1.
new idea; new design; novel proposal
A newly devised idea, plan, or design. Also used in patent law as part of 実用新案 (utility model), a category of intellectual property covering minor inventions.
新案を出す。
To propose a new idea.
彼の新案が採用された。
His new proposal was adopted.
この機械は実用新案として登録されている。
This machine is registered as a utility model.
Compound of 新 (new) + 案 (plan, idea). Used in two registers: an everyday sense of 'new idea/proposal' and a legal sense in patent law.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 新案を出す: to put forward a new idea
- 実用新案: utility model (patent category)
- 新案特許: utility model patent
LEGAL CONTEXT:
In Japanese patent law, 実用新案 (utility model) is a separate, lower-bar form of protection than 特許 (full patent) — typically for minor improvements to existing products.