TMI Associates
Comprising a large and highly decorated team of IP specialists, TMI Associates‘ well-regarded IP practice spans patents, utility models, designs, trade marks and copyrights. With particular expertise in the media and entertainment industry, the team is co-led by Katsuro Tanaka, a leading figure in IP law and brand protection, and senior partner Tomohiro Tohyama. Mitsuko (Mimi) Miyagawa is a renowned specialist in brand protection with over 30 years of experience in IP litigation. Makoto Okada advises on patent infringement litigation and invalidation trials, whilst Hiroshi Nemoto focuses on pre-litigation counselling and patent-related trials. In addition, Tomoo Shibano is a noted specialist in IP, privacy and data protection; Seiro Hatano covers contentious works regarding trade marks and unfair competition; and Katsuyuki Inagaki strengthens the practice with considerable expertise in the fields of intellectual property, media and entertainment, and IT laws.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'All members of the team are very strong in their knowledge of the law, and in addition the advice that they give is very practical and cost effective.'
- 'The team successfully defended us from a difficult plaintiff, are consistently prepared, providing well-structured, beautiful briefs in a timely manner. And the team has kept good relationships with a court and a patent office, leading the case to a good result. The team consists of competent and talented members, and they have amicable personalities.'
- 'What makes them stand out is that they are not only highly capable, but also affable and reliable in their expertise in complex cases. Noteworthy individuals include Makoto Okada.'
- 'TMI is empathetic and supportive to us.'
- 'Makoto Okada is an excellent lawyer. He is highly knowledgeable and treats his clients with empathy.'
Key clients
- Ricoh Company, Ltd.
- R. C. Core Co. Ltd
Work highlights
- Represented Ricoh Company, Ltd. in the lawsuit against manufacturers of the recycle toner cartridges for Ricoh copiers.
- Advised Airwair International on an unfair competition litigation.
- Represented NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation and Zoom Video Communications in the trade mark infringement lawsuit against Zoom Corporation.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading individuals: Bengoshi
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Katsuro Tanaka, Tomohiro Tohyama