About Us
M&Partners IP, P.C. is a Japanese IP firm based in Kyoto, with an Osaka office and a Tokyo meeting room, providing intellectual property services for foreign associates and overseas clients seeking reliable representation in Japan.
We handle a wide range of inbound matters, including patent filings in Japan via the PCT national phase and the Paris route, utility model filings, trademark filings and responses to provisional refusals under the Madrid Protocol, Hague design applications, as well as searches, opinions, invalidation and non-use cancellation matters, and pre-litigation assessment.
Our Strengths
- Reliable support for inbound patent, trademark, design, and related IP matters in Japan
- Practical communication in English on a daily basis with foreign associates and overseas clients
- Available for online meetings and in-person meetings at international IP conferences and other professional events
- Extensive experience in both prosecution and dispute-related IP matters in Japan
Working with Foreign Associates
We regularly work with foreign law firms and IP firms as Japanese associate counsel. We understand the importance of clear reporting, practical advice, and responsiveness in cross-border matters.
In addition to written communication in English, we are available for video conferences and often meet foreign associates and clients in person at international IP conferences and meetings.
Experience in Japanese IP Litigation
Our managing partner served as a court-appointed technical advisor in intellectual property litigation in Japan for 14 years, from 2008 to 2022.
In this neutral and compensated role, he participated in court hearings, sat alongside the judges, and assisted the court in technically complex cases, including by helping clarify technical issues and questions presented to the parties when requested by the court.
Although this is a Japan-specific court system, we believe this experience reflects substantial insight into Japanese patent litigation and long-standing formal trust by the Japanese judicial system in technically complex IP matters.
Recognition
Our managing partner, Masashi Moriwaki, has been recognized in international IP rankings for many years. He was listed in IAM Patent 1000 for six consecutive years from 2019 to 2025 and was also recognized by IP Stars for three consecutive years.
IAM Patent 1000 profile
IP Stars profile
We are honored by these recognitions and remain committed to providing practical and dependable support for Japanese IP matters.