ABOUT US

About KIPB

KIPB - Over 30 years serving the global IP community

We are a full-service intellectual property law firm based in Tokyo’s popular commercial hub—Shibuya, a district famous for its iconic Japanese brands and creative industries. Since our founding in 1993, we have remained committed to securing fast, accurate, and cost-effective international IP protection that provides long-term strategic advantages for our clients.

Our Story

When Mieko Kashiwabara founded our firm in 1993, the bubble of the Japanese economic miracle had just burst and many Japanese businesses were struggling to meet new and different commercial demands.


Mieko saw an opportunity to provide a more agile, streamlined, client-focused service than the larger, conventional IP practices in Japan, especially in communicating more sympathetically to overseas clients. With her own financing, she ventured out alone, steadily building up a diverse network of entrepreneurial clients and associates from all parts of the world that was outside the core streams of the more traditional Japanese firms.


Mieko retired in late 2019, but her international and forward-looking outlook remains a core principle of our firm today, and is key to distinguishing us from our competitors in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.

Our Story

When Mieko Kashiwabara established our firm in 1993, Japan’s economic bubble had just burst, forcing businesses to adapt to new commercial challenges.


Recognizing a gap in the market, Mieko set out to create a more agile, client-focused alternative to traditional Japanese IP law firms. With a deep understanding of international clients' needs, she built a global network of businesses and associates by prioritizing clear communication and efficient service.


Mieko retired in 2019, but her vision of an internationally minded, forward-thinking firm remains central to our identity. Today, we continue to set ourselves apart as one of Japan’s leading IP law firms, known for our global perspective and client-first approach.

What We Do

We provide end-to-end intellectual property services in Japan, covering all aspects of prosecution, enforcement, and portfolio management. Our expertise spans:

  • Patents (including PCT applications)
  • Utility models
  • Trademarks (including Madrid Protocol filings)
  • Design rights
  • Copyrights
  • IP licensing & litigation


Each year, we successfully handle hundreds of international patent and trademark filings under the PCT, Paris Convention, and Madrid Protocol systems, ensuring seamless protection for our clients worldwide.

Who We Serve

Our diverse client base includes multinational corporations, top-tier academic institutions, Silicon Valley startups, and independent innovators. With an extensive global network of trusted legal professionals, we offer fast, efficient, and customized IP services in Japan and around the globe.


We work with businesses and institutions across cutting-edge digital technology, life sciences, consumer electronics, automotive, fashion, and entertainment.


With partnerships spanning the US, UK, Canada, China, India, Australia, and across Europe, this global reach has given us valuable insight in developing effective strategies for the unique IP challenges each industry faces.

What We Do

We offer end-to-end IP planning and solutions for all aspects of prosecution and enforcement including patents, utility models, trademarks, designs, copyrights, portfolio management, licensing and litigation. We successfully handle several hundred international patents, utility model and trademark filings each year via international IP systems such as the PCT Treaty, Paris Convention and Madrid Protocol.

Who We Serve

Our client base includes well-known multinationals, eminent academic institutions, Silicon Valley start-ups, and individual entrepreneurs. Our global reach and expertise enable us to collaborate more fully with each client and create individually tailored IP solutions that meet their unique needs. We cooperate with a network of trusted international legal professionals to provide fast and efficient services in Japan and across the globe.

What makes us different?

Unlike many IP firms in Japan, our primary focus is on catering to the needs of non-domestic clients. Our team has developed unrivalled skills in articulating Japanese IP matters for a global audience.


IP issues can be complex, especially when it comes to another language and culture. We offer a distinct advantage over our regional competitors in our ability to provide informative analyses and interpretations at each stage of prosecution - all in clear English. This allows our clients to come to their decisions free from any unnecessary misunderstandings.


An interpersonal relationship with our clients is key to their IP success.

Patent Lawyers in Japan

The KIPB Difference

Unlike many Japanese intellectual property firms, our primary focus is on serving international clients. Our team excels at explaining complex Japanese IP matters in clear, precise terms, eliminating confusion and streamlining decision-making.


We understand that IP issues can be complex, especially when it comes to another language and culture. We offer a distinct advantage in our ability to provide informative analyses, strategic insights and personalized service at every stage of prosecution and enforcement. This allows our clients to concentrate on decisions free from any unnecessary misunderstandings.


A strong, interpersonal relationship with our clients is key to their IP success.

Why Clients Choose Us

Proven Experience

We've successfully filed 1000s of applications from overseas clients.

Since 1993, we’ve filed thousands of patents for global clients, from corporations to startups. Our expertise ensures strong IP protection in Japan.

Clear, Effective Communication

We ensure a clear understanding through the prosecution process.

We bring clarity to Japan's IP system with bilingual guidance, ensuring you understand every step of the patent process and make confident, informed decisions

Uncompromising Quality

Our bi-lingual attorneys ensure your IP complies with local practices.

Our globally experienced, bilingual attorneys and in-house translators deliver high-quality IP rights, precise claim scope, and compliance with Japan’s exacting IP standards.

Transparent, Fair Pricing

We provide comprehensive, transparent estimates upfront.

We provide comprehensive, transparent estimates upfront. No hidden costs or billable hours. Sympathetic fee schedules for start-ups and smaller clients.

Tailored, Client-Centered Approach

We tailor IP solutions to enable you to make informed choices.

Your IP needs are unique. We customize IP strategies to fit your needs, leveraging decades of experience to help you make confident, insightful choices.

Agility & Versatility

Our boutique approach means we provide faster responses to you.

As an IP boutique, we provide faster, more responsive service tailored to your specific needs—unlike conservative IP firms in Japan with rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches.

Global Network, Local Expertise

Our international network of IP professionals is available to you.

Our trusted international network of IP professionals in the US, UK, Europe, India and China ensures seamless patent protection, aligning your IP strategy with global markets.

You're Our People

This means you too. We are one team working to realize your ideas.

At KIPB, "our people" means you, too. We’re always here to listen, provide guidance, and work alongside you at every stage. Together, let's turn your ideas into assets.

We have experts and attorneys in these and related fields

  • Aerospace   
  • Agritech   
  • AI for Healthcare   
  • Audio/Visual Technologies   
  • Automotive   
  • Autonomous Vehicles   
  • Biochemistry   
  • Biotech   
  • Blockchain Technology   
  • Chemicals   
  • Civil Engineering   
  • Cybersecurity   
  • Data Analytics   
  • Defence   
  • Digital Healthcare   
  • E-commerce   
  • Electronics   
  • Energy   
  • Entertainment   
  • FinTech   
  • Food Tech   
  • Gaming & Virtual Reality
  • Genomics   
  • Green Tech   
  • Health Care   
  • Information Technology (IT)   
  • Life Sciences   
  • Luxury Goods   
  • Mechanical Engineering   
  • Medical & Health Technologies   
  • Medical Devices   
  • Neuroscience   
  • Optics   
  • Pharmaceuticals   
  • Renewable Energy   
  • Retail Tech   
  • Robotics   
  • Semiconductor Technology   
  • Smart Manufacturing   
  • Space Technology   
  • Telecommunications   
  • Transport & Mobility Solutions   
  • Wearable Technologies   
  • Web-based Communications
Wave Art

KIPB - A 21st Century IP service for a 21st Century Japan.

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Unlocking Japan's Potential Together

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