Japanese Legal Blog - Ohara Law Office

November 6, 2018

What documents are needed for Japanese and foreign couples marrying outside Japan?

A Japanese person marrying a foreign national in a foreign country obviously must first obey the laws of that foreign country. While laws and regulations regarding marriage are generally similar in most developed countries, it is important to check with local authorities to ensure that all of the correct procedures are being followed. One of the requirements for marriage in a foreign country is likely to be the submission of a “certificate of eligibility to contract marriage.” This certificate is often required because the foreign country must confirm that the Japanese citizen is not currently married in Japan and that […]

August 2, 2018

Are there any limits on what can be contracted to in Japan?

Parties in Japan are free to contract regarding almost anything but contracts that are against public policy are considered void. This makes sense and most people would agree that the concerns of public health and safety outweigh the parties’ right to enforce a contract for the sale of illegal drugs. However, there is no specific line to determine which contracts will be considered as “against public policy,” and contracts that might infringe on public policy are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes these public policy goals may not be as obvious as the above example where the contract in […]

March 9, 2018

Can a minor marry without the consent of his or her parents?

In Japan, the minimum age for marriage is 18 for men and 16 for women. However, minors, those under 20 years of age, need parental consent to marry. The consent of only one parent is sufficient in cases where the other parent is unknown, has died or is unable to indicate intent.

January 17, 2018

Is it necessary to file a request for an examination in addition to a patent application in Japan?

In Japan, the a patent application merely starts the process of obtaining a patent and one of the most important steps following the application is filing a request for examination of the patent. The Japan Patent Office will not examine a patent without being requested to do so and if the applicant does not submit a request within 3 years of filing his or her application the application will be considered withdrawn and no patent will be granted.

News & Blog

What documents are needed for Japanese and foreign couples marrying outside Japan?

Are there any limits on what can be contracted to in Japan?

Can a minor marry without the consent of his or her parents?

Is it necessary to file a request for an examination in addition to a patent application in Japan?