The ‘extremely efficient’ team at Hogan Lovells Horitsu Jimusho Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo stands out for its large headcount of multi-jurisdictional dedicated IP lawyers, who are known for their strong background in areas such as medical sciences, molecular and cellular biochemistry and engineering. The group is equipped to handle both contentious and non-contentious work and is jointly led by UK chartered biologist and US patent attorney Frederick Ch’en, who is a key contact for patent litigation and cross-border licensing matters, and regional managing partner Lloyd Parker, whose expertise spans trademark portfolio management and enforcement proceedings. Tomoe Takahashi, who is qualified in England, Ireland and New Zealand, is recommended for trademark prosecutions and portfolio management. Hiroto Imai is especially sought after to act on patent disputes and commercial transactions across a range of sectors, most notably pharmaceuticals, tech and telecom. Other key names are counsels Nicolas Hirt and Aki Koshizuka, and senior associate Mikako Tsukada, who is a Japanese qualified IP litigator.

The IP team at Morrison Foerster is prominent in a wide range of fields, most notably semiconductor, software, fintech, pharmaceuticals, and telecom, where it covers the full spectrum of IP work. Led by Louise Stoupe, Yuka Teraguchi, and Masato Hayakawa, the team is often instructed on high-profile patent infringement litigation and negotiations by leading Japanese and international companies. Stoupe’s practice focuses on representing large tech companies in complex commercial disputes while semiconductor, manufacturing, medical devices and software companies often turn to Teraguchi for assistance with IP litigation in both US and Japanese courts. Hayakawa is recommended for licensing deals, outsourcing programmes and IP matters relating to M&A. Other key names includes Max Olson, who is noted for his expertise in multi-jurisdictional patent litigation, Chie Yakura and Akira Irie.

With strong IP capabilities covering prosecution, non-contentious and contentious work, Jones Day has a proven track record in representing global companies in high-profile cross-border patent infringement litigation, especially disputes before US courts. With a strong team of Japanese qualified practitioners, the team also boasts a longstanding domestic trademark practice under the leadership of Michiru Takahashi, who focuses on trademark, unfair competition, and copyright issues. Takahashi works alongside Shogo Asaji, who is recommended for patent disputes across the US and Japan. Maxwell Fox left the firm in November 2021.

The IP team at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is noted for its track record in representing domestic and international clients before both Japanese and US courts, where it frequently handles SEP licensing disputes and cross-border patent infringement litigation. Notable for his wealth of experience in handling IP litigation, arbitration and cybersecurity matters in a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, computer software and manufacturing, Shinsuke Yakura oversees the practice. Yakura is supported by senior associates Masao Fujino, whose expertise spans patent infringement disputes and trade secret misappropriation, and Anri Nakamoto, who is recommended for contentious and non-contentious IP matters.

Acting for clients from a wide range of industries, including tech, video gaming, pharmaceuticals, telecom and sports, DLA Piper Tokyo Partnership Gaikokuho Kyodojigyo Horitsu Jimusho is noted for its expertise in IP transactions such as patent and trademark applications. The group is jointly led by managing partner Lance Millar, whose practice focuses on venture capital, cross-border M&A and financings, and of counsel Tomoni Fujikouge, who is recommended for IP licensing matters, commercial contracts and outsourcing agreements. Another key name is associate Naoto Kosuge, who excels in data protection compliance and antitrust matters.

Co-led by Louis Beardell and Dion Bregman, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP‘s IP team is especially focused on representing Japanese clients in IP disputes before US federal district courts, the US Patent and Trademark Office and international arbitration centres. Key contacts for IP licensing, due diligence and international litigation are Motonori Araki, Mitsuyoshi Saito and Jitsuro Morishita; the latter was promoted to partner in October 2021. Other areas of strength for the practice are licensing and IP issues related to corporate matters.