Sonoda & Kobayashi Intellectual Property Law

SONODA & KOBAYASHI, an intellectual property law firm, offers dependable legal services for intellectual property in Japan.

Our multinational team of about 100 experts in technology, law, languages and international communication has served companies worldwide and gained a reputation for thoroughness and reliability. Our high standards, expertise and team work have defined us since the founding of the firm in 1998.

Candid discussions and open efficient communication, which are rarely found at law firms in Japan, are deeply embedded in the culture of our firm. This atmosphere is key to being able to give legal advice of true value.  Our clients enjoy stress-free communication, giving them an edge over competitors.

We discuss options, adapt to client needs, and offer tailored communication, as well as analyses and proposals for cost-effective services. We would be happy to help you streamline internal corporate procedures, establish the best IP practices for Japan and become a real extension of your IP department in Asia.

We frequently visit clients, organize seminars and attend IP events to strengthen our understanding of the business environments of our clients and explain intellectual property matters. Together, we build strategies to protect and enforce IP rights in Japan.

Reliable legal services in intellectual property can only be provided by having a deep understanding of technologies and legal issues. Our patent attorneys and specialists are equipped with world-class training and hands-on experience, often directly in R&D, which can be crucial in difficult cases. Approximately half of our attorneys and specialists hold doctorates.

We are always keen to know more about client business strategies and the way they view competitors and technological trends, and we help clients understand how practices in Japan may differ from those with which they are familiar.

With these understandings, we share responsibilities and determine a suitable workflow. Effort for mutual understanding is key to building long term rewarding relationships, although this is often neglected by many firms.

We monitor not only constantly changing laws and legal practices in Japan, but also those Europe, the US and other jurisdictions. Understanding differences in laws and practices between those of Japan and those that our clients are familiar with helps us provide the most productive services.