Shuichi Shitara
 
Shuichi studied in the U.K. from 1995 to 1997, and stayed in the U.S. from 2004 to 2007 for patent prosecution training, passing the U.S. patent bar exam in 2005. He has an excellent understanding of differences in patent practice and business culture among various jurisdictions and countries. The primary focus of his practice is patent prosecution and providing opinions of counsel on issues of non-infringement and invalidity, mainly in the technology fields of: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, material chemistry, printing, polymers, photochemistry, xerography and medical devices. In addition to Japan, his expertise covers patent prosecution/enforcement practices in the U.S., Europe, China and Korea.

Areas of Technical Expertise

Semiconductors, Electrophotography, Electronic Component Materials
General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Non-metallic Materials, Functional Materials, Polymers/Rubbers, Inks/Paints/Coating Materials, Fibers, Foods/Beverages

Qualifications

Patent Attorney (2003)
Passed U.S. patent bar exam (2005)

Membership

Japan Patent Attorneys Association
AIPPI: International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property of Japan
INTA: International Trademark Association
APAA: The Asian Patent Attorneys Association

Education

Hokkaido University, B.Sc. in Chemistry (1995)
Kent University at Canterbury (U.K.), M.A. with merit in International Relations (1997)

Professional Experience

Hitachi Cable, Ltd. (now Hitachi Metals, Ltd.) (1997-2002)
Taiyo, Nakajima & Kato (2002-)

Speaking and Teaching Engagements

"Overview of the Patent System in Japan and Effective IP Strategies for Chinese Applicants," Joint Seminar in Association with IP Sunny, Qingdao, P.R.China (2019)
"How to obtain patents in Artificial Intelligence related inventions in JAPAN," Seminar at Patent- und Markenzentrum Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart, Germany (2019)
"Effective IP Strategies and Practical Tips for doing business in Japan," Seminar at Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association (LAIPLA) Annual Meeting, U.S. (2019)
"Overview of the Patent Process and Effective IP Strategies for US companies doing business in Japan," Joint Seminar in Association with Bond Schoeneck & King Attorneys, Syracuse, U.S. (2018)
"Possible Actions against Patents of Competitors in Japan," Joint Seminar in Association with Dreiss Patentanwalt PartG mbB, Stuttgart, Germany (2017)
"Current Trends in Substantive Examination, and Recommendations on IP Enforcement in Japan," Joint Seminar in association with Beyond Attorneys at Law, Guangzhou, China (2017)
"Filing Strategies in Japan," IP-DAYS 2014, Meissner Bolte, Munich, Germany (2014)
"Inventive Step in Japan," IP-DAYS 2013, Meissner Bolte, Munich, Germany (2013)
"Overseas Patent Systems (China, the US and Europe)," Seminar for the Chugoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI Chugoku), Hiroshima (2011)
"Overseas Patent Systems (Comparative Introductions to China, the US and Europe)," Seminar for the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation (JIII), Kanagawa branch (2010)

Publications

Shitara, S. (2013), "Globalization and Patent Systems," Journal of World Affairs, September 2013 (Vol. 61, No. 9), Takushoku University, Institute of World Studies, pp. 61-75