KUBOTA's team handles patent litigation in Japan as part of its workload, with expertise therein spanning all areas of tech. The team also undertakes the variety of trade mark-related work, covering prosecution, portfolio management, enforcement, Customs actions, online brand protection and transactional matters. The team is led by Eiichiro Kubota whose practice centres on IP litigation, covering both patents and trade marks, alongside licensing and strategic IP advisory work. Also notable is Kiyoko Nakaoka who is recognised for her strong technical expertise and complex patent disputes work. Other key names to note are Emiko Yano and Tomoko Honami for their work on life sciences and trade marks, anti-counterfeiting, customs seizures and unfair competition.
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Key clients
- Merck
- Fast Retailing
- Apple
- Patagonia
- Broad Institute
- Kokuyo
- Sanofi
- Starbucks
- Eagle Pharmaceuticals
- Watanabe Productions
- Morinaga
- Matsui Securities
Work highlights
Acting for Matsui Securities, a leading Japanese securities trading company, in a patent infringement and invalidation case concerning patents relating to an automatic trading system for currencies.
Responsible for taking action against counterfeits of APPLE products in Japan and have also started doing Customs work for BEATS products.
Representing Eagle Pharmaceuticals in a patent infringement case that raises a number of complex legal issues, including the scope of the doctrine of equivalents.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners: Benrishi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Kiyoko Nakaoka
Emiko Yano
Next Generation Partners: Bengoshi
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Tomoko Honami
Practice head
Eiichiro Kubota
Other key lawyers
Emiko Yano; Kiyoko Nakaoka; Tomoko Honami