Turning the power of IP into your business strength | Kobe Coast IP

(As of April 28, 2025)

Kobe Coast IP ("we," "our," or "the Office") is committed to the appropriate handling of personal information and complies with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information of Japan (the "APPI") and all other applicable laws and regulations. Unless otherwise defined herein, the definitions of terms used in this policy shall be in accordance with those in the APPI.

1. Acquisition of Personal Information

   We will acquire personal information by lawful and fair means, and only to the extent necessary to achieve the specified purposes of use.

2. Purposes of Use of Personal Information

   We will use personal information only to the extent necessary for the following purposes:

   1. To handle and communicate regarding cases we are retained for
   2. To provide information about our firm, events such as seminars, newsletters, greeting cards, and other services
   3. To respond to inquiries
   4. For communication, screening, HR management, and training related to recruitment
   5. For other appropriate and smooth operations of our firm

3. Use Outside the Stated Purposes

   We will not use personal information for purposes other than those stated above without the individual's consent, unless permitted by law. If we change the purposes of use, the changes will be within a scope reasonably relevant to the original purposes and will be notified to the individual or made public unless exempted by law.

4. Proper Use of Personal Information

   We will not use personal information in ways that promote or induce illegal or improper conduct.

5. Accuracy and Retention of Personal Data

   We will strive to keep personal data accurate and up to date within the necessary scope of use, and to delete it promptly when it is no longer needed.

6. Provision of Personal Data to Third Parties

   We will not provide personal data to third parties without the individual's consent, except as permitted by law. If we do provide data to third parties in the future, we will inform the individual of the details and obtain their consent.

7. Supervision of Employees

   We will supervise our employees as necessary and appropriate to ensure the safe handling of personal data.

8. Supervision of Contractors

   When outsourcing the handling of personal data, we will supervise the contractors as necessary and appropriate to ensure the security of the data.

9. Notification of Data Breaches

   In the event of a data breach or other incident as defined by law, we will report to the Personal Information Protection Commission and notify the affected individuals, unless the responsibility for notification lies with a party that entrusted us with the data.

   If individual notification is difficult, we will take alternative measures as needed to protect the individual's rights and interests.

10. Requests for Disclosure, Correction, Suspension of Use, etc.

    Requests regarding the retained personal data we hold ("Disclosure Requests"), including notification of purpose of use, disclosure, correction, addition, deletion, suspension of use, erasure, or suspension of provision to third parties, can be made via our online inquiry form.

11. Security Measures for Personal Data

    We will take necessary and appropriate measures to ensure the security of personal data, including:

    1. Restricting access to authorized personnel only and securing documents and devices with locks and passwords
    2. Taking precautions during transport of documents or media containing personal data, such as password protection and sealed envelopes

12. Contact

    For complaints, opinions, or inquiries regarding our handling of personal information, please contact us via our online inquiry form.

13. Client Identity Verification

    Pursuant to the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds, we may verify identity when accepting new cases. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

14. Use of Cookies

    We may use cookies or similar technologies to understand how our services are used and to improve user experience. Users can disable cookies via browser settings, but doing so may limit access to some functions of our services.

15. Use of Analytics

    This website uses Google Analytics to collect and analyze usage data to improve service and usability. Google may collect user IP addresses and other information via cookies, but the information collected does not identify individuals. Data collected is managed under Google’s privacy policy.

    By using our website, you consent to the data processing described above.

    Google Privacy Policy:
    https://policies.google.com/privacy
    https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites