JAPAN Trends and Developments
Trends and Developments 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
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
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.
experience 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.
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