Best Intellectual Property Lawyers in Japan

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Or refine your search by selecting a city:

Yokohama Partner Law Office

Yokohama Partner Law Office

Yokohama, Japan

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
When I was little, I loved "The Crying Red Demon." This is a fairy tale by Hirosuke Hamada. Red Demon wants to get along with humans, but everyone is...
Japanese
English
CLIFFORD CHANCE

CLIFFORD CHANCE

Chiyoda-ku, Japan

Founded in 1987
10,000 people in their team
We are one of the world's largest law firms, with significant depth and range of resources across five continents.As a single, fully integrated,...
Japanese
English
Yokohama Patent Attorney Office

Yokohama Patent Attorney Office

Kanagawa, Japan

Founded in 2002
50 people in their team
Compatible areaใ€€We can respond anywhere in Japan, from nearby prefectures including Kanagawa, Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, and Shizuoka.ใ€€We are an...
Japanese
English
SHUSAKU YAMAMOTO

SHUSAKU YAMAMOTO

Osaka, Japan

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
What it means to serve our clientsBecause of the breadth, depth and diversity of technological and legal experience of the SHUSAKUยทYAMAMOTO team, we...
Japanese
English
Iwatagodo Law Offices

Iwatagodo Law Offices

Tokyo, Japan

Founded in 1902
50 people in their team
Iwata Godo Law Office was established in 1902 as a pioneering law firm specializing in corporate law in Japan, and was established in 1902 as the...
Japanese
English
Greenberg Traurig Tokyo Law Offices

Greenberg Traurig Tokyo Law Offices

Tokyo, Japan

Founded in 1967
50 people in their team
Over five decades ago, while at lunch in a South Florida deli, attorneys Larry J. Hoffman, Mel Greenberg, and Robert Traurig saw an opportunity to...
Japanese
English
MARKS IP LAW FIRM

MARKS IP LAW FIRM

Osaka, Japan

Founded in 2016
10 people in their team
About UsMARKS IP LAW FIRM is a boutique intellectual property law firm specializing in all trademark matters with an office in Osaka & Tokyo,...
Japanese
English
HIROE & ASSOCIATES

HIROE & ASSOCIATES

Gifu City, Japan

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Hiroe Associates Patent Officeis a comprehensive patent office with specialized engineers and lawyers specializing in patent litigation as...
Japanese
English
MASUDA & PARTNERS LAW OFFICE

MASUDA & PARTNERS LAW OFFICE

Chiyoda-ku, Japan

Founded in 2008
50 people in their team
Masuda & Partners Law Office was established in February 2008, led by founding attorney Eiji Masuda. Since that start, our firm has been involved...
Japanese
English
Yamamuratadao Law Office

Yamamuratadao Law Office

Kyoto, Japan

Founded in 1990
50 people in their team
Our firm was established in April 1990 by attorney Tadao Yamamura with the aim of providinghigh quality and highly satisfactory legal services to a...
Japanese
English

About Intellectual Property Law in Japan

Intellectual Property (IP) in Japan refers to a set of exclusive rights granted to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols, names, and images used in commerce. The purpose of these rights is to encourage innovation and creativity by providing creators with limited control over their creations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are various situations where you may need a lawyer specializing in Intellectual Property in Japan, such as:

  • Filing for a patent, trademark, or copyright
  • Enforcing your IP rights against infringement
  • Defending against claims of IP infringement
  • Negotiating licensing agreements
  • Handling disputes related to IP rights

Local Laws Overview

Key aspects of Intellectual Property laws in Japan include:

  • Patents: Japan has a robust patent system, which offers protection for new and inventive inventions.
  • Trademarks: Trademarks in Japan are registered with the Japan Patent Office and provide exclusive rights to use a particular mark in connection with goods or services.
  • Copyrights: Copyright protection in Japan covers original literary, artistic, and musical works, as well as software and databases.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of IP can be protected in Japan?

In Japan, patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets are the primary forms of IP that can be protected.

2. How long does IP protection last in Japan?

The duration of protection varies depending on the type of IP. Patents are typically protected for 20 years, trademarks for 10 years (renewable), and copyrights for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years.

3. How do I enforce my IP rights in Japan?

You can enforce your IP rights in Japan through civil litigation, administrative procedures, or criminal prosecution, depending on the nature of the infringement.

4. Can I file for international protection of my IP in Japan?

Yes, you can file for international protection of your IP in Japan through various treaties and agreements, such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the Madrid System for international trademark registration.

5. How do I conduct a patent, trademark, or copyright search in Japan?

You can conduct a search for existing patents, trademarks, or copyrights in Japan through the Japan Patent Office's online databases or by hiring a professional search firm.

6. What is the process for filing a patent application in Japan?

The process includes preparing a detailed patent application, submitting it to the Japan Patent Office, undergoing examination, and potentially responding to office actions before the patent is granted.

7. How can I protect my trade secrets in Japan?

You can protect your trade secrets in Japan by implementing confidentiality agreements, restricting access to sensitive information, and taking legal action against unauthorized disclosure or use.

8. What are the penalties for IP infringement in Japan?

Penalties for IP infringement in Japan include injunctions, damages, fines, and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the infringement.

9. Can I license my IP rights in Japan?

Yes, you can license your IP rights in Japan through agreements that grant others permission to use your patented inventions, trademarks, or copyrighted works in exchange for royalties or other forms of compensation.

10. How can I resolve IP disputes in Japan?

IP disputes in Japan can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation, depending on the parties involved and the nature of the dispute.

Additional Resources

For more information on Intellectual Property in Japan, you can visit the Japan Patent Office's website, the Japan Intellectual Property Association, or consult with a qualified Intellectual Property lawyer.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance with Intellectual Property matters in Japan, it is advisable to contact a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer specializing in IP law to guide you through the process of protecting and enforcing your rights.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of the content. Laws and regulations can change frequently, and interpretations of the law can vary. Therefore, you should consult with qualified legal professionals for specific advice tailored to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content on this page. If you find any information to be incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will make efforts to rectify it.