Intellectual Property: Domestic | Asia-Pacific

Abe, Ikubo & Katayama has a market-leading practice with a proven track record of defending multinationals in litigation related to IP infringement and invalidation actions. The firm takes on high-profile cases regarding patents and offers strong technical knowledge in such industries as biotechnology, telecommunications and electronics. It has noted expertise in the pharmaceutical and automotive sectors and is highly proficient in representing clients before the Japan Patent Office as well as the IP High Court and the Supreme Court. The team is also able to assist clients with patent portfolio management and protection strategy. The firm's client base includes Eisai, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

Anderson Mori & Tomotsune has a flourishing team with well-honed skills in an array of IP issues, especially in relation to patent infringement disputes and invalidation actions. The firm also advises on a range of transactional matters, licensing agreements and trade secrets disputes. The team's work includes mandates for both domestic and international companies, including on cross-border mandates. It assists clients from a wide range of industries, including the automotive, pharmaceutical and semiconductor sectors. The team includes qualified benrishi who assist clients with patent filing mandates.

Nakamura & Partners is an outstanding boutique firm covering the full array of IP issues, including patents, trade marks, copyrights and design rights. The team is recommended for its proficiency in contentious patent work, as well as its ability to tackle cross-border IP transactions. Its client base includes leading manufacturers and TMT companies. Alongside representations before the Japan Patent Office and Tokyo District Court, the group also handles appellate work at the IP High Court and Supreme Court. The practice benefits from a team of specialised qualified patent attorneys. Key clients include Sony, Fujifilm and Mazda.

TMI Associates houses an exceptionally strong bench of practitioners who cover the full spectrum of matters including copyright, design and trade mark infringement, brand protection and patent invalidations. The firm maintains a significant presence in the sports sector, in which it is instructed on marketing, sponsorship and licensing agreements. The team's additional strengths include acting for internet service companies and broadcasters, as well as electronics and software companies. It represents leading Japanese and international clients, such as Airwair International and R.C.CORE.

KUBOTA maintains an impressive client base which includes both pharmaceutical and technology companies. The firm has notable strengths in defending clients in IP litigation, including patent invalidation actions. The team is also skilled in managing trade mark portfolios and anti-counterfeiting matters for leading multinational brands. Key clients include Apple, Merck and Patagonia.

Mori Hamada & Matsumoto offers a comprehensive service and is distinguished for its abilities in contentious matters centring on copyright, patent and trade mark disputes. The firm routinely acts on infringement and invalidation claims and has a strong following of technology, media and pharmaceutical clients, among others. The team also advises on IP prosecution, anti-counterfeiting and licensing agreements. It is a popular choice for domestic and international clients seeking representation in the Japan Patent Office and IP High Court. Shiseido Company and Pan Pacific International Holdings are among the firm's key clients.

Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu offers expertise in both litigious and transactional IP, including patent invalidation and infringement actions. The firm is recommended for its track record in representing clients at the Tokyo District Court and before the Japan Patent Office, and is often called upon to assist with appeals in the IP High Court. The team also assists clients with the negotiation of licensing, research and development agreements and transactional matters in relation to their intellectual property rights. It regularly undertakes mandates for clients in the chemical, technology, pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors. Its key clients include Isuzu Motors, Pfizer Japan and Nichia.

Nishimura & Asahi is a respected firm offering expertise in contentious and advisory IP mandates. The firm is noted for its adept handling of the full spectrum of trade mark mandates, from strategic planning, prosecution and enforcement to litigation. The team also handles IP licensing and is well placed to represent clients in patent disputes at the Japan Patent Office and the Tokyo District Court. The firm represents a wide range of Japanese and international corporates, with notable clients including Nippon Steel and Dentsu.

Aoyama & Partners is a boutique patent prosecution firm with a robust practice. The firm is also engaged in IP infringement cases, including for patents, trade marks and designs, as well as licensing agreements. Its expertise includes chemistry, life sciences, engineering and technology. Bristol Myers Squibb, Panasonic and Eli Lily are some of the key clients of the firm.

Oh-Ebashi LPC & Partners is experienced in advising both domestic and international clients across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries as well as those in the electrical machinery and IT sectors. The firm handles matters across the range of IP issues, including licensing agreements, as well as IP dispute resolution. The team is able to assist Japanese clients with IP litigation cases in the US courts. The firm's offices are in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Shanghai.

SUGIMURA & Partners is an IP boutique which is well known for its IP prosecution practice. Its team's expertise spans patents, designs and trade marks. The firm also assists clients with IP litigation and licensing, as well as data privacy and trade secrets matters.