Smart-IP Updates 'appia-engine' to Strengthen Compliance with Patent Attorney Act
Smart-IP has updated its patent workflow support system 'appia-engine' to enhance compliance with the Patent Attorney Act, introducing terms of service revisions, risk warnings, and an attorney verification feature.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 21:00
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Smart-IP, a company dedicated to updating IP industry work styles through digital transformation (DX), has announced an update to its patent workflow support system, 'appia-engine,' to strengthen compliance with the Patent Attorney Act.
This update implements new features to promote appropriate system usage and raise awareness regarding the risks of unlicensed practice, in addition to revising the Terms of Service.
Background
In recent years, the advancement of generative AI has led to its widespread use in drafting patent specifications. However, the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA) has released opinions stating that drafting specifications using AI by unauthorized individuals could constitute the unauthorized practice of law, highlighting the importance of legal compliance in AI utilization.
At the same time, past regulatory sandboxes have clarified that providing systems that assist AI-based drafting under the supervision of a licensed patent attorney is permissible.
In light of this, Smart-IP has revised its service design to balance convenience with regulatory compliance, implementing new features that include warnings regarding the risks of unlicensed practice.
Key Updates
1. Revision of Terms of Service
Grounds for contract termination have been updated to include 'use of this service in ways that violate Article 75 of the Patent Attorney Act (Restrictions on business for those other than patent attorneys or patent attorney corporations).'
2. Warning Feature on Downloads
When downloading patent specifications or intermediate documents (opinions, amendments) in Word format, a warning dialog is displayed:
'Please exercise caution when using generated documents to ensure they do not constitute unauthorized practice under Article 75 of the Patent Attorney Act.'
This message can be suppressed by entering a Patent Attorney Registration Number, checking the 'Patent Attorney Check' box on the confirmation page, or linking cases with a patent office.
3. Addition of 'Patent Attorney Check' Feature
A new 'Patent Attorney Check' item has been added to the confirmation page to explicitly indicate confirmation by a licensed patent attorney. This feature is restricted to users who have registered their Patent Attorney Registration Number, supporting professional involvement in the workflow.
Future Outlook
Smart-IP aims to go beyond simply improving convenience through AI, focusing on establishing a safe IP work environment built on legal compliance to contribute to the sustainable promotion of DX across the industry.
This update implements new features to promote appropriate system usage and raise awareness regarding the risks of unlicensed practice, in addition to revising the Terms of Service.
Background
In recent years, the advancement of generative AI has led to its widespread use in drafting patent specifications. However, the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA) has released opinions stating that drafting specifications using AI by unauthorized individuals could constitute the unauthorized practice of law, highlighting the importance of legal compliance in AI utilization.
At the same time, past regulatory sandboxes have clarified that providing systems that assist AI-based drafting under the supervision of a licensed patent attorney is permissible.
In light of this, Smart-IP has revised its service design to balance convenience with regulatory compliance, implementing new features that include warnings regarding the risks of unlicensed practice.
Key Updates
1. Revision of Terms of Service
Grounds for contract termination have been updated to include 'use of this service in ways that violate Article 75 of the Patent Attorney Act (Restrictions on business for those other than patent attorneys or patent attorney corporations).'
2. Warning Feature on Downloads
When downloading patent specifications or intermediate documents (opinions, amendments) in Word format, a warning dialog is displayed:
'Please exercise caution when using generated documents to ensure they do not constitute unauthorized practice under Article 75 of the Patent Attorney Act.'
This message can be suppressed by entering a Patent Attorney Registration Number, checking the 'Patent Attorney Check' box on the confirmation page, or linking cases with a patent office.
3. Addition of 'Patent Attorney Check' Feature
A new 'Patent Attorney Check' item has been added to the confirmation page to explicitly indicate confirmation by a licensed patent attorney. This feature is restricted to users who have registered their Patent Attorney Registration Number, supporting professional involvement in the workflow.
Future Outlook
Smart-IP aims to go beyond simply improving convenience through AI, focusing on establishing a safe IP work environment built on legal compliance to contribute to the sustainable promotion of DX across the industry.
FAQ
「appia-engine」のアップデート内容は？
利用規約の改定、ダウンロード時の非弁行為リスクに関する注意喚起ダイアログの実装、および弁理士による関与を明示する「弁理士チェック」機能の追加です。
なぜ弁理士法対応を強化したのですか？
生成AIの進展により特許明細書作成におけるAI活用が広がっていますが、日本弁理士会が非弁行為への注意喚起を行うなど、法令遵守の重要性が高まっているためです。
注意喚起ダイアログが表示されなくなる条件は？
弁理士登録番号の入力、または「弁理士チェック」へのチェック、特許事務所との案件連携が行われている場合に非表示となります。
「弁理士チェック」機能とは？
「確認ページ」に項目を追加し、弁理士による確認を明示する機能で、弁理士登録番号を登録済みのユーザーのみ利用可能です。
Smart-IP株式会社とはどのような企業ですか？
知財業界のDX推進をミッションに掲げ、特許明細書作成支援システムの提供や特許事務所向けのDXコンサルティングを行う企業です。