| Japan
Osamu Yamamoto is a patent attorney, a partner of YUASA and HARA and is the acting chief of the firm’s chemical section. The firm was established by Judge Toyotaro Yuasa in 1902. After undergoing several name changes, it was named YUASA and HARA in 1972. Since the early days of the firm, provision of an international service for both Japanese and foreign clients has been at the core of its legal and intellectual property practice.
Mr Yamamoto has experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and worked in the field of development at a chemical company for around ten years before specialising in intellectual property. In particular, Mr Yamamoto has worked in research into and development of bacterial production of a macromolecular sodium hyaluronate, and application thereof in injectable form for the treatment of knee joint pain arising from osteoarthritis. As a result of his background, he is keenly aware of the necessity for a patent strategy to be compatible with research and commercial development, and in his work he strives to provide effective protection for a client’s invention accordingly.
Mr Yamamoto has represented a variety of companies in the fields of food and beverages, diagnostics, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. He is experienced in all aspect of patent issues, including filing patent applications, dealing with JPO actions, providing expert opinions, defending or attacking patent rights in invalidation trials, and infringement litigation. Moreover, he also has wide experience in working in close strategic alliance with Japanese and US companies in the launch of new drugs in some counties.
Mr Yamamoto was chosen by Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards 2014 and 2015 as “Biotechnology Lawyer of the Year,” chosen by Corporate LiveWire Global Awards 2015 as “Biotechnology Lawyer of the Year,” and chosen by M&A Today Global Awards 2015 as “Biotechnology Lawyer of the Year.” He is listed in “Global Law Experts” as an expert in Patent Law in Japan.
