification, the prior application selected by the first investigator is referred to as the first prior application, and the prior application in the second country that corresponds to the first prior application is referred to as the second prior application. The trademark associated with the first prior application and the trademark associated with the second prior application are the same.

[0017] The first external database 10 and the second external database 20 are, for example, the Japan Patent Office database, the United States Patent and Trademark Office database, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database, and commercial databases provided by trademark service providers. For example, the Japan Patent Office database records application information for trademark registration applications filed with the Japan Patent Office. In this specification, trademark registration applications also include international trademark registration applications. The application information includes, for example, the application number, registration number, international registration number, and various information related to the trademark. In addition, databases other than the Japan Patent Office database (for example, the United States Patent and Trademark Office database) also record application information for trademark registration applications in at least one country, similar to the Japan Patent Office database. In this embodiment, "country" is a concept that includes not only independent countries but also countries and regions not internationally recognized, and unions such as the European Union.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first external database 10 and the second external database 20 are separate databases. The first external database 10 records application information for trademark registration applications in the first country, and the second external database 20 records application information for trademark registration applications in the second country. In this embodiment, the first external database 10 is assumed to be the Japan Patent Office database, and the second external database 20 is assumed to be the United States Patent and Trademark Office database. In other words, in this embodiment, the first country is Japan, and the second country is the United States. The first external database 10 and the second external database 20 may be recorded on the same recording device.

[0019] The first terminal device 30 is a terminal device operated by, for example, the first researcher who conducted the trademark search in the first country. In this embodiment, the first researcher is the person who conducted the trademark search in Japan. The first terminal device 30 is an electronic device such as a desktop PC, notebook PC, tablet terminal, or smartphone. The first terminal device 30 is equipped with an input unit 31.

[0020] The input unit 31 is configured to receive input operations from the first investigator to the first terminal device 30 and to generate electrical signals corresponding to said input operations. The input unit 31 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard electrically connected to the first terminal device 30, or a touch panel superimposed on the display unit of the first terminal device 30. The first investigator inputs first investigation results information into the input unit 31, which includes, for example, country information indicating the first country and first identification information for identifying the first prior application in the first country that the first investigator has selected as a prior application. The prior application selected by the first investigator is, for example, a prior application that the first investigator has determined to be an obstacle to the trademark under investigation. However, the prior application selected by the first investigator may include, for example, not only prior applications that the first investigator has determined to be an obstacle to the trademark under investigation, but also prior applications that the first investigator has determined not to be an obstacle to the trademark under investigation. The trademark under investigation is, for example, a trademark for which a trademark registration application is to be filed, and for which the possibility of registration and use of the trademark has been investigated before the trademark registration application is filed. Registrability refers to the likelihood that a trademark under investigation would be registered if a trademark registration application were filed for that trademark. This is primarily evaluated from the perspectives of whether the trademark under investigation possesses distinctiveness and whether it is similar to a prior trademark of another party. Usability refers to the likelihood that the trademark under investigation can be used without infringing the rights of a prior trademark of another party. The first specific information includes at least one of the following: first trademark information indicating the trademark associated with the first prior application, first application number information indicating the application number associated with the first prior application, and first registration number information indicating the registration number associated with the first prior application. The first investigation result information may include not only country information and first specific information, but also, for example, registrability information indicating the registrability of the trademark under investigation and usability information indicating the usability of the trademark under investigation. The input unit 31 transmits the input first investigation result information to the information processing device 40.

[0021] The information processing device 40 is, for example, a server such as a cloud server or an edge server. A cloud server is a server provided via the internet. An edge server is a server provided via a network in an area closer to the user than the internet (for example, a local area network (LAN)). As illustrated in Figure 1, the information processing device 40 includes an input unit 41, a control unit 42, an output unit 43, and a recording unit 44. These are connected to each other via a bus 45 so that they can communicate with one another.

[0022] The input unit 41 receives various types of information, for example, from the first external database 10, the second external database 20, and the first terminal device 30. The input unit 41 transmits the received information to the control unit 42.

[0023] The control unit 42 receives various information transmitted from the input unit 41 and acquires various information transmitted from the first external database 10, the second external database 20, and the first terminal device 30. The control unit 42 has a hardware configuration that includes a memory 421 and a processor 422. The memory 421 consists of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various computer programs are stored, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) having multiple work areas in which various computer programs executed by the processor 422 are stored. The processor 422 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that is configured to load a specified computer program from the various computer programs embedded in the ROM onto the RAM and to perform information processing described later in cooperation with the RAM.

[0024] In this embodiment, non-temporary computer-readable media may be used as memory. Non-temporary computer-readable media refers to any type of physical memory (RAM, ROM, etc.) that can store information and data that a processor can read. Non-temporary computer-readable media can store instructions related to execution processes by one or more processors. The term "non-temporary computer-readable media" includes tangible items but excludes carrier waves and temporary signals (i.e., it refers to non-temporary things). Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs).

[0025] Based on the first identification information, the control unit 42 determines whether a second prior application exists in the second country that is associated with the same trademark as the first prior application identified by the first identification information. If a second prior application exists in the second country, the control unit 42 generates existence information indicating that a second prior application exists in the second country. The control unit 42 transmits the generated existence information to the output unit 43.

[0026] The control unit 42 obtains second identification information for identifying the trademark associated with the second prior application from the second external database 20 via the input unit 41, based on the first identification information. The second identification information includes at least one of the following: second trademark information indicating the trademark associated with the second prior application, second application number information indicating the application number associated with the second prior application, and second registration number information indicating the registration number associated with the second prior application. The control unit 42 transmits the obtained second identification information to the output unit 43.

[0027] The output unit 43 outputs the existence information and second identification information received from the control unit 42 to the second terminal device 50 of the second researcher conducting the trademark search in the second country. In this embodiment, the second researcher is a person conducting a trademark search in the United States.

[0028] The recording unit 44 is composed of a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. The recording unit 44 is configured to record various types of information. For example, the recording unit 44 may record first investigation results information.

[0029] The second terminal device 50 is a terminal device operated by, for example, a second researcher conducting a trademark search in a second country. The second terminal device 50 is an electronic device such as a desktop PC, notebook PC, tablet terminal, or smartphone. The second terminal device 50 is equipped with a display unit 51.

[0030] The display unit 51 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 51 is configured to display an image based on existence information and second identification information output from the output unit 43 of the information processing device 40.

[0031] (First example) Next, the information processing method implemented in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the information processing method according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an input screen. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an image 100 displayed on the display unit 51 of the second terminal device 50. In this embodiment, the trademark under investigation is "NGB", and the countries in which the trademark search is conducted are Japan and the United States. In this embodiment, the first investigator conducted a trademark search in Japan, the first country, and determined that a prior application for the trademark "NCB" was an obstacle to the trademark under investigation, and selected that prior application as the first prior application. In this embodiment, the first prior application (the prior application for the trademark "NCB") is assumed to be the prior application for Japanese trademark registration No. 9999999, and this first prior application is assumed to be recorded in the first external database 10. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the trademark search in the United States is assumed to be incomplete.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first investigator inputs the first investigation results information, including country information indicating the first country, first registration number information indicating the registration number associated with the first prior application (an example of first identification information), registrability information regarding the trademark under investigation, and usability information regarding the trademark under investigation, into the input unit 31 of the first terminal device 30. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a second prior application in a second country associated with the same trademark as the trademark associated with the first prior application, namely U.S. Trademark Registration No. 8888888 (Application Number: 99 / 987654), is recorded in the second external database 20. Therefore, the trademark associated with U.S. Trademark Registration No. 8888888 is "NCB". Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, these assumptions remain the same in the following explanation.

[0033] In this embodiment, the text in the input screen illustrated in Figure 3 and the image 100 illustrated in Figure 4 are displayed in Japanese for explanatory purposes, but it is preferable that they be displayed in English or the official language of each country so that researchers from each country can understand them. This point also applies to the input screens in subsequent embodiments.

[0034] As illustrated in Figure 2, the first investigator inputs first investigation results information, including country information indicating the first country, first registration number information, registrability information regarding the trademark under investigation, and usability information regarding the trademark under investigation, into the input unit 31 of the first terminal device 30 (STEP 01). In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 3, the first investigator inputs first investigation results information, including country information indicating that the first country is Japan, first registration number information indicating the registration number of the first prior application (trademark registration no. 9999999), registrability information indicating that registration of the trademark under investigation is difficult (30%), and usability information indicating that use of the trademark under investigation is difficult (30%), into the input unit 31. The input unit 31 transmits the input first investigation results information to the control unit 42 and / or recording unit 44 of the information processing device 40. When the input first investigation results information is transmitted to the recording unit 44, the first investigation results information is recorded in the recording unit 44.

[0035] As illustrated in Figure 2, the control unit 42 receives the first survey results information from the input unit 31 and acquires the first survey results information (STEP 02).

[0036] The control unit 42 identifies the trademark associated with the first prior application by obtaining application information related to the first prior application from the first external database 10 based on the country information and first registration number information included in the first investigation results information (STEP 03). In other words, the control unit 42 of the information processing device 40 identifies the trademark associated with the first prior application based on the first registration number information and the first external database 10. In this embodiment, the trademark associated with the first prior application, Japanese trademark registration No. 9999999, is "NCB", so the control unit 42 identifies the trademark associated with the first prior application as "NCB".

[0037] The control unit 42 determines whether a second prior application linked to the same trademark as the trademark linked to the first prior application is recorded in the second external database 20 (STEP 04). In other words, based on the first identification information, the control unit 42 determines whether a second prior application linked to the same trademark as the trademark linked to the first prior application identified by the first identification information exists in the second country. If the control unit 42 determines that a second prior application linked to the same trademark as the trademark linked to the first prior application is recorded in the second external database 20 (YES in STEP 04), it executes STEP 05. On the other hand, if the control unit 42 determines that a second prior application linked to the same trademark as the trademark linked to the first prior application is not recorded in the second external database 20 (NO in STEP 04), it terminates the information processing. In this embodiment, the second external database 20 contains a second prior application related to U.S. trademark registration No. 8888888. Therefore, the control unit 42 determines that a second prior application associated with the same trademark as the first prior application is recorded in the second external database 20 (YES in STEP 04), and executes STEP 05.

[0038] The control unit 42 generates existence information indicating that a second prior application exists in a second country (STEP 05). The control unit 42 transmits the generated existence information to the output unit 43.

[0039] The control unit 42 obtains the second specific information relating to the second prior application from the second external database 20 (STEP 06). The control unit 42 transmits the obtained second specific information to the output unit 43.

[0040] The output unit 43 outputs existence information and second identification information to the second terminal device 50 (STEP 07). When existence information and second identification information are output to the second terminal device 50, the image 100 illustrated in Figure 4 is displayed on the display unit 51 of the second terminal device 50 (STEP 08).

[0041] As illustrated in Figure 4, Image 100 includes message M1 indicating the existence of a US prior application (second prior application) associated with the same trademark as the trademark associated with Japanese trademark registration No. 9999999 (first prior application), and second identification information relating to the said second prior application. Note that message M1 is based on existence information. Also, as illustrated in Figure 4, the second identification information includes second trademark information indicating the trademark associated with the second prior application, second application number information indicating the application number associated with the second prior application, and second registration number information indicating the registration number associated with the second prior application.

[0042] The American researcher (second researcher) can recognize, by viewing image 100, that there is an American prior application (second prior application) associated with the trademark "NCB" which is identical to the trademark associated with the Japanese prior application (first prior application) selected by the Japanese researcher (first researcher). Furthermore, by viewing image 100, the second researcher can also recognize various information such as the application number related to the second prior application. In this way, the American researcher can conduct a trademark search after recognizing the American prior application associated with the trademark identical to the trademark associated with the Japanese prior application selected by the Japanese researcher, thereby suppressing omissions and errors in the trademark search in the United States (second country). The American researcher can then report the results of the trademark search in the United States to prospective adopters and intermediaries by inputting the second search result information, which shows the results of the trademark search in the United States, into the second terminal device 50 after the completion of the trademark search in the United States. Furthermore, since the second investigator recognized the existence of a second prior application by visually inspecting image 100, the second investigator's findings include information regarding a second prior application that is identical to the trademark associated with the first prior application selected by the first investigator.

[0043] Incidentally, when conducting a trademark search for a particular trademark in multiple countries, it is necessary to conduct a trademark search in each country. Furthermore, in a trademark search, it is crucial to extract all potentially problematic prior applications without fail. However, since the researchers in each country are different, there is a risk of omissions or errors occurring in countries where trademark searches are conducted by less experienced researchers.

[0044] Furthermore, since the criteria for determining trademark similarity differ from country to country, the results of a similarity assessment in one country do not necessarily coincide with those in another. However, the inventor noticed that the results of similarity assessments in one country tend to coincide relatively well with those in another. For this reason, the inventor came to believe that informing the investigator in a particular country of prior applications in other countries that are identical to trademarks selected by the investigator in that country would help prevent omissions and errors when conducting trademark searches in multiple countries.

[0045] According to the information processing device 40 with the above configuration, when different researchers conduct trademark searches in multiple countries for the same target trademark, if a second prior application exists in a second country that is identical to the trademark associated with the first prior application identified by the first registration number information (an example of first identification information), the device generates existence information indicating the existence of the second prior application in the second country. The information processing device 40 then transmits the generated existence information to the second terminal device 50 of the second researcher conducting the trademark search in the second country. As a result, the second researcher can easily grasp that a second prior application exists in the second country that is identical to the trademark associated with the first prior application identified by the first registration number information. Consequently, it is possible to suppress omissions and errors when conducting trademark searches in multiple countries. Furthermore, similar effects can be achieved with the information processing method, computer program, and non-temporary computer-readable medium with the above configuration.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the information processing device 40 with the above configuration, the first identifying information is the first registration number information, which indicates the registration number associated with the first prior application. In this way, the information processing device 40 makes it possible to identify the first prior application based on relatively easily obtainable information.

[0047] Furthermore, according to the information processing device 40 with the above configuration, second identification information for identifying the trademark associated with the second prior application obtained from the second external database 20 is transmitted to the second terminal device 50. Therefore, according to the information processing device 40, the second searcher can easily identify the second prior application.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the information processing device 40 with the above configuration, the second identifying information includes second trademark information indicating the trademark associated with the second prior application, second application number information indicating the application number associated with the second prior application, and second registration number information indicating the registration number associated with the second prior application. In this way, the information processing device 40 makes it possible to identify the second prior application based on relatively easily obtainable information.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the information processing device 40 with the above configuration, the trademark linked to the first prior application is identified based on the first identification information and the first external database 10 in which application information regarding trademark registration applications in the first country is recorded, so the trademark linked to the first prior application can be identified with high accuracy.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the information processing device 40 with the above configuration, the first prior application is a prior application that the first searcher determined to be an obstacle to the trademark under investigation. Therefore, according to the information processing device 40, the second searcher can be made aware that a second prior application exists in the second country that is linked to a trademark that is highly likely to be an obstacle to the trademark under investigation.

[0051] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the information processing method according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an input screen. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first investigator inputs the first investigation results information, which includes country information indicating the first country, first trademark information (an example of first identification information), registrability information regarding the trademark under investigation, and usability information regarding the trademark under investigation, into the input unit 31 of the first terminal device 30. In other words, the first identification information in this embodiment is the first trademark information. In this embodiment, the control unit 42 of the information processing device 40 executes the information processing method illustrated in Figure 5.

[0052] As illustrated in Figure 5, the first investigator inputs first investigation results information, including country information indicating the first country, first trademark information, registrability information regarding the trademark under investigation, and usability information regarding the trademark under investigation, into the input unit 31 of the first terminal device 30 (STEP 11). In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 6, the first investigator inputs first investigation results information, including country information indicating that the first country is Japan, first trademark information indicating that the trademark associated with the first prior application is "NCB", registrability information indicating that registration of the trademark under investigation is difficult (30%), and usability information indicating that use of the trademark under investigation is difficult (30%), into the input unit 31. The input unit 31 transmits the input first investigation results information to the control unit 42 of the information processing device 40.

[0053] As illustrated in Figure 5, the control unit 42 receives the first survey results information from the input unit 31 and acquires the first survey results information (STEP 12).

[0054] Based on the country information and first trademark information included in the first search results information, the control unit 42 determines whether the first prior application associated with the trademark indicated in the first trademark information is recorded in the first external database 10 (STEP 13). If the control unit 42 determines that the first prior application associated with the trademark indicated in the first trademark information is recorded in the first external database 10 (YES in STEP 13), it executes STEP 14. On the other hand, if the control unit 42 determines that the first prior application associated with the trademark indicated in the first trademark information is not recorded in the first external database 10 (NO in STEP 13), it terminates the information processing. In this embodiment, the first external database 10 contains a prior application related to the trademark "NCB" (a prior application related to Japanese trademark registration No. 9999999). Therefore, the control unit 42 determines that the first prior application associated with the trademark "NCB" indicated in the first trademark information is recorded in the first external database 10 (YES in STEP 13), and executes STEP 14.

[0055] Steps 14 to 18 are the same as steps 4 to 8 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment as well, the image 100 illustrated in Figure 4 is displayed on the display unit 51 of the second terminal device 50.

[0056] In this embodiment as well, the information processing device 40 can achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0057] Furthermore, according to the information processing device 40 with the above configuration, when different researchers conduct trademark searches in each country for the same target trademark, if a second prior application exists in a second country that is identical to the trademark linked to the first prior application identified by the first trademark information (an example of first identification information), the device generates existence information indicating that the second prior application exists in the second country. The information processing device 40 then transmits the generated existence information to the second terminal device 50 of the second researcher conducting the trademark search in the second country. As a result, the second researcher can easily grasp that a second prior application exists in the second country that is identical to the trademark linked to the first prior application identified by the first trademark information. Consequently, it is possible to suppress omissions and errors when conducting trademark searches in multiple countries.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the information processing device 40 with the above configuration, the first identifying information is the first trademark information indicating the trademark associated with the first prior application. In this way, the information processing device 40 makes it possible to identify the first prior application based on relatively easily obtainable information.

[0059] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the information processing method according to the third embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that existence information is generated not only based on the trademark associated with the first prior application but also on the goods and services classification (an example of a goods and services field) associated with the first prior application. It is assumed that the goods and services classification associated with the first prior application, Japanese trademark registration No. 9999999, and the goods and services classification associated with the second prior application, American trademark registration No. 8888888, are both Class 9. This premise will remain the same in the following explanation unless otherwise specified. In this embodiment, the control unit 42 of the information processing device 40 executes the information processing method illustrated in Figure 7.

[0060] In this embodiment, the application information recorded in the first external database 10 and the second external database 20 also includes information regarding the field of goods and services. This premise remains the same in the following explanation unless otherwise specified.

[0061] The category of goods and services includes, for example, the goods and services classification, the similarity group code, and the designated goods and services. The goods and services classification categorizes goods and services according to certain criteria such as material and use. The goods and services classification is divided into 45 classes, from Class 1 to Class 45. The similarity group code is a group described in, for example, the Japan Patent Office's Examination Guidelines for Similar Goods and Services. It is a 5-digit common code that groups goods and services that share common characteristics and indicates which group each designated goods and services belong to. Therefore, designated goods and services belonging to the same group are assigned the same similarity group code. Designated goods and services with the same similarity group code are presumed to be identical or similar in the examination of a trademark registration application. Designated goods and services are the goods and services specified when filing a trademark registration application.

[0062] As illustrated in Figure 7, STEP 21 and STEP 22 are the same as STEP 01 and STEP 02 in the first embodiment.

[0063] The control unit 42 identifies the trademark and goods / services class associated with the first prior application by obtaining application information related to the first prior application from the first external database 10 based on the country information and first registration number information included in the first investigation results information (STEP 23). In other words, the control unit 42 of the information processing device 40 identifies the trademark and goods / services class associated with the first prior application based on the first registration number information and the first external database 10. In this embodiment, the trademark associated with the first prior application, Japanese trademark registration No. 9999999, is "NCB". Therefore, the control unit 42 identifies the trademark associated with the first prior application as "NCB". Also in this embodiment, the goods / services class associated with the first prior application, Japanese trademark registration No. 9999999, is Class 9. Therefore, the control unit 42 identifies the goods / services class associated with the first prior application as Class 9.

[0064] The control unit 42 determines whether a second prior application is recorded in the second external database 20 for a trademark identical to the trademark associated with the first prior application and for the same goods and services category as the first prior application (STEP 24). In other words, based on the first identification information, the control unit 42 determines whether a second prior application exists in the second country for a trademark identical to the trademark associated with the first prior application identified by the first identification information and for the same goods and services category as the first prior application identified by the first identification information. If the control unit 42 determines that a second prior application is recorded in the second external database 20 for a trademark identical to the trademark associated with the first prior application and for the same goods and services category as the first prior application (YES in STEP 24), it executes STEP 25. On the other hand, if the control unit 42 determines that a second prior application is not recorded in the second external database 20 for the same trademark as the trademark associated with the first prior application, and for the same goods and services category as the goods and services category associated with the first prior application (NO in STEP 24), it terminates the information processing. In this embodiment, the second external database 20 contains a second prior application related to U.S. trademark registration No. 8888888. Therefore, the control unit 42 determines that a second prior application is recorded in the second external database 20 for the same trademark as the trademark associated with the first prior application, and for the same goods and services category as the goods and services category associated with the first prior application (YES in STEP 24), and executes STEP 25.

[0065] Steps 25 to 28 are the same as steps 5 to 8 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment as well, the image 100 illustrated in Figure 4 is displayed on the display unit 51 of the second terminal device 50.

[0066] In this embodiment as well, the information processing device 40 can achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0067] Furthermore, the information processing device 40 with the above configuration determines whether a second prior application exists in the second country that is identical to the trademark associated with the first prior application identified by the first identification information, and that is identical to the goods and services class associated with the first prior application identified by the first identification information. In this way, the information processing device 40 can determine whether a second prior application exists in the second country that takes into account not only the trademark but also the goods and services class. Therefore, the information processing device 40 can generate more accurate existence information.

[0068] Furthermore, the information processing device 40 with the above configuration can determine whether a second prior application exists in a second country based on information regarding goods and services classifications that are relatively easy to obtain in the trademark field.

[0069] (Fourth embodiment) Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the information processing method according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the input screen. This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the first investigator inputs the first investigation results information, which includes country information indicating the first country, first trademark information, first goods and services classification information, registrability information regarding the trademark under investigation, and usability information regarding the trademark under investigation, into the input unit 31 of the first terminal device 30. The first goods and services classification information is information indicating the goods and services classification associated with the first prior application, and is information that can be used as first specific information when used in combination with the first trademark information. Therefore, the first specific information in this embodiment includes the first trademark information and the first goods and services classification information. In this embodiment, the control unit 42 of the information processing device 40 executes the information processing method illustrated in Figure 8.

[0070] As illustrated in Figure 8, the first investigator inputs first investigation results information, including country information indicating the first country, first trademark information, first goods and services classification information, registrability information regarding the trademark under investigation, and usability information regarding the trademark under investigation, into the input unit 31 of the first terminal device 30 (STEP 31). In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 9, the first investigator inputs first investigation results information, including country information indicating that the first country is Japan, first trademark information indicating that the trademark associated with the first prior application is "NCB", first goods and services classification information indicating that the goods and services classification associated with the first prior application is Class 9, registrability information indicating that registration of the trademark under investigation is difficult (30%), and usability information indicating that use of the trademark under investigation is difficult (30%), into the input unit 31. The input unit 31 transmits the input first investigation results information to the control unit 42 of the information processing device 40.

[0071] As illustrated in Figure 8, the control unit 42 receives the first survey results information from the input unit 31 and acquires the first survey results information (STEP 32).

[0072] The control unit 42 determines, based on the country information, first trademark information, and first goods and services classification information included in the first search results information, whether a first prior application linked to the trademark indicated by the first trademark information and the goods and services classification indicated by the first goods and services classification information is recorded in the first external database 10 (STEP 33). If the control unit 42 determines that a first prior application linked to the trademark indicated by the first trademark information and the goods and services classification indicated by the first goods and services classification information is recorded in the first external database 10 (YES in STEP 33), it executes STEP 34. On the other hand, if the control unit 42 determines that a first prior application linked to the trademark indicated by the first trademark information and the goods and services classification indicated by the first goods and services classification information is not recorded in the first external database 10 (NO in STEP 33), it terminates the information processing. In this embodiment, the first external database 10 records a prior application (a prior application related to Japanese trademark registration no. 9999999) in which the trademark is "NCB" and the goods and services classification is Class 9. Therefore, the control unit 42 determines that the first prior application linked to the trademark "NCB" indicated by the first trademark information and Class 9, which is the goods and services classification indicated by the first goods and services classification information, is recorded in the first external database 10 (YES in STEP 33), and executes STEP 34.

[0073] Steps 34 to 38 are the same as steps 24 to 28 in the third embodiment. In this embodiment as well, the image 100 illustrated in Figure 4 is displayed on the display unit 51 of the second terminal device 50.

[0074] In this embodiment as well, the information processing device 40 can achieve the same effects as in the first and third embodiments.

[0075] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of this disclosure and do not limit it. This disclosure may be modified or improved without departing from its intent.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the first external database 10 and the second external database 20 are separate databases, but they may be the same database. In this case, the databases could be, for example, the World Intellectual Property Organization's database or a commercial database provided by a trademark service provider. In this case, since the first external database 10 and the second external database 20 are the same database, the number of databases that the information processing device 40 communicates with can be reduced, and existence information can be generated more efficiently.

[0077] In the above embodiment, there is one first prior application, but there may be two or more. In this case, there may also be two or more second prior applications.

[0078] In the embodiments described above, the first prior application selected by the first investigator is a prior application that the first investigator determined to be an impediment to the trademark under investigation, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first prior application selected by the first investigator may be a prior application that has some similarities to the trademark under investigation but that the first investigator determined to be no impediment to the trademark under investigation. Alternatively, the first prior application selected by the first investigator may be a prior application that the first investigator determined to be an impediment to the trademark under investigation, and a prior application that has some similarities to the trademark under investigation but that the first investigator determined to be no impediment to the trademark under investigation.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the trademark search is conducted in two countries: Japan and the United States, but it may be conducted in three or more countries.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the second specific information includes the second trademark information, the second application number information, and the second registration number information, but it is sufficient to include at least one of the second trademark information, the second application number information, and the second registration number information.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the first identifying information is either the first registration number information or the first trademark information, but it may also be, for example, the first application number information indicating the application number associated with the first prior application. Furthermore, the first identifying information may include at least two of the first trademark information, the first application number information, and the first registration number information.

[0082] In the above embodiment, country information indicating the first country is input to the input unit 31 of the first terminal device 30, but this country information does not need to be input.

[0083] In the above embodiment, if the second identification information includes the second trademark information, it may also include at least one of the second goods and services classification information, the second similarity group code information, and the second designated goods and services information. The second goods and services classification information is information indicating the goods and services classification associated with the second prior application, and is information that can be used as second identification information when used in combination with the second trademark information. The second similarity group code information is information indicating the similarity group code associated with the second prior application, and is information that can be used as second identification information when used in combination with the second trademark information. The second designated goods and services information is information indicating the designated goods and services associated with the second prior application, and is information that can be used as second identification information when used in combination with the second trademark information.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 40 was described using an example in which the trademark search in the first country by the first searcher (i.e., a trademark search in Japan) has been completed, while the trademark search in the second country by the second searcher (i.e., a trademark search in the United States) has not been completed. However, this disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, this disclosure is also applicable when the trademark search in the first country by the first searcher and the trademark search in the second country by the second searcher are completed at the same time, and the results of these trademark searches are reported simultaneously to prospective adopters and intermediaries. In this case, if a second prior application exists in the second country that is associated with the same trademark as the trademark associated with the first prior application identified by the first identification information, the information processing device 40 generates existence information and transmits the generated existence information to the second searcher's second terminal device 50. The second searcher uses this existence information to redo the trademark search in the second country. This makes it possible to prevent omissions and errors in the trademark search in the second country.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the first investigation results information includes registrability information indicating the registrability of the trademark under investigation and usability information indicating the usability of the trademark under investigation, but the registrability information and usability information may not be included.

[0086] In the second embodiment, STEP 13 may not be performed.

[0087] In the third embodiment, the control unit 42 identifies the trademark and goods / services classification associated with the first prior application. However, it may also identify, for example, the trademark and at least one of the goods / services classification, the similarity group code, and the designated goods / services.

[0088] In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 42 acquires first search result information including country information, first trademark information, first goods and services classification information, registrability information, and usability information, but the disclosure is not limited to this example. The control unit 42 may, for example, acquire first search result information including country information, first trademark information, first goods and services classification, first similarity group code information, and at least one of first designated goods and services information, registrability information, and usability information. The first similarity group code information is information indicating a similarity group code associated with the first prior application, and is information that can be used as first specific information when used in combination with the first trademark information. The first designated goods and services information is information indicating designated goods and services associated with the first prior application, and is information that can be used as first specific information when used in combination with the first trademark information.

[0089] In the fourth embodiment, STEP 33 does not need to be performed.

[0090] As explained above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification: (1) Processor and An information processing device comprising a memory that stores at least one instruction that the processor can execute, used when different researchers in each country conduct trademark searches for the same trademark under investigation in multiple countries, When at least one of the instructions is executed by the processor, the information processing device, The first search results information, including first identification information for identifying the first prior application in the first country, which is selected by the first searcher who conducted the trademark search on the trademark subject to the search in the first country, is obtained from the first searcher's first terminal device. To determine whether a second prior application exists in the second country that is associated with the same trademark as the first prior application identified by the first specific information, If the second prior application exists in the second country, existence information is generated indicating that the second prior application exists in the second country. An information processing device that transmits the existence information to a second terminal device of a second researcher who conducts a trademark search for the trademark under investigation in the second country. (2) The information processing device according to (1) for determining whether a second prior application exists in the second country, which is the same trademark as the trademark associated with the first prior application identified by the first identifying information and the same field of goods and services as the field of goods and services associated with the first prior application identified by the first identifying information. (3) The information processing apparatus according to (2), wherein the product / service field is at least one of the product / service classification, similar group code, and designated product / service. (4) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first specific information includes at least one of the first trademark information indicating a trademark associated with the first prior application, the first application number information indicating an application number associated with the first prior application, and the first registration number information indicating a registration number associated with the first prior application. (5) It is possible to communicate with a second external database in which application information relating to trademark registration applications in the second country is recorded, Second identification information for identifying the trademark associated with the aforementioned second prior application is obtained from the aforementioned second external database, An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (4), which transmits the second specific information to the second terminal device. (6) The information processing device according to (5), wherein the second specific information includes at least one of second trademark information indicating a trademark associated with the second prior application, second application number information indicating an application number associated with the second prior application, and second registration number information indicating a registration number associated with the second prior application. (7) It is possible to communicate with a first external database in which application information relating to trademark registration applications in the first country is recorded, An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (6), which identifies a trademark associated with the first prior application based on the first specific information and the first external database. (8) The information processing device described in any one of (1) to (7), wherein the first prior application is a prior application that the first investigator determined to be an impediment to the trademark under investigation. (9) An information processing method used when different researchers conduct trademark searches in each country for the same trademark subject to search in multiple countries, A step of obtaining first search results information, including first identification information for identifying the first prior application in the first country, which is selected by the first searcher who conducted the trademark search for the trademark under investigation in the first country, from the first searcher's first terminal device, A step of determining whether a second prior application in a second country exists that is associated with the same trademark as the trademark associated with the first prior application identified by the first identification information, If the second prior application exists in the second country, the step of generating existence information indicating that the second prior application exists in the second country, An information processing method performed by an information processing device, comprising the step of transmitting the existence information to a second terminal device of a second researcher conducting a trademark search for the trademark under investigation in the second country. (10) A computer program including at least one instruction executed by the processor of an information processing device used when different researchers in each country conduct trademark searches for the same trademark under investigation in multiple countries, When at least one of the instructions is executed by the processor, the information processing device shall: The first search results information, including first identification information for identifying the first prior application in the first country, which is selected by the first searcher who conducted the trademark search on the trademark subject to the search in the first country, is obtained from the first searcher's first terminal device. To determine whether a second prior application in a second country exists that is associated with the same trademark as the first prior application identified by the first specific information, If the second prior application exists in the second country, generate existence information indicating that the second prior application exists in the second country. A computer program that causes the existence information to be transmitted to a second terminal device of a second researcher conducting a trademark search on the trademark under investigation in the second country. (11) A non-temporary computer-readable medium on which the computer programs described in (10) are stored. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 10: First External Database 20: Second External Database 30: First terminal device 31: Input section 40: Information Processing Device 41: Input section 42: Control Unit 43: Output section 44: Records Department 45: Bus 50: Second terminal device 51: Display section 100: Image 421: Memory 422: Processor

Claims

1. Processor and An information processing device comprising a memory that stores at least one instruction that the processor can execute, used when different researchers in each country conduct trademark searches for the same trademark under investigation in multiple countries, When at least one of the instructions is executed by the processor, the information processing device, The first search results information, including first identification information for identifying the first prior application in the first country, which is selected by the first searcher who conducted the trademark search on the trademark subject to the search in the first country, is obtained from the first searcher's first terminal device. To determine whether a second prior application exists in the second country that is associated with the same trademark as the first prior application identified by the first specific information, If the second prior application exists in the second country, existence information is generated indicating that the second prior application exists in the second country. An information processing device that transmits the existence information to a second terminal device of a second researcher who conducts a trademark search for the trademark under investigation in the second country.

2. An information processing device according to claim 1, which determines whether a second prior application exists in the second country, which is the same trademark as the trademark associated with the first prior application identified by the first identifying information, and which is associated with the same field of goods and services as the field of goods and services associated with the first prior application identified by the first identifying information.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the aforementioned product / service field is at least one of a product / service classification, a similar group code, and a designated product / service.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first specific information includes at least one of first trademark information indicating a trademark associated with the first prior application, first application number information indicating an application number associated with the first prior application, and first registration number information indicating a registration number associated with the first prior application.

5. It is capable of communicating with a second external database in which application information regarding trademark registration applications in the aforementioned second country is recorded, Second identification information for identifying the trademark associated with the aforementioned second prior application is obtained from the aforementioned second external database, The information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, which transmits the second specific information to the second terminal device.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second specific information includes at least one of second trademark information indicating a trademark associated with the second prior application, second application number information indicating an application number associated with the second prior application, and second registration number information indicating a registration number associated with the second prior application.

7. It is capable of communicating with a first external database in which application information regarding trademark registration applications in the aforementioned first country is recorded, An information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, which identifies a trademark associated with the first prior application based on the first specific information and the first external database.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first prior application is a prior application that the first investigator determined to be an impediment to the trademark under investigation.

9. An information processing method used when different researchers conduct trademark searches in each country for the same trademark subject to search, A step of obtaining first search results information, including first identification information for identifying the first prior application in the first country, which is selected by the first searcher who conducted the trademark search for the trademark under investigation in the first country, from the first searcher's first terminal device, A step of determining whether a second prior application in a second country exists that is associated with the same trademark as the trademark associated with the first prior application identified by the first identification information, If the second prior application exists in the second country, the step of generating existence information indicating that the second prior application exists in the second country, An information processing method performed by an information processing device, comprising the step of transmitting the existence information to a second terminal device of a second researcher conducting a trademark search for the trademark under investigation in the second country.

10. A computer program including at least one instruction executed by the processor of an information processing device used when different researchers in each country conduct trademark searches for the same trademark under investigation in multiple countries, When at least one of the instructions is executed by the processor, the information processing device shall: The first search results information, including first identification information for identifying the first prior application in the first country, which is selected by the first searcher who conducted the trademark search on the trademark subject to the search in the first country, is obtained from the first searcher's first terminal device. To determine whether a second prior application in a second country exists that is associated with the same trademark as the first prior application identified by the first specific information, If the second prior application exists in the second country, generate existence information indicating that the second prior application exists in the second country. A computer program that causes the existence information to be transmitted to a second terminal device of a second researcher conducting a trademark search on the trademark under investigation in the second country.

11. A non-temporary computer-readable medium storing the computer program described in claim 10.

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