Patent Attorney
Yoshiteru Mizumoto
Patent Attorney
Director of Mechanical and Electrical Department
Patent Attorney since: 2005
Yoshiteru Mizumoto is a fully qualified patent attorney and Director of the Mechanical and Electrical Department, with more than 15 years’ experience in the profession. His practice involves domestic and overseas patent prosecution, Office actions, appeals and litigation.
In addition to patent prosecution, Yoshiteru advises on appraisals to determine whether products infringe patents and occasionally teams up with Asamura lawyers to handle invalidation trials.
Yoshiteru has been involved in revising examinations for patent applications serving as a Chairman of the Second and Fifth Patent Committees.
Key Areas of Expertise
General machinery, Measuring devices, Coordinate measuring machines, Packaging containers, engines, actuators, machine tools, stents, hospital waste processing devices, fluid separation devices, degasifiers, radiation therapy equipment, implants, rackets, transfer valves, cardboard, cultivation beds, packaging bands, etc.
Qualifications
FAA Airplane Single- and Multi-Engine Land
Single-engine aircraft takeoff
Airworthiness Division of Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Multi-Engine Landing
Airworthiness Division of Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency (Grade Pre-1)
Publications
“Intellectual Property These Days, 9: Misappropriate Submissions for Patents in China” FB Lecture Series, Senken Shimbun, 23 July 2013“
Akihiro Iwami
Patent Attorney, Senior Partner
Mechanical and Electrical Department
Patent Attorney since:2006
Akihiro Iwami is a patent attorney working in the Mechanical & Electrical Department of ASAMURA IP P.C. He has garnered over ten years of experience since joining the firm in 2002, covering almost all facets of patent application work (domestic patent applications, patent applications from abroad, and patent applications for foreign countries) in the mechanical and electrical field, including IT, communications engineering, and semiconductor engineering.
Mr. Iwami also has a wide variety of intellectual property-related experience, including trials, litigation rescinding trial decisions, infringement litigation, and prior art examinations/appraisals.
He now works mostly with small to medium-sized IT companies and venture startups, providing advice about intellectual property, patents, copyrights, and so on, and giving presentations on intellectual property practices.
At ASAMURA IP P.C., he serves as a member of the Expansion Management Meeting, which examines and supports in-house business objectives, the Website Editorial Committee, which creates the website content, the Form Committee, which manages in-house documents, and the In-house Case Study Group, which coordinates business and writes notices on judicial decisions.
At the Department of Applied Electronics, Tokyo University of Science, Mr. Iwami studied electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, and information engineering, and his graduation work focused on the development of a blue light-emitting device using ZnS + Sb2Te3. He is currently studying information systems architecture at the Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology.
At Japan Radio Co., Ltd., Mr. Iwami was involved in the development, design, repair, and production management of hardware and software for maritime satellite communication equipment (INMARSAT) and its peripheral equipment.
With experience in product development at an overseas company, he has also been granted First-Class Technical Radio Operator for On-The-Ground Services and Analog and Digital Installation Technician, and evaluated prototype equipment.
As a committee member of the JPAA Kanto Branch (2013 – Present), he is involved in promoting and supporting intellectual property in the Tokyo area by providing free consultation meetings and networking among lawyers). In addition, he serves as a counselor at the Free Patent Consultation Office on Patent Issues and the Permanent Counsel Office on copyrights issues at the JPAA Kanto Branch, and provides regionally-sponsored free consultation meetings where he covers everything from general patent information to intellectual property work related to patents, designs, trademarks, copyrights, and similar areas.
Professonal Carieers
Japan Radio Co., Ltd., April 1994 – March 2002
Key Areas of Expertise
Communications engineering, semiconductor engineering, control engineering, software related inventions, satellite communications equipment for maritime use (INMARSAT), INMARSAT peripheral hardware and software, radios for maritime use, etc.
Qualifications
Analog and Digital Installation Technician, 1998
First-Class Technical Radio Operator for On-The-Ground Services and Construction Leader license, 2000
First Grade Certified Specialist for IP Management (Patents), 2008
Major seminars
(1) Lecturer for Seminar by the Software Committee of JPAA: “Preparation of Specification and Response to Office Action in Computer-Software Related Invention Cases” (Fukuoka & Sapporo in 2010)
(2) Lecturer for Seminar by the Software Committee of JPAA: “Tips for Claim Drafting for Computer Related Inventions” (Fukuoka in 2011)
(3) Lecturer, Intellectual Property Seminar 2013: “Trademark Entertainment Seminar: Trademark Registration Application for a Tonkatsu Burger” (Tokyo in November 2013)
Publications
“Intellectual Property Compass” columns in the magazine Invention, issued by Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation (JIII) (joint-author), (August 2009 and March 2010 issues)
“Point to Consider when Writing Patent Claims for Computer Software Inventions.” Patent, issued by the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (joint-author), (April 2011 issue)
“Patent” column in the magazine Invention and Q&A, issued by Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation (JIII), (May 2011 issue)
Hiroyuki Hashimoto
Patent Attorney, Senior Partner
Mechanical and Electrical Department
Patent Attorney since:2008
Hiroyuki Hashimoto has covered almost all facets of patent application work (domestic patent applications, patent applications from abroad, and patent applications for foreign countries) in the mechanical and electrical fields. He also has a wide range of experience in intellectual property matters, including trials, and prior art examinations/appraisals.
While studying for his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Industrial Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he focused on mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and information engineering. His graduation work focused on the development of ultra-precise micro-processing technology for metals and other materials.
At Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Mr. Hashimoto worked on the development and design of power plant equipment and turbines, and was also responsible for a number of overseas business matters.
Professional career
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., 1997 – 2008
Key Areas of Expertise
Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, information engineering, material processing machinery, production/assembly machinery, general machinery, thermal engines, metal materials, industrial plants, medical devices, livingware, turbines, bearings, electric power facilities, etc.
Publications
“Intellectual Property Compass” column in the magazine Invention, issued by Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation (JIII) (part-author), (December 2009)
“Patent” column in the magazine Invention and Q&A, issued by Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation (JIII) (part-author), (June 2011)
Yuko Tanaka
Patent Attorney, Senior Partner
Mechanical and Electrical Department
Patent Attorney since:2014
Yuko Tanaka is an experienced patent attorney who practices patent law, including domestic and international patent prosecution related to mechanical and electrical fields. In addition to patent prosecution, she focuses her practice on strategic counseling in developing countries and offers support for small to medium sized businesses and venture companies. Yuko constantly engages with new intellectual property trends in Asia and brings her wide range of technical expertise to the IP practice and research.
Prior to joining Asamura, Yuko studied IT based media technology and was one of the first to graduate from the new established faculty. At the lab, she focused on research related to image processing, man machine interfaces, computer vision, particularly an eye gaze input interface, and a gesture recognition based three-dimensional input interface.
Key Areas of Expertise
Image processing, signal processing, communications, semiconductors, measurement technology, control technology, medical devices, software, and business models
Seminars
Intellectual Property Mini Seminar at WIND EXPO 2014
Akira Kitagawa
Patent Attorney, Senior Partner
Mechanical and Electrical Department
Patent Attorney since: 2009
Akira Kitagawa is a patent attorney who focuses his practice on domestic and international patent prosecution, infringement warnings, and litigation in the mechanical and electrical fields.
Prior to joining Asamura, he was involved in the development of power circuits for LSI circuits installed in engine control units. At Renesas Electronics Corporation and Hitachi, he gained further experience in the development of the successive – approximation type A/D converter installed in in-vehicle microcomputers and the development of an analog input/output designed for the A/D converter.
Professional career
Denso Corporation, April 1996 – December 2000
Hitachi Ltd., January 2001 – March 2003
Renesas Technology Corporation, April 2003 – March 2010
Renesas Electronics Corporation, April 2010 – October 2013
Key Areas of Expertise
Analog circuits, digital circuits, microcomputers, semiconductor memory, wired/wireless equipment interfaces, semiconductor process, semiconductor devices, semiconductor packages, electronic components for use in vehicles, etc.
Qualifications
Hazardous Materials Engineer, Class B Type 4
Jun Zhao
Patent Attorney, Associate
Mechanical and Electrical Department,
Trademark & Design Department (concurrently)
Joined Asamura IP in April 2020 as an international business coordinator responding to inquiries and communications from China, preparing and translating sales materials, and providing support for IP-related projects. In November 2023 started handling support for trademark related services and from April 2024 was assigned concurrently to both Electrical and Trademark & Design Departments as a new patent attorney.
Prior to joining Asamura IP, Jun Zhao gained experience at Chinese electronic components manufacturer as a new graduate and was in charge of a new market development assigned at the Overseas Sales Department. In June 2012, she joined TÜV Rheinland Shenzhen Co., Ltd. as a technical support coordinator, where she gained extensive 4 years’ experience in supporting engineers and testing, translation, and purchasing and managing equipment. Jun Zhao holds MBA from Graduate School of Business Design at Rikkyo University.
Languages
Chinese, Japanese, English
Qualification
2nd grade Certified Specialist of Intellectual Property Management（administration）
Kohei Goda
Patent Attorney, Associate
Mechanical and Electrical Department
Patent Attorney: since 2019
Kohei Goda covers all facets of patent application work (domestic patent applications, patent applications from abroad, and patent applications for foreign countries) in the mechanical and electrical fields. He also has a wide range of experience in intellectual property matters, including mechanical, optical, and structural patent applications), prosecution of intermediary applications, and provision of information.
Majored in particle physics at Kyoto University and was involved in research and development of radiation measuring instruments using compound semiconductors.
After completing graduate school, he worked for a major patent law firm for 9.5 years before joining Asamura IP in April 2024.
Professional career
Kyowa Patent and Law Office, Machinery Department 2019 – 2024
Key Areas of Expertise
Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, information engineering, material processing machinery, production/assembly machinery, general machinery, etc.
Wataru Miyashita
Patent Attorney，Associate
Mechanical and Electrical Department
Patent Attorney: since 2011
Wataru Miyashita is an experienced patent attorney who covers all facets of patent application work in the mechanical and electrical fields. Joined Asamura IP in 2024.
Majored in condensed matter physics at Tokyo Institute of Technology and was involved in basic research on superfluid helium, one of the research fields of low temperature, known as macroscopic quantum phenomena. After completing graduate school, he worked for a major general chemical manufacturer for 18 years. He was engaged in product development of key components for laser printers and copiers, and electrophotographic photoconductors. From 2013 to 2017, he also worked in the Administration Department, where he was involved in patent interims and other companies’ patents, in addition to product development. From 2023, as a project leader, he was also engaged in the basic study of long-life photoconductors and the product development work.
Professional career
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation 2006 – 2024
Qualifications
Class A Hazardous Materials Handler
Intellectual Property Management Technician Level 2
Languages: Japanese, English
Kazuyuki Obinata
Patent Attorney, Advisor
Mechanical and Electrical Department
Patent Attorney since: 2008
A former examiner at the Japan Patent Office, Kazuyuki Obinata is an experienced patent attorney and consultant who focuses his practice on domestic and international patent prosecution and examination in the mechanical and electrical fields.
Professional career
Japan Patent Office, 1976-2008
ASAMURA IP P.C., 2008-now
Key Areas of Expertise
Telecommunications, information processing, semiconductor equipment
Languages: Japanese, English
Qualifications
High School Teaching Certificate in Mathematics (Grade 2), April 1974
Takayuki Hatanaka
Patent Attorney, Advisor
Mechanical and Electrical Department
Patent Attorney since: 2005
Takayuki Hatanaka’s practice covers domestic and international patent prosecution, invalidation trials, litigation rescinding a trial decision, infringement appraisals, searches, and infringement litigation. In addition, he is also involved in developing intellectual property strategy for small, medium-sized and large enterprises in a wide range of fields such as home electronics, ECAD, MCAD, acoustic simulation technology, handwriting recognition technology, semiconductor technology, automotive technology, lures, eyeglasses, chains, and even toys and novelty products.
Prior to joining Asamura, Takayuki gained more than 10 years of experience handling patent prosecution, drafting warning letters, and appraisals for a major overseas computer company. He also gained considerable experience working for NCR Japan, Ltd. where he was in charge of developing and designing control devices, semiconductor products, single chip microprocessor units for wireless applications, and application-specific integrated circuit (AISIC).
Professional career
・Leader, Technology Development Department, NCR Co., Ltd.
(development and design of printer control devices, the analysis of semiconductor products from other companies, development of single chip microprocessor units for wireless applications, and ASIC design)
・Patent Section Head of a patent office
Key Areas of Expertise
Electronic engineering, information processing, software, semiconductor engineering, wireless and wired communication technologies, sensors, electronics, consumer electronics, ECAD, MCAD, acoustic simulation, handwriting recognition technology, semiconductor technology, automobiles, lures, eyeglasses, chains, toys, novelty items, etc.
Katsunori Shirae
Patent Attorney, Advisor
Mechanical and Electrical Department
Patent Attorney since: 2002
Katsunori Shirae is a patent attorney who focuses his practice on domestic and international patent prosecution, trials and appraisals in the fields of metallurgy and mechanical engineering.
Prior to joining Asamura, Katsunori was involved in research development of stainless steel fabrication, corrosion and surface treatments, sintered materials, thermal spray materials, cladding materials, and similar processes and materials.
Key Areas of Expertise
Metal, Machinery, Stainless steel secondary processing, Corrosion and surface processing, Sintered materials, Thermal sprays, Cladding materials
Qualifications
Supplementary Note of Specific Infringement Lawsuit Counsel since: 2006
Normal License (Science) for High School Teaching, (Grade 1)
Hazardous Materials Engineer, Class A
Hiroaki Kakinuma
Ph.D.
Mechanical and Electrical Department