Activities

1. Japanese Patent Applications

With a team capable of handling all technical fields, we are well-versed in the latest legal practices and leverage our extensive practical know-how accumulated over the years to create effective specifications and handle intermediate processes to obtain strong rights enforceable in Japan. In principle, we conduct face-to-face or web-based meetings with inventors to understand the invention and accurately grasp the client's application intent for patent filing. We particularly strive to create claims that are easy to prove infringement. Additionally, we prepare specifications aligned with the client's guidelines and ensure that the desired content is patented.

2. Foreign Patent Applications

In addition to domestic applications, we handle numerous foreign applications from Japan to the U.S., Europe, China, Korea, Taiwan, and other Asian countries. Our firm creates foreign application specifications in foreign languages (English, Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean) entirely in-house, utilizing patent attorneys and technical staff with technical backgrounds and extensive knowledge and experience in foreign patent law and application/intermediate process practices. Specifically, we prepare specifications and intermediate process documents for submission directly to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the China National Intellectual Property Administration.

3. Japanese Patent Applications for Foreign Clients

Equipped with a team that can handle all technical fields and who are fluent in English, we accurately translate English and Chinese specifications to create effective Japanese specifications for obtaining strong rights in Japan. Our firm does not outsource to external translation agencies, but creates precise Japanese specifications based on English specifications entirely in-house, utilizing patent attorneys and technical staff with technical backgrounds and extensive knowledge and experience in Japanese patent systems and practices. We also maintain close communication with foreign clients through all means of communication, including teleconferences, to ensure appropriate applications and intermediate processing.

4. Designs and Trademarks

We have specialized patent attorneys for designs and trademarks and handle applications in Japan and abroad. For designs, we have a dedicated design drawing team that creates drawings for both Japanese and foreign applications in-house. For trademarks, we also handle various consultations. Our trademark team includes members with experience in corporate intellectual property departments, providing proposals from a corporate perspective. We offer consultations on the rights acquisition and enforcement of designs, product designs, package designs, and more, in collaboration with the design department. We can also provide proposals tailored to specific needs from broad consultations such as "I want to go with this, it would be great if we could."

5. Appeals, Litigation, and Expert Opinions

Based on our extensive experience, we handle appeals at the Patent Office, appeal revocation lawsuits at the Intellectual Property High Court, infringement lawsuits at district courts and the Intellectual Property High Court, and expert opinions for patents, utility models, designs, and trademarks.

6. Branch Offices

In 2007, we established a U.S. branch office (IPUSA, PLLC), currently located in Alexandria, Virginia. In 2024, we fully supported the establishment of Beijing IPCHA, a patent office in China.

7. Dissemination of Foreign and Japanese IP Information

We provide our Japanese clients with the latest information on intellectual property systems and court decisions, especially from the U.S., China, Korea, Taiwan, Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia. We prioritize timeliness and offer practical advice. Additionally, we provide foreign clients with the latest information on the Japanese intellectual property system and court decisions.

8. Management

To improve efficiency, we have introduced a patent management system to ensure accurate deadline management. We connect our in-house LAN with foreign branch offices via WAN, manage data with a dedicated server, and we introduced RPA (Robotic Process Automation) in 2018 to further enhance accuracy and efficiency. Triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we are committed to fully digitizing our internal files. Furthermore, our administrative staff employs a double or triple-check system for various matters to ensure thorough work management.

9. Staff Education

We nurture the talents of new staff members who have no prior patent practice experience through one-on-one training and on-the-job training, provided they are motivated and technically skilled. We also regularly hold lectures and meetings on the latest domestic and international legal systems and practices to ensure that everyone is equipped to handle the latest domestic and international laws, examination standards, and practices.

10. Work-Life Balance

We prioritize the work-life balance of our staff by introducing telecommuting (remote work) and changeable working hours. In addition to changes in work styles due to changes in family environments, staff can work from home up to three times a week, provided there are no security issues, to reduce commuting time and other factors. We will continue to explore ways to create a work environment that allows long-term employment and a comfortable working environment by making work styles more flexible.

11. Office Logo