Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu’s team handles both contentious and non-contentious matters. Its expertise spans IP litigation, due diligence, licensing, and research and development-related agreements. The group is also active in advanced tech and TMT-related issues, including cases involving AI, big data, standard essential patents, and 5G. The practice is headed up by 'leader in the field' Shunji Matsuda who has worked closely with Japanese government bodies and public sector agencies on the breadth of IP matters. Another key figure is Keiji Tonomura who advises domestic and international clients on IP and IT transactions, particularly in relation to data security and privacy. Tonomura’s work often focuses on the TMT sector and emerging tech-driven industries, such as the sharing economy, fintech, IoT and AI.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent cross-border capabilities; excellent dealing with IP disputes (especially patent-related) that touch Japan, Europe, and the US. Strong grasp of international law and strong client relationships.’
‘Yoshimi Ohara is a real stand-out. Holds her own in any jurisdiction. Hiroyuki Ebisawa and Shunji Matsuda are also excellent with respect to patent litigation and semiconductor tech know-how.’
‘I consider the intellectual property practice at Nagashima Ohno, especially the team led by Shunji Matsuda, to be a distinguished and mainstream leader in the field — unpretentious in style, yet outstanding in both practical and academic rigour.’
‘Their approach is never flashy or superficial, but grounded in a deep, essential understanding and a theory-based practice. Even in the face of changing times, they do not resort to quick fixes, but instead respond with steady, principled engagement. I believe this steadfast and mainstream approach makes their work uniquely valuable and truly one of a kind.’
Key clients
- Nintendo Co., Ltd.
- Nichia Corporation
- Isuzu Motors Limited
- Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd.
- RISO KAGAKU CORPORATION
- X Corp.
- KADOKAWA CORPORATION
- Copado, Inc.
- MonotaRo Co., Ltd.
- CADDI Inc.
Work highlights
Acted on behalf of Nintendo successfully in an IP litigation matter in Japan where Nintendo filed a lawsuit against Maricar Inc. concerning the protection of famous characters.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Shunji Matsuda
Other key lawyers
Keiji Tonomura; Yoshimi Ohara; Hiroyuki Ebisawa