Abe, Ikubo & Katayama

Silver - Firms: prosecution

Gold - Firms: litigation

Highly-recommended - Firms: transactions

Achieving great results on both the contentious and non-contentious front, Abe, Ikubo & Katayama is a compelling choice for those seeking holistic, technically savvy patent care. With a team of almost 70 patent experts, the firm is a prolific filer and frequently represents some of the best-known names across diverse industries in courtroom battles. With more than three decades of experience, managing partner Eiji Katayama is the top choice for both multinational and local clients seeking contentious – often cross-border – assistance. He often leverages his rich knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry to achieve the best possible results. “Eiji Katayama performs at a high level in patent infringement litigation work: conducting comparisons between the technical scope of the patented invention and the allegedly infringing products; analysing patent infringement/validity of a patent, and the adverse party's arguments; as well as providing neutral analysis from the judge’s perspective. He is also soft spoken, always calm and has a very attractive personality, so we have complete confidence in him”, praises a source. Spearheading the IP prosecution division, Hiroshi Kobayashi achieves stellar results in patent prosecution, registration and invalidation, especially in the field of chemistry and pharmaceuticals. Prior to joining the group, he spent almost 15 years as the chief patent counsel at Dow Japan and Pfizer Japan. Commercially minded litigator Junichi Kitahara excels at domestic and international disputes, successfully protecting and enforcing his patrons’ IP rights across various industries, such as software, electronics and pharmaceuticals. One of the highlights of his career was representing a major technology company in the so-called ‘smartphone wars’, dismissing its competitors’ claims for injunction. Admitted in Japan and New York, acclaimed litigator Makoto Hattori has won several courtroom victories on behalf of major domestic and international clientele, in one case obtaining some of the highest damages in the history of Japan’s patent infringement matters. He is also a source of valuable advice on employee inventions and customs enforcement. Former patent and appeal examiner at the JPO, and technical adviser at the Tokyo District Court’s IP Division, Shimako Kato now leverages her extensive knowledge to obtain courtroom victories for her following. She is also the source of practical solutions regarding patent invalidation. New York- and Japan-qualified Mami Hino is a registered pharmacist who leverages her technical acumen to protect patents of pharmaceutical innovators. She is also sought after by major technology companies for representation in transactions and contentious matters.

Admitted in the same jurisdictions, business-savvy and cosmopolitan Tomohiro Yoneyama has a knack for handling disputes and negotiations, often on behalf of world-leading corporations. Commercially minded Hirokazu Honda excels in patent litigations in technically complex fields, on behalf of both domestic and overseas patrons. He also works hand in hand with corporations on licensing and transactional matters – a topic he frequently lectures on at international conferences. With more than two decades of experience, strategically minded former Japan Patent Office (JPO) expert Naho Ebata excels in both IP protection and enforcement: from litigating matters on behalf of world-leading multinationals, to providing advice on licensing agreements. She has served on several governmental IP committees and was involved in the amendment of the country’s Trademark Act. Previously seconded to a major record company, business-savvy Emiko Maki has a firm grasp on the content sector, corporate affairs and restructuring. She assists patrons with both contentious and non-contentious matters, including drafting agreements for joint research and development (R&D) and licences, as well as advising companies on handling employees’ IP inventions. As a fluent English speaker, she is one of the first ports of call for cross-border and international patent matters.