Global Japan Intellectual Property: Domestic

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 such as licensing agreements and the transfer of IP rights, alongside trade secrets and customs matters. 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 automotive, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. The team includes qualified benrishi who assist clients with patent filing mandates. Some of the firm's key clients include Kaken Pharmaceutical and Murata Machinery.

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.

KUBOTA maintains a superb 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. Its key clients include clothing manufacturers, consumer products and international food and drink corporations.

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 the Japan Football Association are some of 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 Nintendo, KOYO Automatic Machine and Yahoo Japan.

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 soft IP matters, such as 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, some notable clients including Takeda Pharmaceutical and Heartseed.

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.