Dispute Resolution

IP Disputes

IP Litigation Anderson Mori & Tomotsune has substantial experience in representing both proprietors (plaintiffs) and alleged infringers (defendants) in litigation for infringement of patent, trademark and design rights, copyrights, know-how and other intellectual property rights brought before the Tokyo and Osaka District Courts and other courts. In addition to our successful trial practice, we have achieved significant success in arbitration and other dispute resolution venues. Our experience includes obtaining preliminary injunctions and other similar remedies. The lawyers on our patent litigation team have in-depth understanding not only of the relevant patent laws, but also the science and technology underlying patent disputes, which aids significantly in the development of winning litigation strategies for our clients. We handle these matters using cross-functional teams consisting of AMT's litigation attorneys (bengoshi) and patent attorneys (benrishi). Advisory Opinions (Hantei) and Japan Patent Office Trials (Shimpan) AMT has significant experience in providing advisory opinions (Hantei) as well as representing both claimants and respondents in trials before the Japan Patent Office (Shimpan) in situations where the validity of a patent is in dispute. Our experience includes representing clients in ex parte and inter parte proceedings before the Intellectual Property High Court of Japan seeking the revocation of Japan Patent Office trial decisions. Shimpan are administrative proceedings through which the Japan Patent Office considers and rules on the validity of a patent. Such proceedings are often initiated during or in anticipation of patent litigation. We have handled many matters involving Shimpan proceedings and concurrent patent infringement litigation. One of the keys to our success in this area has been the close cooperation and strategic coordination between our IP practice team handling the Shimpan proceedings and the litigation practice teams within our Firm. Customs Actions Our Firm has considerable experience in representing claimants and alleged infringers (respondents and/or importers) in customs actions and border detentions where an injunction has been sought from the Japan Customs Office to halt the importation of products that allegedly infringe on IP rights. In view of the acute time pressures involved in complying with Customs Office procedures, we typically assemble a team of specialist attorneys who can resolve the problem in a timely and cost efficient manner. Unfair Competition Litigation Our Firm has wide experience in representing both plaintiffs and defendants in unfair competition litigation brought in the Tokyo and Osaka District Courts and other courts. Although we are aggressive litigators, we also counsel clients on how best to mitigate the cost and extent of litigation and, depending on the facts and circumstances, to consider other remedies, including injunctive relief, licensing arrangements and other strategies. Unfair competition cases are often tied to alleged trademark infringement or product quality misrepresentation actions. One of the keys to our success in this area has been the close collaboration between the teams handling unfair competition cases and the other lawyers in our Firm handling related actions either at trial or in proceedings before the Japan Consumer Affairs Agency. By sharing resources and expertise, our multi-departmental teams are able to achieve optimal results for our clients in domestic and international unfair competition matters. Inventor Remuneration Suits and IP Ownership Litigation AMT has extensive experience with inventor remuneration litigation as well as negotiations and procedures that precede such litigation. In this type of litigation, we primarily represent employers. Due in part to the numerous cross-border factors (e.g., multiple and geographically diverse revenue streams underlying a disputed patent) that must be taken into consideration in determining such remuneration, our attorneys working in this area have developed a deep understanding of international licensing practices and patent systems. We also have significant experience litigating IP ownership disputes, including claims made by former joint-development partners or former employees. License Agreement Litigation/Dispute Resolution AMT represents clients in licensing disputes, applying, as appropriate, the full range of the dispute resolution framework, such as litigation and arbitration, to resolve such disputes. We have appropriately resolved these matters through our analyses and expertise not only of the underlying contractual issues and procedural law but also of patent infringement, patent validity, and antitrust laws. Joint Development and Content Utilization Litigation/Dispute Resolution Our Firm represents clients in joint development and content utilization disputes. In developing an appropriate resolution for joint development and content utilization disputes, we take into consideration not only the underlying contractual issue and procedural law but also analyze antitrust and other relevant laws. IP Infringement and/or Validity Opinions AMT has considerable experience rendering opinions regarding IP infringement and/or IP validity in connection with so called "Freedom of Operation" diligence investigations, anticipated litigation, or license agreement negotiations. We also regularly assist our Japanese clients in seeking similar opinions from attorneys in other jurisdictions.

INSIGHTS

PROFESSIONALS

Takaaki Yamazaki
TakaakiYamazaki
Tokyo
Patent Attorney (benrishi)
Tokyo

Patent Attorney (benrishi)

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Toshiyuki Oishi
ToshiyukiOishi
Tokyo
Patent Attorney (benrishi)
Tokyo

Patent Attorney (benrishi)

Contact
Mr. Oishi has been involved with patent-related matters and is well-versed in domestic and foreign patent applications and in registration procedures, the preparation of trial case documents, legal research and the preparation of expert opinions, and litigation matters. His industries of special expertise include the electrical, electronics, telecommunications, semiconductors, mechanical devices, software, and computer industries.
Takashi Okamoto
TakashiOkamoto
Tokyo
Patent Attorney (benrishi)
Tokyo

Patent Attorney (benrishi)

Contact
Mr. Okamoto is a registered and qualified patent attorney (benrishi). He has been involved with various patent matters and is well versed in international and domestic patent filing and prosecution. He is specialized in Mechanical devices, Life Science and Food Engineering.
Akihito ("Aki") Nakamachi
Akihito ("Aki")Nakamachi
Tokyo
Partner
Tokyo

Partner

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Mr. Nakamachi is a fully bilingual and bicultural attorney and possesses over 30 years of solid experience as a practicing lawyer in the United States and Japan. He has the rare distinction among Japanese lawyers of having served as a partner at top-tier law firms in both of the two countries. He has special expertise in intellectual property/technology transactions for technology-driven clients, ranging from young start-ups to fully-matured global enterprises. Aki represents clients operating in a wide range of industries, including software, Internet, e-commerce, computer gaming, computer equipment, telecommunications, automobile, semiconductor, pharmaceuticals, biotech and medical devices. With over 10 years of work experience at first-tier national U.S. law firms across the United States, Aki has acquired exceptionally deep and practical knowledge of not only the laws but also the "business culture" of both the United States and Japan, and utilizes his expertise to assist clients in achieving successful outcomes in cross-border commercial transactions and dispute resolution matters.
Junichi Kondo
JunichiKondo
Tokyo
Partner
Tokyo

Partner

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Junichi Kondo is a partner at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune and is engaged principally in the fields of general corporate matters with an emphasis on M&A, joint venture and other corporate transactions including M&A-related financing. His scope of experience also includes healthcare matters including pharmaceutical regulations and software licensing.
Shinji Kusakabe
ShinjiKusakabe
Tokyo
Partner
Tokyo

Partner

Contact
Shinji Kusakabe specializes in advising on legal issues in manufacturing, such as commercial transactions and product liabilities. Mr. Kusakabe has a wealth of practical experience in litigation and arbitration, both international and domestic. Mr. Kusakabe's particular specialties lie in providing targeted advice to clients on corporate matters, taking into consideration potential future disputes, and in resolving current disputes in light of actual business practices and circumstances. Cases which Mr. Kusakabe has recently handled include lawsuits related to termination of commercial relationships, illegal transactions conducted by employees, product liability, bid-rigging conspiracies and inventions by employees. Mr. Kusakabe is also actively engaged in international arbitration, including matters arbitrated outside Japan. In addition to his professional experience at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, Mr. Kusakabe's prior experience includes working as a Foreign Associate at Kelley Drye & Warren's New York office (September 1999 to August 2000) and a full-time secondment to Swiss Bank Corporation's (now UBS AG) Tokyo Legal & Compliance department (February to July 1998). Mr. Kusakabe also served as: Executive Director, the Headquarters for Comprehensive Promotion of Civil Justice Reform of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (from June 2026); Member of the Advisory Committee for the Establishment of Civil Rules of the Supreme Court (from August 2025); Special Assistant to the President of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (from April 2025 to September 2025); President of the Daini Tokyo Bar Association (from April 2024 to March 2025); Vice President of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (from April 2024 to March 2025); Expert Member of the Nuclear Damage Compensation Dispute Review Board (from June 2022 to June 2023); Member of the Code of Civil Procedure (for Introduction of IT) Subcommittee of the Legislative Council of the Ministry of Justice (from June 2020 to February 2022); Governor of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (from April 2020 to March 2021; Executive Governor from June 2020 to March 2021); Chair of the Committee on Civil Procedure of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (from June 2019 to May 2021); Examiner for the National Bar Examination and the National Preliminary Bar Examination (in Charge of the Code of Civil Procedure) (from November 2018 to November 2021); Vice President of the Daini Tokyo Bar Association (from April 2017 to March 2018); and Practicing-Attorney-Professor for Civil Advocacy at the Legal Training and Research Institute of the Supreme Court of Japan (from April 2010 to March 2013) (for details of this position, please visit http://www.courts.go.jp/english/institute_01/institute/index.html#Intro ).
Hitoshi Ishihara
HitoshiIshihara
Tokyo
Partner
Tokyo

Partner

Contact
Hitoshi Ishihara provides a variety of legal services to various international and foreign-affiliated clients establishing and doing business in Japan, with an exceptional focus on cross-border business negotiation, dispute resolution, M&A, international trade, and corporate/commercial matters (including advice concerning corporate governance, compliance, JV management, and internal investigations). His distinctive English skill, backed by over seven years experience in the United States, enables him to effectively bridge the linguistic and cultural gap faced by his clients. Mr. Ishihara also provides pertinent and timely advice that matches the needs of clients expanding overseas, utilizing his rich experience in negotiating and coordinating with clients and counterparts not only from the United States and EU countries, but also in various other jurisdictions including those counties in Asia, Middle East, South America, and Eastern Europe. In the intellectual property field, Mr. Ishihara has extensive experience in IP licensing and transactions and also provides advice on regulatory issues especially in the entertainment field, with an exceptional focus in the field of sports, being only one of the two recommended Japanese lawyers in the field of Sports & Gaming by Lexology, being quoted "Hitoshi Ishihara does not cease to impress market commentators in Japan and abroad with his sports and entertainment practice, with one praising him as "an amazing lawyer - a true number one in the country"." Mr. Ishihara also has extensive focus and knowledge concerning the Japanese casino and gaming laws including the Japanese Integrated Resort (IR) Act, providing advice concerning the Japanese gaming regulations to various operators, suppliers, affiliate marketers, platformers, publishers, foreign law firms, state agencies, and various other stake holders. Mr. Ishihara is the only Japanese attorney-at-law who is admitted as a member of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL), which is a non-profit association of gaming attorneys, regulators, educators, executives and consultants from around the world who are dedicated to education and the exchange of professional information and advice. Mr. Ishihara is quoted by Chambers as "Hitoshi Ishihara's extensive knowledge and experience, as well as his willingness to work closely with clients, make him a very trustworthy lawyer." and has been named "Gaming Lawyer of the Year in Japan" by various publications, such as Acquisition International Magazine, Corporate Intl Magazine, and Global Law Experts Magazine.
Aoi Inoue
AoiInoue
Tokyo
Partner
Tokyo

Partner

Contact
Mr. Aoi Inoue is a partner and the Head of the International Arbitration practice at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune. He specializes in international arbitration and litigation. He represents clients in a wide range of business disputes, including joint venture, distributorship, construction and infrastructure projects, licensing, franchising, complex financial products, labor & employment and product liability. He has acted as counsel in a number of international arbitrations under various rules including the ICC, SIAC, HKIAC, AAA-ICDR, JCAA, CIETAC, VIAC and UNCITRAL. He also serves as arbitrator and has been appointed to the panel of arbitrators of the JCAA, KCAB INTERNATIONAL and Japan Sports Arbitration Agency (JSAA). He has been recognized as a leading arbitration lawyer in Lexology Index Thought Leaders: Arbitration, Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500: Asia Pacific, Best Lawyers and Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific. Mr. Inoue also acts for overseas clients seeking to expand into Japan through international franchising. His support includes structuring, negotiating and drafting relevant documents such as international direct franchise agreements, international master franchise agreements and joint venture agreements. He also assists Japanese clients seeking to expand into foreign countries through international franchising. Mr. Inoue has been nominated for inclusion in the list of recognized franchise lawyers of Lexology Index: Franchise.
Miki Goto
MikiGoto
Tokyo
Osaka
Partner
Tokyo
/
Osaka

Partner

Contact
Mr. Goto has an exceptional background as a Japanese lawyer with an academic background in both science and engineering, and professional experience working in the intellectual property department of a major electronics company. Mr. Goto’s practice covers a wide range of complex intellectual property and technology/data related matters, including disputes concerning patents, licensing, trade secrets, trademark and technology related antitrust claims, as well as various data privacy/protection issues. He also has broad experience in various regulatory matters as well as product liability issues involving chemical substances, pharmaceutical products and other industrial products. Mr. Goto is recommended for: ・Intellectual Property (Japan) - Chambers Global (2019-2026) ・TMT (Technology, Media, Telecom) - The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2021-2026) ・Intellectual Property (Japan) - Asialaw Profiles (2021-2026) Since 2017, Mr. Goto has been serving as the vice chair of Standing Committee on Trade Secret of AIPPI. In addition to being admitted to the bar in Japan (2008) and the state of New York (2014), he passed the Japanese Patent Attorney Examination in 2003.
Masayuki Yamanouchi
MasayukiYamanouchi
Tokyo
Partner
Tokyo

Partner

Contact
Masayuki holds a master's degree in science, and has been engaged in a number of patent infringement lawsuits and other IP related matters since he became a lawyer. His main focus is on the pharmaceutical industry, in patent infringement actions as well as licensing negotiations, joint development projects, and technology transfer projects. He also has expertise and experience in other forms of intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. In addition, with his experience in the U.S. (both in law school and at a law firm focusing on patent matters), he also provides advice to clients involved in patent lawsuits in the U.S.

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