Your trusted gateway to IP protection in Japan.
About Us
Global Vision, Local Expertise.
Open Frontier IP is a Tokyo-based boutique firm experienced in the full spectrum of IP work in Japan, with particular expertise in inbound cases. Our attorneys combine international research and industry experience with hands-on domestic practice in Japan. This unique blend allows us to deliver seamless, direct, and fluent communication in English, ensuring clear understanding and practical advice that international clients can rely on.
Beyond inbound filings, we deliver comprehensive IP solutions in Japan—covering invention review, prosecution, portfolio development, and strategic consulting. This practical strength, combined with our startup experience andactive support for entrepreneurs, ensures that our IP services are bothstrategic and hands-on.
In addition to English, we can also communicate in German and French, reflecting our international background and making collaboration smoother for European clients.
In short: Global Vision, Local Expertise.
That's how we secure your innovations in Japan.
Why Choose Us
Global Vision, Local Expertise
Direct & Seamless
Clear communication directly with your attorney in Japan
Fluent English
Clear and precise communication, ensuring smooth collaboration with US and world-wide clients
Global + Local
International perspective with deep knowledge of Japan's IP system
Full-Cycle Practice
From invention review to prosecution and portfolio development
Strategic Insight
Practical IP strategies built on real startup and consulting experience
Comprehensive Coverage
Patents, designs (Hague), trademarks (Madrid)
Interactive Collaboration
Real dialogue and joint strategy-building with international clients
Services
Patents
- PCT national phase entry into Japan
- Direct filings with the JPO
- Prosecution, oppositions, and appeals
- Portfolio management aligned with Japanese practice
Designs
- Representation under the Hague Agreement
- Proven experience in handling Hague design applications in Japan
Trademarks
- Madrid Protocol applications and prosecution
- Extensive support for international trademark portfolios in Japan
IP Strategy & Consulting
- Portfolio development tailored for international clients
- Strategic IP consulting, licensing, and FTO analysis
- Entrepreneurial insight applied to IP growth
Members
Takeshi AKATSU, Ph.D.
Patent Attorney (Japan), Founder & Managing Partner
Ph.D., Graduate of the University of Tokyo, with research experience at the Max Planck Institute (Germany). He worked as an R&D project leader at SOITEC (France), served as IP Director at an international biotech startup, and co-founded a pharmaceutical-related startup. After 12 years in Europe, he returned to Japan to pursue IP specialization. Today, he supports technology startups daily in IP strategy and implementation.
Focus areas: semiconductor processes, biosensing, optoelectronic devices, materials engineering, precision machinery, and startup IP strategy.
Languages: Japanese (native), English (fluent), German (fluent), French (fluent).
Yasuhiro SUZUKI
Patent Attorney (Japan), Partner
Graduate of the University of Tokyo, Faculty of Engineering (M.Eng.). Former Principal at the IBM Software Development Laboratory Japan and Head of the International Department at aTokyo-based patent firm. He has extensive experience in IP consulting and prosecution across a wide range of technical fields.
Focus areas: information engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical/control systems, communications, and architecture engineering.
Languages: Japanese (native), English (fluent).
Atsushi IDO, Ph.D.
Patent Attorney (Japan), Partner
M.S., Osaka University Graduate School of Science; Ph.D., Ehime University Graduate School of Agriculture. After working in the development of diagnostic reagents and medical devices at a manufacturer, he began patent practice in 2008. He has supported bio and food-tech startups in academia-industry collaborations at Osaka and Ehime universities and has served as CTO and founder of startups himself.
Focus areas: bio, agri-tech, chemical inventions, trademarks, and designs.
Languages: Japanese (native), English (working proficiency).
Address & Contact
- Open Frontier IP Law Firm
- Address:
Shinjuku Park Tower N30
3-7-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 163-1030, Japan - Phone: +81-3-5326-3430
© 2024 Open Frontier IP