In response to the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), our firm has set up a response team to deal with any new developments. We have taken measures in consideration of the safety of our clients, business partners and personnel in advance. Even after May 25 when the government lifted the state of emergency declaration across Japan, in consideration of the safety of our personnel, we have continued the work from home system for our personnel in the Tokyo office. However, we will implement the following measures from June 15 (Mon).

■Period of Implementation
From June 15, 2020 (Mon) until June 30, 2020 (Tue)
*We may change the period upon careful consideration in response to any future developments.

■Details of the Implementation
・Relaxation of working from home that has been implemented from previously
In principle, all personnel have been working from home in an environment where information security was ensured, but for the next 2 weeks, we will relax the restrictions on working in the office that have been in place until now. We will also have our personnel working from home to the extent that it does not interfere with their work.
Even in the case of working from home, you may still contact the office email address and the direct phone number of the attorney or patent attorney in charge of your matter. We may not be able to answer your call in a timely manner, but we will return your call wherever possible.
Our aim is to gradually increase the percentage of personnel returning to the office, while carefully observing the future situation of the COVID-19.
・Non face-to-face Conferences and Meetings
We will continue to conduct conferences, internal meetings and external meetings with clients non face-to-face (by online or telephone conference, etc.) as much as possible. In addition, we will also refrain from holding face-to-face seminars.
・Recommendation for staggered working hours and thorough implementation of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as by having our personnel wear a mask at all times
We will thoroughly implement measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as ensuring that our personnel take their temperature before coming into the office, recommending our personnel stagger their working hours when going back to work in order to avoid rush hour, having our personnel wear a mask at all times in the office, having them wash their hands and use hand sanitizer, and ensuring that social distancing is carried out.

■Others
・Regarding Postal Items
As we may be delayed in receiving or shipping postal items, please contact us by email if you have any postal items addressed to our firm wherever possible.
・Contact Information
Due to the fact that our staff who would normally answer the phone (03-6775-1000) may also be working from home, we may not be able to answer your calls in a timely manner. Please contact us using the inquiry form on our firm’s website wherever possible.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause our clients and business partners, and we kindly ask you for your understanding.

Our firm will continue to promptly implement measures based on the policies and action plans of the national and local governments, giving the highest priority to preventing the spread of COVID-19, and ensuring the safety of all personnel.

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