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When a company develops an innovative new product or technology, it is not uncommon for the company...
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In recent years, patent applications and registrations related to new business models that utilize digital technology have been occurring one after another in Japan. In particular, within the last five years (approximately from 2019 to 2023), business model patents have been established in various industries such as fintech, retail, matching platforms, subscriptions, and DX (digital transformation), and there is a strong movement among companies to protect their business innovations as intellectual property. In this survey, we selected 10 representative business model patent cases in Japan and organized them by applicant, publication/registration number, title, outline, and technical characteristics/effects of the invention. Furthermore, we will highlight some particularly noteworthy patent cases and explain them in detail.
List of business model patent cases (last 5 years)
The table below summarizes 10 patent cases related to business models that were filed and registered in Japan within the last five years. Along with the applicant (company name), publication number or patent registration number, and name of the invention, an overview including the business model characteristics of each invention, as well as its technical characteristics and specific effects are described. We refer to patent publications (J-PlatPat) and related news as information sources for each case.
| Applicant (company) | Publication/Patent number | Name of invention | Overview (characteristics of business model) | Technical features/effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Corporation | Patent 7230268 | Terminal device, information processing device, information processing method and program | Invention of a package shipping service that allows you to request collection by simply placing your package in a delivery box. The unique feature is that the shipping procedure is completed by the user simply placing the package in the delivery box. | This has the effect of improving the convenience of shipping procedures by eliminating the burden on users of carrying their packages to a convenience store or waiting for collection at home. Since you can send packages without having to go out, you can greatly reduce the hassle of EC returns and flea market deliveries. |
| Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd. + Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. | Patent 7217831 | Product provision device, product provision method, and product provision program | Invention of a mechanism that, when ordering a product at a virtual store in a three-dimensional virtual space where an avatar is active, identifies the store where the product is ordered from the real physical store. This is a new sales model that links virtual stores on the Metaverse with real stores. | Bringing together a virtual shopping experience with a real-world sales network, users can shop from home through their avatars and receive product offers from physical store inventory. By merging online and offline, we are creating new customer experiences and making effective use of our store network. |
| Unicharm Co., Ltd. | Patent 7221314 | Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program | Invention of information processing technology that calculates scores to allow users to select appropriate products. For example, there is a service that uses AI to measure body image data taken with a smartphone to diagnose and suggest the optimal size for adult disposable diapers. | It features AI technology that can automatically measure body dimension data from smartphone images and suggest the optimal diaper size to the user. This is expected to prevent leakage and skin problems caused by incorrectly sized disposable diapers, and reduce the burden on both caregivers and users. |
| Sommon Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Co., Ltd. | Patent 7223538 | Accident response equipment, accident response system, accident response method, and accident response program | Invention of a system that uses chatbots to receive and respond to traffic accidents and facilitate accident processing such as insurance claims. This is a chat-enabled accident handling model based on demonstration experiments of LINE's accident reporting and response service. | By using text chat to inquire about the accident situation and proceed with procedures, accident response can be done more quickly and with less burden on users than traditional responses over the phone or face-to-face. Chat history remains as a record, making it easier to share information, which is effective in streamlining the process and shortening the time required to pay insurance claims. |
| Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation + Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co., Ltd. + Japan Research Institute, Ltd. | Patent 7359919 | Information processing device, information processing method, and program | Invention of a system that gives common points when users cross-use multiple services within a corporate group. We envisage a service where you can accumulate V Points, a group-wide point system, based on the use of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Sumitomo Mitsui Card. | By integrating and sharing points between services from different industries, such as banks and credit card companies, you can increase customer loyalty across the group and promote cross-selling. For users, the advantage is that previously dispersed points are centrally managed and can be used efficiently. |
| Petit Job Co., Ltd. | Patent 7162381 | Matching system, matching method and program | Invention related to "Petit Job", a one-day short-term part-time job matching service. It is characterized by an algorithm that finely categorizes job seekers' attribute information and matches them appropriately with employers based on the classification. | In order to improve matching accuracy, we have devised attribute data classification to reduce mismatches and recruitment efforts in short-term/spot job openings. Matching the right person to the right job has the effect of efficiently matching the needs of employers and the desires of job seekers. Additionally, in recent years, a number of patents have been obtained for job matching sites, which have attracted attention. |
| Kura Sushi Co., Ltd. | Patent 7369006 | Food and drink consumption control device | Invention of a system for managing the number of finished plates at conveyor belt sushi chain restaurants using plate collection ports installed at each table and camera images on the table. When it detects that there are plates left on the table, it automatically notifies the customer, prevents forgetting to add plates, and accurately counts the number of plates. | By combining physical counting at the plate collection gate and recognition using camera images, we improve counting accuracy and ensure the fairness of the in-store game "BIKRA PON!®" lottery. Additionally, an alert when dishes are left unattended prevents you from forgetting to clean them up, contributing to table cleanliness and smooth store operations. |
| Fukuoka Financial Group Co., Ltd. (FFG) | Patent 7153818 | Program, information processing device and information processing method | An invention aimed at seamlessly supporting bank users' short-term income and expenditure management, long-term asset formation, and future consumption behavior. This patent appears to be related to the virtual account "box" function within savings deposits provided by Minna no Bank, a subsidiary of FFG. | We have created an intuitive UI that allows you to set up multiple virtual deposit boxes (boxes) on your smartphone banking app and transfer funds using drag and drop. By integrating daily deposit and withdrawal management with savings goals, it promotes users' asset building and is highly praised for its ``unlike a bank'' convenience. |
| Super Hotel Co., Ltd. | Utility model registration 3239609 | Carbon offset activity support accommodation system | This is a utility model registration for a mechanism that realizes an accommodation plan that allows guests to participate in carbon offset activities during their stay. We make eco-friendly accommodation possible by calculating the amount of CO₂ emissions generated during your stay and supporting and displaying the corresponding contribution (offset) to environmental conservation activities. | This is a service model that links hotel accommodation and environmental protection activities, leading to increased environmental awareness among customers and the promotion of CSR by companies. By managing CO₂ emissions data for each stay and visualizing the offset status, users can understand the impact their travels have on the environment. This is an intellectual property example of an environmentally friendly service that is rare in the industry. |
| Kikkoman Corporation | Patent 7152434 | Server device, compatibility determination method, and compatibility determination program | An invention that makes it easy to find combinations of food and seasonings that go well together, even without specialized knowledge. Based on the correlation between the characteristics such as flavor and texture obtained from the food and the aroma and taste characteristics of the seasoning, it determines the combination of food and seasoning that goes well together. | The technical feature is that it collates a feature database of dishes and seasonings and suggests combinations to the user using an appropriate matching algorithm. This will make it easier to suggest recipes for home cooking and select seasonings, which is expected to improve the cooking experience for users and lead to sales promotions for seasoning manufacturers. |
Table: Examples of major business model-related patents filed and registered in Japan within the last 5 years (2019-2023)
As mentioned above, various entities from large companies to startups have obtained business model patents, and the contents range from streamlining logistics services to metaverse support, customer proposals using AI, point linkage, matching platforms, restaurant DX, digital banks, environmentally friendly services, and food proposal systems. Below, we will provide detailed explanations of the background, technical points, and business significance of some of the most notable cases.
Detailed explanation of notable business model patent cases
1. 7-Eleven Metaverse linked store system (patent 7217831)
Patent No. 7217831 (title of invention: ``Product provision device, product provision method, and product provision program'') is a patent by Seven-Eleven Japan, Japan's largest convenience store company, and its parent company Seven & i HD, relating to a product provision system that links virtual stores and real stores on the Metaverse. Users (customers) operate their avatars to visit a three-dimensional virtual convenience store from the comfort of their own homes, select products, and place orders. Based on that order information, the system identifies a store that has the relevant product in stock from among the physical stores that exist in the real world, and uses that store as the ordering base. In other words, it is a hybrid sales model of "virtual store x real store" and aims to provide a user experience that is slightly different from traditional online shopping and in-store pick-up services.
The technical feature of this invention is that it seamlessly links purchasing behavior in an online virtual space (metaverse) with real-world store networks and logistics networks. Users can freely browse stores and select products within the Metaverse, while behind the scenes products are arranged from physical stores such as the nearest 7-Eleven store. This makes it possible to balance entertainment in a virtual space with rapid delivery of goodsin reality. For example, after placing an order, a user could pick up the item at a 7-Eleven store near their home or have it delivered to their home. This has strategic significance for Seven & i HD as it allows us to exploit the asset of our brick-and-mortar store network while developing new channels in the digital age. Recently, the entry of companies into the "Metaverse market" has become a hot topic, and this patent is attracting attention as a specific example of the use of the Metaverse in the retail industry.
2. Fukuoka FG/Minna no Bank's "Box" function related patent (patent 7153818)
Patent No. 7153818 (invention title: "Program, information processing device, and information processing method") is a business model patent obtained by Minna no Bank, a digital bank affiliated with Fukuoka Financial Group (FFG). Minna no Bank is Japan's first smartphone-only bank, which launched its service in 2021, and is known for its novel feature that allows you to use an everyday account called a ``wallet'' and a virtual savings account called a ``box'' within the app. This patent relates to a new asset management method that includes the Box function, and aims to consistently support users from short-term income and expenditure management to long-term asset formation and even future consumption behavior. Simply put, it is a business model that allows you to seamlessly manage your "everyday money" and "future money" on one banking app.
Technically, the features include a user interface that allows you to create multiple virtual savings accounts (boxes) on a smartphone app and freely distribute funds using drag-and-drop operations. For example, when you receive your paycheck, you can immediately allocate it to rent, food, savings, etc., and you can manage the balance and target amount for each box. Due to its intuitive and flexible operability, which is not found in traditional banks, it has received high praise from users for its ease of use, which is unlike anything you would expect from a bank. This patent was actually established through a divisional application, and Patent No. 5936760 has already been granted for the first application. In other words, Minna no Bank has secured the core idea of the box function with intellectual property even before the service launch, and has also acquired rights for additional improvements. Business model patents in the banking industry are rare, and the patent attracted attention within the industry as an example of an existing bank's business model being revamped from scratch. With this patent, Minna no Bank is able to protect its first-mover advantage in the fintech field and the uniqueness of its services, and differentiate itself from its competitors.
3. Kura Sushi's "Bikkurapon!" consumption management system (patent 7369006)
Patent No. 7369006 (invention name: "Food and beverage consumption control device") is a patent obtained by Kura Sushi Co., Ltd., a major conveyor belt sushi chain, and is an invention that technologically advances the company's in-store entertainment system "Bikura Pon!®". Since 2000, Kura Sushi has introduced the ``Bikura Pon!'' service, where you can win prizes using gachapon for every 5 dishes, and it has gained popularity, especially among families with children. This patent relates to the plate counting system that supports Bikura Pon, and discloses a technology that accurately manages the number of plates by combining the number of plates placed in the plate collection pockets installed at each table and the presence or absence of uncollected plates detected by a camera on the table. For example, if a customer leaves a plate on the table even after finishing eating, the camera detects this and issues an alert to ``please put the plate in the collection slot,'' to prevent forgetting to put the plate in. This system allowsto automatically collect a predetermined number of plates and ensure that the lottery is held fairlywithout the need for staff to visit each table one by one.
The technical point is that By combining a physical sensor and an AI camera (image recognition) to double check the number of sheets, it prevents counting errors and fraud. The number of plates inserted is counted by a sensor in the collection pocket, and the image on the table also confirms that there are no plates left, so it is possible to avoid fraud, such as inserting two plates at the same time, or mistakes in counting due to sensor failure. As a result, we use technology to ensure the fairness of the lottery service, which guarantees that you will win once every time, without compromising the quality of the customer experience. In addition, as a side effect, the table will always be kept clean because no dishes will be left unattended, which will also lead to a smooth guide to the next customer. Kura Sushi has been actively introducing unique technologies such as "antibacterial sushi covers" and self-ordering tablets for some time, and this patent can be said to be part of such measures to improve customer satisfaction through the use of DX. In recent years, other companies in the conveyor belt sushi industry have introduced collection points and strengthened game elements, but this example shows that Kura Sushi is a pioneer and is leading the way in terms of technology.
4. Unicharm's AI diaper size diagnosis service (patent 7221314)
Patent No. 7221314 (invention title: "Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program") is a patent obtained by Unicharm Corporation, a major household goods manufacturer, and relates to a scoring system that utilizes AI to recommend appropriate products (disposable diapers, etc.) to users. Unicharm has the top share in the market for adult disposable diapers for nursing care, but in Japan, where the population is aging, there have been concerns such as ``diaper sizes that don't fit and leak,'' and ``diapers that are too small and cause stress on the skin.'' Therefore, in 2018, the company opened a chatbot consultation service called ``Adult Diaper NAVI,'' which responds to user inquiries 24 hours a day. Furthermore, in 2021, we launched an ``adult diaper size diagnosis and counseling'' service that proposes the optimal diaper size and product by combining a chatbot on LINE and AI body measurement technology using smartphone photography. This patent is exactly related to this service. When a user takes two front and side photos of themselves (or the person being cared for) with a smartphone and enters height, weight, gender, age, etc., AI (technology from American startup Bodygram) automatically measures the circumference of the thighs, waist, hips, etc. and calculates the appropriate disposable diaper size for the person. Based on the calculation results, the chatbot will recommend specific products (for example, ``Lifree Lightweight Pants M Size'').
The technical feature of this invention is that non-contact/non-face-to-face body size estimation technology using image analysis and AI is applied to the nursing care field to support the selection of the optimal product for each user. Traditionally, choosing the right diaper required trying on diapers and having specialized knowledge, but with this system, anyone can easily find out the optimal size using just a smartphone, and is expected to significantly reduce leakage and skin problems caused by incorrect sizes. In fact, according to a statement from Unicharm, this AI diagnostic service has been well received by caregivers, reducing the time they spend worrying about which size to buy at the store and creating a smooth purchasing experience. Unicharm has established an in-house intellectual property team, the DX Group, specializing in digital technology, and is actively filing patent applications for related technologies, including this patent. This case can be said to be a good example of a traditional manufacturer attempting to transform its business model by providing added value through digital services and protecting it with patents.
References/Information Sources: Japan Patent Office J-PlatPat public patent publication, press releases/official announcements from each company, Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun/Nikkei Crosstech articles, Hatakama Laboratory's "Monthly Business Method Patent Registration Status" blog, etc. Detailed publication information for each patent can be viewed by specifying the patent number on J-PlatPat. Additionally, each company's service introduction pages and news releases are also useful for understanding the background of their business models. From the above research, we found that recent trends in business model patents are marked by service innovations based on new combinations of digital technology and existing businesses, and that there is a growing movement to strategically protect these business models through the patent system.
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