JAPAN Law and Practice Contributed by: Makoto Hattori, Rikita Karakawa, Wataru Takagishi and Taku Shibazaki, Abe, Ikubo & Katayama
Abe, Ikubo & Katayama (AIK), was founded in 1959 and is a premier litigation-driven firm renowned for its strategic, results-oriented representation in high- stakes disputes. AIK is particularly distinguished for its market-leading expertise in trade secret misap - propriation and complex intellectual property litiga - tion. The firm regularly handles technically demand - ing cases across the pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and high-tech sectors, leveraging deep scientific un - derstanding alongside legal prowess. Its team offers a comprehensive approach to trade secret protec - tion, seamlessly integrating civil litigation with strate -
gic coordination in criminal proceedings. This end-to- end service extends from pre-dispute investigations and preliminary injunctions to sophisticated appellate advocacy. With extensive experience in cross-border matters, AIK provides nuanced guidance to interna - tional clients on multi-jurisdictional issues and com - pliance frameworks. The firm’s reputation is built on a long history of protecting clients’ most critical pro - prietary assets through a profound understanding of both Japanese business culture and evolving global legal standards.
Authors
Makoto Hattori is a partner at Abe, Ikubo & Katayama, admitted to the Japanese Bar in 1998 and the New York Bar in 2002. He served in the Intellectual Property Policy Office of METI, playing a pivotal role in drafting
Wataru Takagishi is a partner at Abe, Ikubo & Katayama, admitted to Japanese Bar and New York Bar. His international background includes an LL.M. from the University of Chicago and professional experience at DLA
the legislative framework for trade secret criminal sanctions from 2001 to 2002. Since moving over to private practice, he has become a pre-eminent authority in trade secret litigation, notably serving as lead counsel in the landmark Nippon Steel v POSCO case. Makoto’s expertise extends to complex international patent disputes and cross-border negotiations. He is highly regarded as a rare specialist able to seamlessly integrate deep legislative insight with elite courtroom experience.
Piper Chicago, as well as firms in Munich. Wataru’s expertise spans IP and corporate law, bolstered by secondments to a global pharmaceutical company’s legal department and a major Japanese manufacturer’s IP department. He specialises in trade secret and IP disputes; licensing; establishing compliance frameworks for trade secret protection; providing practical advice through his business understanding; and comparative analysis of Japanese and US legal systems.
Rikita Karakawa is a partner at Abe, Ikubo & Katayama, admitted to the Japanese Bar in 2008 and the New York Bar in 2019. His professional background includes an LL.M. from the University of Chicago and experience
Taku Shibazaki is a senior associate at Abe, Ikubo & Katayama who specialises in various intellectual property matters, focusing on patents, trademarks, copyrights, unfair competition, and trade secrets.
practising at a leading intellectual property law firm in the US. Rikita specialises in high-stakes IP litigation and dispute resolution, with a particular focus on trade secret protection and complex patent cases. Beyond his IP expertise, he is highly experienced in general corporate matters, M&A, and insolvency. He provides strategic counsel on licensing and compliance, leveraging his broad legal background to support technology-driven companies in diverse areas.
He has extensive experience not only in domestic IP litigation and invalidation trials but also in cross- border IP disputes. Taku frequently assists foreign- headed corporate groups with their business activities in Japan. His expertise includes advising on the handling of information, with a particular focus on trade secrets, as well as providing strategic support in resolving disputes related to the misappropriation of trade secrets.
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