Intellectual Property

We handle a wide variety of intellectual property matters, such as patent rights, trademark rights, copyrights, design rights, utility model rights, and the Unfair Competition Prevention Law. In particular, we regularly deal with patent rights infringement countermeasures, strategies against counterfeit goods, and applications to register trademarks and designs.

The Legal 500 (2009-2015), which provide rankings for famous law firms throughout the world, praise Wada & Watanabe (former Abe, Wada & Watanabe) as a law firm that excels in the area of intellectual property.

Patent and Utility Model Infringement Cases

We prepare expert opinions on patent infringement, negotiate with opposing parties, and represent clients in provisional disposition actions and litigation. We also provide legal representation and advice in invalidation actions and in litigation to rescind trial decisions.

Trademark and Design Rights Infringement Cases

We handle a full set of services that extend from applying to register a trademark or design right to the exercise of rights, such as drafting warning letters, filing criminal complaints, and representing clients before Japanese Customs when petitioning to suspend imports of infringing goods.

Applications to register trademark and design rights

We provide services to submit and support applications to register trademark and design rights, and we represent over three hundred companies in their registration applications at the Japan Patent Office

Copyrights and Unfair Competition Prevention Law

We provide advice concerning joint software development, copyright, publicity rights, and character licensing, agreements for the licensing of software and the like, and the control of business secrets.