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JAPAN Yuasa and Hara
Section 206, New-Ohtemachi Building, 2-1, Ohtemachi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
Tel: +81-3-3270-6641 Fax: +81-3-3246-0233
Email: yamamoto-ch@yuasa-hara.co.jp Web: www.yuasa-hara.co.jp
FIRM PROFILE
Yuasa and Hara was established by Judge Toyotaro Yuasa in Osaka in 1902. In 1947, his son, Dr. Kyozo Yuasa relocated the office from Osaka to Tokyo due to his appointment as a legal counsel for the General Headquarters of the Allied Forces occupying Japan at that time. Dr. Yuasa also served later as Vice President of the International Association for the Protection of the Industrial Property of Japan (AIPPI/ Japan), President of the Japan Patent Attorneys’ Association (JPAA) and President of the Asian Patent Attorneys’ Association (APAA). Judge Masuji Hara, a prominent expert judge in Intellectual Property of the Tokyo District Court and Tokyo High Court, joined the firm as a partner in 1967. After undergoing several name changes, our firm was finally named YUASA and HARA in 1972. In 2002, the firm celebrated its centennial anniversary, which was an extraordinary milestone in Japanese legal history.
The firm continues to build on its strong tradition of multi-professional disciplines, technical expertise and international vision. Since the early days of the firm, the provision of an international service for both Japanese and foreign clients has been at the core of all our legal and intellectual property practice. In addition to this private alliance, the firm’s members are active in international associations of law and intellectual property professionals such as AIPLA, AIPPI, ALAI, APPA, FICPI, INTA, IPBA, and LES.
The firm’s expertise covers seamless intellectual property protection, various business legal issues,
and accounting. The firm is organized into four divisions: Law, Patent, Trademark & Design and Accounting & Auditing, and remains at the forefront of Japanese legal, patent/trademark and accounting practice, handling cutting edge issues such as corporate transactions & international investments for hi-tech venture business, cross-border transactions of various industries, domain name disputes, international litigation & alternative dispute resolution on the internet, international brand management of internationally known companies, merger & acquisition between foreign investors and Japanese corporations, and patent protection in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, mechatronics, computer sciences & other advanced technologies.
The firm's Patent Division is staffed by 60 Patent Attorneys admitted to the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA) (as of June 1, 2014). According to the technical expertise of each patent attorney, the division has been organized into three groups: Chemical, Electrical/Electronic and Mechanical Groups. As a result of flexible development of each group, the range of our professional expertise successfully covers all fields of technology including biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, aerospace engineering, mechatronics and computer sciences. The Patent Division handles not only prosecution of patent applications, but also litigation.
ABOUT OSAMU YAMAMOTO
Osamu Yamamoto is a partner and the Chief of the Chemical Group. The Chemical Group consists of 31 patent attorneys, who cover all areas of chemistry, including biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Mr. Yamamoto has previous experience in biotechnology / pharmaceutical research and worked in the field of development at a chemical company for ten years. Especially, he engaged in research and development of bacterial production
of a macromolecular sodium hyaluronate, and its use of injection for treating knee joint pains from osteoarthritis, which has been sold under the brand name “Suvenyl.” He understands that patent strategy should be compatible with commercial requirements, and he aims to meet clients’ needs and expectations accordingly. He has been representing companies in food and beverage, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical fields. He frequently visits clients to prepare and prosecute applications
for obtaining strong protection of the widest possible scope, and to enable a free exchange of opinions and strategic advice.
Mr. Yamamoto has experience in defending client’s patent rights, and attacking competitor’s patents through invalidation trials. He also has experience in working with a Japanese company and a US company operating under strategic alliance to launch a new drug in the US and EP.
TEAM PROFILE Our Biotechnology / Pharmaceutical team in Chemical Group consists of about 20 experienced patent attorneys, each having extensive backgrounds in biotechnology and / or pharmaceuticals, and some with a Ph. D. in his/her field.
The team’s clients include both domestic and overseas companies and academic institutions. The technical areas we handle are widespread, and include genetic engineering, immunology, monoclonal antibodies, cell engineering, regenerative medicine, diagnostics, genetic markers, and pharmaceuticals.
The team has a strong relationship with many patent firms all over the world, helping us to provide the best possible services to our clients. To provide services in a timely and efficient manner, the team forms a group of specialists to handle major clients’ patent applications.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE • Intellectual Property - Patent - Utility model - Trademark - Design - Copyright
• Unfair Competition • Trade Secret • Corporate / M&A • Transaction / Contract
Biotechnology Law Firm of the Year