Practical Law Global Guide 2018: IP in business transactions - Japan

Hitomi handles patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and other IP-related matters in multiple business sectors, including IT, life sciences and healthcare, machinery, food, fashion, environment and energy, entertainment, financial services, and e-commerce. Ms. Iwase’s expertise encompasses all forms of IP transactional work, both cross-border and domestic, including licensing, strategic alliances, joint development, and asset transfers, as well as various types of IP disputes, including patent/trademark infringement litigation. Hitomi also assists clients in anti-counterfeiting and in the development of IP portfolios and prosecution strategies. Hitomi regularly advises clients on emerging legal issues relating to the latest technology, such as IoT and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as on complex system-related transactions and disputes over such transactions. In the area of data privacy, Hitomi provides extensive advice on data protection and privacy compliance, including on establishing global compliance systems and incidents such as data breaches. Hitomi also advises on related areas such as e-commerce, advertising, and consumer protection.

Yoko’s practice focuses on representation of life sciences and technology companies that develop and market pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines, diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health products. She specializes in corporate transactions involving complex intellectual property and pharmaceutical regulatory issues, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances and asset transfers. In addition, she counsels clients on matters involving research and development collaborations, clinical trials, technology licensing, supply and distribution agreements, and co-promotion arrangements. She also advises clients in connection with privacy and personal data protection matters.

Takahiro provides comprehensive legal advice on intellectual property transactions, primarily assisting Japanese and international clients in the entertainment, media, telecommunications, and IT industries. With deep copyright law expertise and practical experience in the entertainment sector, he offers unique perspectives to his clients. Takahiro’s previous roles at a global record label and the U.S. subsidiary of a major Japanese film studio have equipped him with a nuanced understanding of the entertainment business and its legal complexities. His practice covers a broad spectrum of services, such as advising on digital distribution licenses, joint production agreements, option agreements, artist agreements, and chain-of-title investigations. He is also adept at navigating issues that arise at the intersection of intellectual property rights and emerging technologies. Additionally, Takahiro has experience in resolving disputes related to intellectual property and information law.