Ohara & Furukawa, Author at Ohara & Furukawa

September 29, 2016

How can I change my visa in Japan?

Japanese visas limit the time a foreigner is able to stay in Japan as well as the activities he or she may engage in. However, a foreign resident in Japan may apply to the Minister of Justice to change the status of their residence. This change may include changing the designated period of stay or the designated approved activities. It is within the Minister of Justice’s discretion to grant or deny this application based on the strength of the applicants submission.

September 20, 2016

What is a Memorandum of Understanding?

A Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU as it is commonly called, is a document signed between two or more parties that is intended to memorialize their shared agreement to pursue a certain goal. MOU vary in formality and can be very similar to formal contracts or simply a casual written summary of an oral agreement.

September 16, 2016

Can a company in Japan fire someone for taking time off for medical reasons?

In general, an employee in Japan may not be fired if the dismissal lacks objectively reasonable grounds. Dismissals are also invalid if they occur within 30 days of an employee missing work for medical treatment, or for a woman employee leading up to or following childbirth. These rules prevent companies from arbitrarily firing employees or punishing them for taking necessary medical leave.

September 14, 2016

Is it possible to search for registered patents in Japan?

Access to patent information isn’t just important for inventors looking to protect their inventions but also for companies looking to license new technology. Therefore, the National Center for Industrial Property Information and Training runs an online search tool called the Patent Licensing Information Database that freely allows the public to search for information about registered patents. There is no fee to use the service and no registration is required.