OSHIMA - Key Persons

Chihiro Iijima is a registered trademark attorney. Her practice focuses on the prosecution of trademark applications for Japan and foreign countries. She provides comprehensive services related to trademark rights including trademark clearance opinion, filings, oppositions, cancellation proceedings, agreements, and enforcement. She also assists in domain name matters.

Ikue Takahashi became a registered trademark attorney in 2014 and joined our firm in 2020. Ikue's practice focuses on clearance, procurement, maintenance, enforcement, and licensing of trademark rights. Ikue advises clients on all aspects related to trademarks, including searching, prosecution, opposition, cancellation proceedings, and enforcement. She handles a broad range of industries, and has particular experience in cosmetics, fashion, jewelry, food, and education services.

Kaori Sasaki is a registered patent attorney and joined our firm in 2015. She holds a master's degree in intellectual property law, which was her major at university. She wrote her thesis on the protection of colors in business. Although Kaori is a hardy traveler who never complained about her 5 hour round-trip commute to work, she is now happy to be living closer to the office and spending less time riding the train.

Job Titles:

• Partner
• Co - Founder of Oshima, Nishimura & Miyanaga

Masako Nishimura is co-founder of Oshima, Nishimura & Miyanaga PPC. Masako has about 30 years of experience in handling trademarks and designs for domestic and overseas clients. After qualifying as a patent/trademark attorney, Masako worked for Suzuye & Suzuye Patent Law Firm until August 2001, then became a partner in charge of trademarks at SHOYO IP Firm in Yokohama in September 2001. In May 2007, she founded Nishimura & Miyanaga, a boutique trademark firm, in Tokyo. Masako focuses on providing expert opinions on trademark and design matters requested by major brands from both legal and practical standpoints. Masako is also qualified as an IP Litigation attorney, handling disputes and litigation in the areas of trademarks and designs, and unfair competitions relating to both. Masako is active in the educational field, with many students both domestic and international. She has also written a large volume of articles, chapters and textbooks on law and practice relating to trademarks and unfair competition. In her spare time, Masako plays the piano, flute and cello. She loves talking over wine.

Job Titles:

• Partner
• Co - Founder of Oshima, Nishimura & Miyanaga

Sakae Miyanaga is co-founder of Oshima, Nishimura & Miyanaga PPC. He specializes in the management of trademark portfolios, including clearance search, prosecution, opposition, customs action, license, enforcement and global trademark protection strategy. After qualifying as a patent (trademark) attorney in 1998, Sakae began his professional career at the Suzuye & Suzuye Patent Law Firm and the Soei Patent Law Firm. In 2007, Sakae founded Nishimura & Miyanaga Trademark Attorneys PPC, and Oshima, Nishimura & Miyanaga PPC in 2014. His clients cover a broad range of industries with particular experience in fashion, distribution, entertainment, finance, food and computer services. Sakae has taught numerous seminars about local and global trademark practices to clients and trademark professionals from many different countries. His wealth of knowledge and expertise about foreign trademark systems including the Madrid system, and his global legal network, provide added value to clients. He attends WIPO conferences and meetings as a representative of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association. His knowledge has helped to publish the book of Indian trademark practice. Sakae speaks fluent English and Japanese. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Keio University. Sakae likes to play soccer and golf. He is not afraid of hitting a sand wedge 150 yards from a greenside bunker.

Takanobu Mori is a registered trademark attorney and joined our firm in 2023. Before moving into the intellectual property field, he had worked in a team managing one of the biggest online shopping marketplaces in Japan. Hence, he can provide legal advice with consideration of the particular rules and customs relating to online commerce for the facilitation of your business here. He loves the concept of "zen", having learned about it from Aikidou (a Japanese martial art) and Kyudou (Japanese archery) during his childhood.

Job Titles:

• Registered Trademark Attorney and an Original Member

Yasuko Shibata is a registered trademark attorney and an original member of Oshima, Nishimura & Miyanaga PPC. She studied intellectual property law in university and worked as a foreign patent prosecution assistant before qualifying as a patent attorney. Yasuko specializes in trademark and unfair competition cases and advises clients on Japanese trademark laws and unfair competition laws. She has extensive experience in all areas of trademark prosecution and trademark litigation, including trademark searches, availability analysis, preparation and filing of trademark applications, opposition proceedings, trial proceedings, trademark licensing and assignment of trademark rights. She also has broad experience in assisting international trademark matters. She has been involved in various contentious matters and has experience in drafting cease and desist letters, co-existence agreements and assisting negotiations. Yasuko loves cats and hopes to adopt one someday.