TMI Associates, one of the five largest law firms in Japan, has broad expertise across corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, intellectual property and regulatory matters. In particular, the firm has good expertise in the IP arena as it houses a strong bench of practitioners skilled in handling the full spectrum of domestic and cross-border contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm also has a proven track record advising clients in the banking, consumer goods and services, manufacturing, and media and entertainment sectors. TMI Associates’ connections to several major global firms and joint ventures ensures it is able to offer seamless and outstanding legal services both foreign and domestic. Intellectual property practitioner Mitsuko Miyagawa, and corporate and M&A specialists Masakazu Iwakura and Tatsuhiro Takahara, are key figures. M&A partner Kazumitsu Goto departed to Withers in September 2022.
Client feedback
“We have highly valued the firm’s past work, especially its expertise, client-oriented work, communication and business awareness.” – Banking and finance
“TMI (TMI Associates) are very expeditious in their work and their turnaround time is very good. They also have deep knowledge of working with international hotel firms franchise agreements as well as knowledge of drafting a ‘win-win’ management agreement.” – Real estate
Hideki Kurauchi
“Mr. Hideki is always quick and reasonable, plus he knows our business very well, as well as the banking and real estate industries. His client-oriented work is highly appreciated.”
“Prior to becoming a lawyer, Mr. Kurauchi worked in the private sector in sales and is very knowledgeable on business and the timeliness that agreements etc need to be provided to our clients. He also understands business very well and works to create a ‘win-win’ arrangement for all parties.”
Work highlights
Represented Ricoh Company in a lawsuit against its recycle toner cartridges manufacturers. This case is of great significance as it involves the enforcement of patent rights and the defence of antitrust law, including the issue of abuse of rights. The dispute is between a copier manufacturer and a recycled toner cartridge manufacturer. Notably, it is the first case where the relationship between patent rights and antitrust law, specifically with regards to recycled products, has been thoroughly discussed in court proceedings.
Represented NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation and Zoom Video Communications in a trademark infringement lawsuit against Zoom Corporation.
Key clients
RC Core.
Work highlights
Advised a Japanese institutional investor on their first venture capital investments in the Nordic region using a Luxembourg investment vehicle.
Advised DNX Ventures on the formation of two new funds including the draft and negotiation of the limited partnership agreement and advice on financial regulation matters.
Advised the Government Pension Investment Fund of Japan on the launch of their first ever fund of funds to invest in alternative assets.
Key clients
DBJ Asset Management, Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Asset Management, Nissay Asset Management Corporation.
Work highlights
Advised Olympus Corporation on its ¥427.6 billion ($2.9 billion) sale of the scientific solutions department business engaged by Evident Corporation and its subsidiaries, to US private equity company Bain Capital. Not only does this transaction represent one of the largest deals in Japan in 2022 and involve the divestiture of a highly profitable and market-leading business, but it also spans nearly 20 jurisdictions around the world, indicating its global scope and complexity.
Advised Omron Corporation on its acquisition of a 33% stake in JMDC and the capital and business alliance agreement with JMDC. This deal is expected to create innovative synergies in the industry as it is a capital and business alliance between JMDC, a leading company in Japan in the field of services using healthcare data, and Omron Corporation, a leading manufacturer of consumer healthcare equipment. The scale of the deal itself was over ¥100 billion, making it one of Japan’s largest M&A cases.
Key clients
Hinode, Japan Industrial Solutions, Nippon Soda, Olympus Corporation.
Work highlights
Advised SMBC Nikko Securities on its public offering of the samurai bonds of Malayan Banking.
Advised Monex Finance and Monex Group on the renewal of euro medium-term note programme, and offering of notes in the Japanese market.
Key clients
Tokai Tokyo Securities.
Work highlights
Advised Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation on granting a non-recourse loan to a special purpose vehicle with real estate in Japan being the underlying assets.
Advised Mizuho Bank on the debt financing of the LBO loans provided for the acquisition of the Japan business of Godiva, a manufacturer and distributor of chocolate, which was conducted in 2019 by MBK Partners.
