Outstanding IP boutique firm Nakamura & Partners is intimately familiar with application procedures for patents, design registrations and trademark registrations, demands for appeals, and various other steps and procedures taken before the Japan Patent Office. The firm is particularly renowned for its patent contentious capability as well as IP transactions and unfair competition work. Its industry expertise includes TMT, high-tech electronic, chemical and manufacturing. Kazuhiko Yoshida is a key practitioner.
Work highlights
Represented Mazda Motor Corporation in a high-stakes patent infringement lawsuit brought by Honda Motor seeking ¥6.2 billion ($43 million) in damages. The case, which centred on alleged infringement of Honda's patent by Mazda's vehicles, was resolved on March 16, 2023, when the Tokyo District Court ruled in favour of Mazda. Led by partners Shinichiro Tanaka and Yuriko Sagara, with support from Yoshinori Kishi, the firm successfully argued that Honda's patent was invalid due to obviousness in light of prior art, resulting in a complete dismissal of Honda's claim and a significant victory for Mazda in this automobile industry dispute.
Represented Toho, the production company behind the iconic ‘Godzilla’ franchise, in a significant unfair competition case against Taguchi Industrial. The lawsuit focused on Taguchi's use of the similar mark ‘Guzzilla’ on their products. Led by partner Koichi Tsujii, the firm successfully argued that Taguchi's use of the ‘Guzzilla’ mark constituted a violation of Japan's Unfair Competition Prevention Act. The court ruled in favour of Toho, dismissing the defendant's appeal and affirming the protection of Toho's valuable intellectual property rights associated with the renowned ‘Godzilla’ brand in this entertainment and consumer goods-related dispute.
