Assessment of Damages in Patent Infringement Cases in Japan

I. Introduction | II. Previous Provisions Relating to the Calculation of Damages | 1. Section 709 of the Civil Code | 2. Section 102(2) of the Patent Act | 3. Section 102(3) of the Patent Act | III. Litigation Practices under the Old Provisions | IV. Contents and Legislative Intent of Section 102(1) | 1. Section 102(1) of the Patent Law | 2. Legislative Intent of Section 102(1) | 3. Theoretical Basis of Section 102(1) | 4. Advantages for the Patentee under Section 102(1) | V. Issues Associated with Section 102(1) | 1. General Background | 2. With Regard to the “Patentee’s Working Capability” | 3. With Respect to “Circumstances Disabling the Patentee’s Sale” | 4. Trend of Court Decisions | 5. Sub-conclusion | VI. Other Issues Concerning the Calculation of Damages | 1. Profit per Unit | 2. Degree of Contribution | 3. Provisions Allowing Reasonable Damages | VII. Conclusion