Patent Law

We are a large Tokyo IP law firm with more than 50 patent attorneys, including two licensed in the US, one licensed in China, and one licensed in South Korea. We are seeking a USPTO-licensed attorney with at least 5 years experience in US prosecution, writing opinions of counsel, and general client counseling. Because there are only two US patent attorneys in the firm, the position calls for a generalist who can adapt to the ever-increasing array of technologies presented to us by our clients. Representative tech areas we currently handle include, for example, LCDs, color filters, electroluminescent displays, CCDs, radiation detectors, xerography, optical and magnetic recording media, printing plates, printing drums, ink-jet printers, printing inks, semiconductors, software, business methods and general mechanical.

The position will involve primarily the following responsibilities:
? On a daily basis, engaging in all aspects of patent prosecution with the USPTO, with the heaviest emphasis being on analyzing and responding to office actions.  There will be some reviewing, editing, and filing of patent applications with the USPTO.  In most cases, the patent applications will consist of English translations of Japanese patent applications that were originally filed with the Japanese Patent Office.  The position requires very little original patent application drafting.
? Often preparing non-infringement and invalidity opinions.
? Occasionally working on other IP projects involving licensing, trademarks, and client counseling on basic patent litigation issues.
? Occasionally educating our Japanese patent attorneys, support staff and clients regarding US patent law.
? Occasionally traveling within Japan to meet with clients.
? Infrequently traveling to our branch office in the US.

For the successful candidate, we will provide, among other things:
? An annual salary that is competitive with salaries at patent firms in the US.
? A reasonable work-week (typically less than 45 hours/week) and no billable hour requirement.
? A vacation package that includes 15 days paid vacation per year, in addition to all Japanese national holidays (there are approximately 13 yearly national holidays in Japan).
? Sponsorship for obtaining the appropriate Japanese working visa.
? Assistance in locating and securing housing and other necessities such as home utility services and cellular telephone service.
? Reimbursement for daily commuting expenses (if applicable).
? Reasonable relocation expense reimbursement for the move from the US to Japan.
? Eligibility to join the Japanese national social insurance plan.
? Reimbursement for expenses associated with fulfilling mandatory state bar CLE requirements (if applicable).
? Reimbursement for expenses associated with attending conferences in order to keep abreast of new developments in the area of patent law.

One of the most important requirements of this position is that the attorney must feel confident working independently without supervision. Japanese language skills are not required for this position. The working atmosphere is very relaxed.??

Contact:
Interested candidates are encouraged to send a cover letter and resume (as PDF or MS Word attachment) in confidence to: TokyoIPAttorney@gmail.com.

Additional Info:
Employer Type: Law Firm
Job Location: Tokyo, Japan