Intellectual Property: Domestic
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+81 3 6438 5511About
Provided by TMI Associates
TMI Associates has the largest IP professional team among Japanese law firms, with more than 200 IP professionals, and the Firm is recognised as one of the most reputable law firms both domestically and internationally. TMI is unique in Japan in having abundant professional resources and a wealth of expertise in IP transactions, disputes, and prosecutions. The Firm’s proficiency encompasses all aspects of IP, enabling TMI attorneys and patent attorneys to provide highly reliable, targeted, and comprehensive IP legal services to clients, throughout all stages and across all sectors. Additionally, TMI attorneys, with extensive experience in the media, entertainment, and sports businesses both in Japan and internationally, are well-versed in industry practices.
In IP-related lawsuits—including infringement litigation, trials for invalidation, appeals of trial decisions, import suspensions, and applications for temporary injunctive relief—attorneys and patent attorneys work collaboratively to conduct a thorough review of the matter at hand, such as the technical aspects of an invention or judgments on the similarity of trademarks and designs. Furthermore, TMI has built a strong reputation for its expertise in IP protection, both in terms of the volume and quality of its prosecution work. The Firm handles a wide range of patent, design, and trademark prosecutions for domestic and international clients across various industries.
Chambers Review
TMI Associates houses an exceptionally strongbench of practitionerswho cover thefull spectrum of matters includingcopyright, 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 onmarketing, sponsorshipand licensing agreements. The team's additional strengths include acting for internet service companies and broadcasters, as well as electronics and software companies.
Work Highlights
- TMI Associates represented Christian Louboutin in a lawsuit against a Japanese shoe manufacturer regarding the client's red outsole design.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Our case was handled appropriately through teamwork based on their abundant knowledge and experience in patents and litigation."
"They are extremely responsive. I never seem to wait more than an hour for any email, regardless of time zone."
"Their team's diverse talent and capabilities are impeccable."
"Our case was handled appropriately through teamwork based on their abundant knowledge and experience in patents and litigation."
"They are extremely responsive. I never seem to wait more than an hour for any email, regardless of time zone."
"Their team's diverse talent and capabilities are impeccable."
Notable Practitioners
Yoshiyuki Inaba is a highly regarded patent attorney who represents clients in big-ticket IP litigation cases, as well as patent prosecution matters. He advises many leading consumer goods, technology and semiconductor companies.
"Yoshi provides excellent client service. His legal skills are excellent and his team is top-notch."