Associate – IP & Technology

Associate – IP & Technology at TMI Associates

TMI Associates, Japan's premier IP and technology-focused law firm based in Roppongi, Tokyo, is seeking a bengoshi with a passion for intellectual property and technology law. TMI has been at the forefront of Japan's innovation economy, advising on patent disputes, technology licensing, and data protection matters.

About the Role

You will advise technology companies, pharmaceutical firms, and manufacturers on a wide range of IP matters including patent prosecution strategy, trademark disputes, trade secret litigation, and technology licensing agreements. The role requires strong knowledge of Japan's Patent Act (特許法), Trademark Act (商標法), Unfair Competition Prevention Act (不正競争防止法), and the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (個人情報保護法 / APPI).

Our Roppongi office places you at the intersection of Tokyo's technology and startup ecosystem. You will work alongside benrishi (弁理士 / patent attorneys) within the firm, providing integrated legal and patent counsel to clients. Cases may involve proceedings before the Japan Patent Office (JPO), the Intellectual Property High Court (知的財産高等裁判所), and the Tokyo District Court (東京地方裁判所).

Practice Areas

• Patent and trademark disputes and prosecution strategy
• Technology licensing and joint development agreements
• Data privacy compliance under APPI (個人情報保護法)
• Trade secret protection and unfair competition claims
• AI and emerging technology regulatory advisory

• Advise clients on IP portfolio strategy, licensing, and enforcement
• Handle patent and trademark disputes before Japanese courts and the JPO
• Draft and negotiate technology licensing, SaaS, and joint development agreements
• Advise on APPI compliance including cross-border data transfers
• Collaborate with benrishi (弁理士) on patent prosecution matters
• Monitor regulatory developments in AI, blockchain, and data governance
• Prepare client memoranda and contribute to firm publications

• Registered bengoshi (弁護士) with the JFBA (日本弁護士連合会)
• 4-7 years of post-qualification experience in IP, technology, or data privacy law
• Completion of Shihō Kenshūjo (司法研修所) judicial apprenticeship
• Knowledge of the Patent Act (特許法), Trademark Act (商標法), and APPI (個人情報保護法)
• Technical background (engineering, science, or IT) is a significant advantage
• Working-level English proficiency required
• Experience in IP litigation before the IP High Court or Tokyo District Court preferred