The Japan Institute for Promoting Invention and Innovation (JIII) was originally established in 1904 under the name of the “Association for the Protection of Industrial Property” on May 5, 1904, both by Mr. Keigo Kiyoura, the then Minister of Agriculture and Commerce and by Mr. Kinya Kume, the then Director-General of the Patent Office, for the purpose of developing and safeguarding industrial property.
In 1906, the Association was reorganized as a Corporate Juridical Person in order to solidify its foundation and expand its activities for promoting inventiveness. In 1910, it was renamed the “Imperial Institute of Invention and Innovation.”
In 1936, the institute was reorganized by unifying invention-encouraging organizations that existed throughout Japan. At this time H.I.H.Prince Takamatsu was named Patron. Since then, the institute has promoted activities for inventiveness by utilizing its nation-wide system. In 1947, the institute changed its name to the ” Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation (Hatsumei Kyokai)”, and has been under the Patron of H.I.H.Prince Hitachi since 1968.

The objectives of the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation are to encourage invention, enhance original ideas, promote the practical use thereof, and diffuse and develop the industrial property system thereby advancing science and technology and contributing to the development of our country’s economy.

1. The encouragement of inventions and devices, the enhancement of original ideas, and the development of human resources skills
2. Guidance and assistance for the practical application of inventions, devices and original ideas, as well as the promotion and support of research development
3. The diffusion and development of the industrial property system, and the fostering of strong human resources skills
4. The investigation and study of the industrial property system, and reports on the dissemination of the results
5. Guidance and services for promoting the utilization of the industrial property system
6. The promotion of international exchange through the encouragement of inventions and devices, and the diffusion of the industrial property system
7. Lectures, short courses and exhibitions for the encouragement of inventions and devices and the diffusion of the industrial property system, as well as the publishing of books, and other materials
8. The dissemination and distribution of Official Gazettes regarding industrial property and other related information
9. The commendation of persons who have rendered distinguished services in the encouragement of inventions and devices, and the diffusion and development of the industrial property system