Our people

Mechanical Engineering and Materials

Patent Attorney

After graduating from college, Mr. Ohno worked for a patent firm. He joined Hiraki & Associates in February 2024, and specializes mainly in semiconductors, structures, construction and control engineering.

Mechanical Engineering and Materials

2024/01 Joined Hiraki & Associates after working for a major board manufacturer and a patent firm.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney

Dr. Tsujimoto obtained her doctorate from The University of Tokyo for research in analysis of signal
transduction pathway relating to physiological function of animal cells. After working at other international
patent firms from 1998, she jointed Hiraki & Associates in January 2021 and specializes in biotechnology and
pharmaceuticals.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney

Mr. Tanaka obtained a master’s degree from the University of Tokyo for research in molecular biology and developmental neuroscience. He joined Hiraki & Associates in May 2020. He specializes in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

Mechanical Engineering and Materials

2019/11 Joined Hiraki & Associates after working for a major electronics company and a patent firm.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney (also qualified as a representative for infringement actions)

After working in domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies and other patent law firms, Ms. Agari joined
Hiraki & Associates in November 2019. She specializes in biotechnology, biochemistry and polymer chemistry.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Ms. Miyamoto joined Hiraki & Associates in October 2018 and specializes in biotechnology.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney

Ms. Nakamura obtained her master's degree in chemical system engineering.
She joined a chemical company and worked on the development of light emitting diodes and magnetic storage media. After working for another international patent office, she joined Hiraki & Associates in September 2018. She specializes in crystal growth, nano materials, and optical devices.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney
(also qualified as a representative for infringement actions)

Mr. Oyama’s undergraduate major was material processing, and he conducted research analyzing microstructure formation during solidification of multicomponent alloys. Mr. Oyama majored in materials science at graduate school, and obtained his master's degree for research in synthesis and evaluation of inorganic phosphors. After working for a major IT company, he worked for another international patent firm handling patent prosecution and appeals mainly in the fields of materials and chemistry. Mr. Oyama joined Hiraki & Associates in July 2018 and specializes in the fields of inorganic material and metallic material.

Electrical Engineering and Communication Technology

After graduating from university, Ms. Nakayama worked in sales at a company, developing business relationships with clients. Thereafter, she worked at a patent law firm. She joined Hiraki & Associates in March, 2018.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney

Ms. Wada obtained her masters degree for research in the rational design and synthesis of fluorescent probe molecules. She joined Hiraki & Associates in March 2008, and specializes in organic chemistry.

Electrical Engineering and Communication Technology

Patent Attorney

At university, Mr. Yoshikawa majored in electrical engineering. He worked for a major electric company and telecommunication company developing information systems. Thereafter, joined a patent firm and gained experience in patent prosecution relating to software, telecommunication, and home appliances. He is qualified as technical engineer (information security), MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), and possesses many other IT qualifications. He joined Hiraki & Associates in April 2009.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney
Manager of Biotechnology & Chemistry Group

Mr. Murabayashi has been engaged in patent matters focusing on biotechnology, making use of skills and specialist knowledge of cell biology and molecular biology acquired through his research in virology and immunology. Mr. Murabayashi joined Hiraki & Associates in April 2001.

Mechanical Engineering and Materials

Patent Attorney
Osaka Branch, Branch Manager

While working for a major steel corporation, Mr. Mima was involved in the development of production technology based on material, tribology, sensing and mechanical elements and the development of the production of facilities for steel process lines. Mr. Mima joined Hiraki & Associates in September 2002. Mr. Mima specializes mainly in the field of metallic materials, automobiles and related technology.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney

After working for another international patent firm from 1990, Ms. Fukami joined Hiraki & Associates in March 1994. She specializes in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food technology and chemistry

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney　

Ms. Hiramatsu obtained her masters degree for research in organofluorine chemistry. She joined a paper-making chemical company and worked on the research and development of paper strengthening agents. She joined Hiraki & Associates in April 2010, and specializes in organic chemistry and polymers.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney

Dr. Hanai obtained his doctorate from Nagoya University primarily for research in the field of bioactive natural product chemistry. His dissertation focused on the isolation of a novel plant hormone involved in cell proliferation and differentiation of plants. He worked at Akita Prefectural University as an Assistant Professor on research of a novel bioactive substance involved in the growth of plants and basidiomycetes. He joined Hiraki & Associate in April 2008, and specializes in organic chemistry and bioactive natural product chemistry.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney

Ms. Naito worked for a cosmetic company from 1984 to 1994, and joined Hiraki & Associates in October 1998. After taking a leave of absence for several years, she rejoined Hiraki & Associates in April 2010. Ms. Naito specializes in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney

Ms. Tsuruta earned her masters degree for research of bioethics relating to biotechnology and advanced medical technology. Ms. Tsuruta joined Hiraki & Associates in April 2000, and has extensive experience in all aspects of preparation and prosecution of patent applications. She specializes in biotechnology, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, foods and agricultural sciences.

Mechanical Engineering and Materials

Patent Attorney
(also qualified as a representative for infringement actions)

Mr. Takemura worked for a major automobile corporation where he was involved in research and development of safety devices for automobiles, for example airbags and safety systems for automobiles including associated parts of safety devices and car body structure. Mr. Takemura joined Hiraki & Associates in August 2009. He specializes mainly in the field of general mechanical engineering (especially structures), automobiles and related technology.

Trademarks and Designs

Patent Attorney

During his career at the JPO, Mr. Takano was responsible for examination of applications relating to Trademark. He held the positions of Examiner, Administrative Judge and Chief Administrative Judge. Mr. Takano was also involved in the preparation of examination guidelines for trademarks, in the introduction of International Classification for Trademarks and in the Trademark Appeals/Trials..

Trademarks and Designs

Patent Attorney

Ms. Sone majored in Intellectual Property Law at university. She was employed by an international patent firm where she was involved with filing and prosecuting trademark and industrial design applications. She joined Hiraki & Associates in October 2014.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Consulting Patent Attorney

During a six-year career at a major drug manufacturer, Mr. Shimamura conducted research into analgesics and enzyme preparations. From 1983, Mr. Shimamura worked for a patent law firm and was responsible for formalities, due date management, trademarks, designs and pharmaceutical patents. Mr. Shimamura joined Hiraki & Associates in September 1989. He chiefly handles applications in the fields of chemistry and pharmacy.

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Electrical Engineering and Communication Technology

Patent Attorney

Mr. Komachi was born in Shandong Province, China, and came to Japan in 1993. After graduating from university, he worked for an automobile company and a patent firm. Mr. Komachi joined Hiraki & Associates in April 2014. He specializes mainly in structures and control engineering. Mr. Komachi is also well versed in the IP laws of China and Taiwan.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney
Manager of Biotechnology & Chemistry Group

Ms. Kosemura joined Hiraki & Associates in April 2000 and specializes in biotechnology.

Plant Variety

Trade Marks Attorney (Australia)

Mr. Linton received a Japanese Ministry of Education research scholarship in 1996, and joined Hiraki & Associates in 1998 after completing his master’s degree. During his time at Hiraki & Associates, Mr. Linton also completed night school course in general chemistry at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. After gaining experience in the firm’s trademark group, Mr. Linton qualified as a Trade Marks Attorney in Australia in 2001. Mr. Linton is fluent in Japanese and English.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney

Ms. Kikuta worked on the development of automated synthesizers of diagnostic radio-pharmaceuticals in PET imaging at the R&D center of a blast furnace steelmaker. After having worked for another patent law firm, Ms. Kikuta joined Hiraki & Associates in August 1994. She specializes in chemistry and pharmaceuticals and deals primarily with patent prosecution for overseas clients.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney
(also qualified as a representative for infringement actions)

Dr. Kawabe obtained a doctorate from Kyoto University for research in analysis of functional sites of proteins. After working at the IP department of a biotech company, he attended to the operation and management of IP in R&D of the company.
Dr. Kawabe joined Hiraki & Associates in 2016, and specializes in the field of medicine, biotechnology, nutrients, cosmetics and chemistry.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney
(also qualified as a representative for infringement actions)

Mr. Obara obtained his masters degree for research in the field of polymer materials. After working for another international patent firm from 1998, he joined Hiraki & Associates in July 2005, and specialized in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry and materials.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney

After working as a patent paralegal dealing primarily with overseas and overseas-originating patent applications, Ms. Okada studied at university focusing on genetic engineering. Ms. Okada joined Hiraki & Associates in December 2005 and specializes in biotechnology.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney

Mr. Ejima joined Hiraki & Associates in January 2005 and specializes in biotechnology and organic chemistry.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Dr. Iwata obtained a doctorate from The University of Tokyo for research in molecular biology and neuroscience. Since 2011 he worked for a major national research institute in Japan, RIKEN, where he worked on brain functions of mice. He joined Hiraki & Associates in January 2018.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney

Mr. Iwata obtained his masters degree for research in metal complex chemistry. He joined a major chemical manufacturer and worked on the research and development of functional inorganic materials. He joined Hiraki & Associates in November 2012, and specializes in inorganic material chemistry, photochemistry and analytical chemistry.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney
(also qualified as a representative for infringement actions)

Mr. Ikeda obtained his masters degree for research in biotechnology. He joined a pharmaceutical company and worked on the development of a transpulmonary preparation. After working for another international patent office, he joined Hiraki & Associates in September 2014. He specializes in organic chemistry, materials, pharmaceutical chemistry, and biotechnology.

Electrical Engineering and Communication Technology Litigation

Patent Attorney
(also qualified as a representative for infringement actions)
Manager of Electrical Engineering & Communication Technology Group

From his previous positions in industry and at another international patent firm, Mr. Matsumaru brings with him a wealth of experience in patent prosecution relating to image compression, data recording and reproduction (optical/magnetic), facsimiles, printers, medical instruments and telecommunications. Mr. Matsumaru is well versed in both domestic and foreign patent prosecution. In addition to being a registered Japanese Patent Attorney, Mr. Matsumaru passed the US Patent Bar Exam. He joined Hiraki & Associates in February 2006.

Mechanical Engineering and Materials

Patent Attorney
Manager of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Group

While working for major automobile corporation related enterprise company, Mr. Ito was involved in development of production facilities for an automobile manufacturing plant, factory, and was in charge of its operation. After working for a patent agency, he joined Hiraki & Associates in February 2008. Mr. Ito specializes mainly in general mechanical engineering (especially structures) and automobiles and related technology.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Patent Attorney
Manager of Biotechnology & Chemistry Group

Dr. Urushiyama obtained his doctorate from Kyushu University for research in RNA processing. From 1997, Dr. Urushiyama worked at Nagoya University as a postdoctoral fellow and then at Tokyo Medical and Dental University as an Assistant Professor researching intracellular signaling pathways relating to development and disease. Dr. Urushiyama joined Hiraki & Associates in March 2007 after working for another international patent firm. He specializes in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Electrical Engineering and Communication Technology Litigation

Vice President
Patent Attorney

During his career at the JPO, he held the positions of Examiner and Administrative Judge in the fields of mechanics and mechatronics, including hybrid engine vehicle (HEV), automobile engineering in general, fluid engineering and robot engineering. He also held the positions of Supervising Examiner, Chief Administrative Judge and Director of several Chiefs responsible for such fields as well as the Executive Chief Administrative Judge responsible for all Appeal/Trial decisions and all Suits against Appeal/Trial decisions made by the JPO, including Trademarks and Industrial Designs. During this time, he was also deeply involved in the IP field as a diplomat of MOFA in charge of WIPO/UPOV, as Director of a development and research division of ISTEC/SRL (International Superconductivity Technology Center/Superconductivity Research Laboratory) and as a Judicial Research Official of the Supreme Court as the primary one in the IP High Court having jurisdiction over two district courts (Tokyo and Osaka). After working at an international patent and trademark firm, he joined Hiraki & Associates in September 2018.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Executive Vice President
Patent Attorney

Mr. Tanaka worked for a foreign-owned pharmaceutical company from 1983 to 1998, where he conducted research in the fields of immunology and cell biology, and was involved in the development of immuno-diagnostic agents. From 1998 to 2001, Mr. Tanaka worked at another international patent firm dealing primarily with overseas patent applications. Mr. Tanaka joined Hiraki & Associates in February 2001 and specializes in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

Plant Variety

Technical Consultant

During his time at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr. Kanazawa was an Examiner and Chief Examiner with the Plant Variety Protection Office. Mr. Kanazawa was responsible for the establishment of UPOV Test Guidelines, as an expert of the technical working parties on the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).

Litigation

Consulting Attorney-at-law

Mr. Tanaka was appointed Assistant Judge of the Fukushima District Court in 1974. He started his career as an IP expert in 1991 as a Judge of the Intellectual Property Division of the Tokyo High Court. Mr. Tanaka served as Presiding Judge of the District Court in Tokyo and Yokohama from 2000 to 2004, as President of the District Court in Matsuyama and Nagano from 2005 to 2006, and as Presiding Judge of the Intellectual Property High Court in Tokyo from 2007 to 2009. He also worked as a counselor of the Litigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice in 1989, and as a counselor of the Minister’s Secretariat in 1998.
Mr. Tanaka was appointed as consulting attorney at law for Hiraki & Associates in 2012.

Biotechnology and Chemistry Trademarks and Designs

Adviser
Patent Attorney

During his career at the JPO, Mr. Yasuda was responsible for examination of applications relating to food technology, food machinery, medical instruments, and agricultural and marine products generally. He held the positions of Director, Chief Administrative Judge and head of a training institute. Mr. Yasuda was also deeply involved, as the person chiefly responsible, in the preparation of examination guidelines for food technology, and preparation of operating guidelines for biotechnology. Further, as head of the office for diffusion and promotion at the Science and Technology Agency, Mr. Yasuda was responsible for the invention promotion matters. Mr. Yasuda joined Hiraki & Associates in November 1995.

Trademarks and Designs Plant Variety Litigation

President
Patent Attorney (also qualified as a representative for infringement actions)

Mr. Hiraki majored in Anglo-American law, especially American contract law at university. After graduation, he was employed by a major telephone and telegraph company where he was engaged in establishment of business schemes and marketing plans. He joined Hiraki & Associates in April 1999.

Biotechnology and Chemistry

Vice President
Patent Attorney

During his career at the JPO, Mr. Fujita held the positions of Examiner and Administrative Judge in the fields of biotechnology, food processing and chemical engineering. During this time, Mr. Fujita was also deeply involved in the preparation of the Examination Guidelines for Biological Inventions, and with the International Cooperation Program. Further, during this time, Mr. Fujita was engaged in a short-term fellowship to study US Patent Practice as a researcher for the National Personnel Authority, and was also a Consul at the Consulate General in Munich responsible for intellectual property matters. Mr. Fujita joined Hiraki & Associates in January 2001.

Biotechnology and Chemistry Plant Variety

Chairman
Patent Attorney

During his career at the JPO, Mr. Hiraki was responsible for examination and appeal examination of applications in the fields of biotechnology, food technology, agricultural chemicals, fertilizers as well as agriculture, fishery and lumber processing-related machinery. Mr. Hiraki held the positions of Director and Chief Administrative Judge. He was deeply involved in, and the person chiefly responsible for, discrimination of policy, determination of handling process, and preparation of examination standards for biotechnology and plant-related patents.
Mr. Hiraki established the firm of HIRAKI & ASSOCIATES in 1984.