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Hiroe and Associates

Japan

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Key contacts
Chairman: Takenori HIROE
Quick facts
Firm - Year of Establishment

1979

Number of Partners

4

Total Number of IP Practitioners

18

Languages Spoken at the Firm

Japanese, English, Chinese, Swedish, Urdu

Network Memberships

INTA, AIPPI, APAA, FICPI, JIPA, CTA

Key practice areas
Intellectual property
Trade mark
Patent
Trade mark - domestic firms
Firm overview

Hiroe and Associates has been providing intellectual property legal services since Takenori Hiroe founded the firm in 1979. Takenori Hiroe graduated from Gifu University with a degree in textile engineering in 1971, and then began working in research and development at Japan Vilene Company, Ltd. in Tokyo. He obtained his patent attorney’s license in 1978, and in 1979 he returned to Gifu to open his practice.

Since then, it has grown into an organization with clients and associates all over the world. With the success of its international section attributable to the individual skills of each section member, the firm’s service continues to perform and improve. In 2011, Chairman Takenori Hiroe received a Medal of Merit award from the Emperor of Japan, personally recommended by the JPO Commissioner, for his long-time services as a patent attorney.

Led by Takenori Hiroe, the team of experienced patent attorneys, technical specialists, administrative staff, and in-house translators is globally trusted by our clients due to our precision, speed, reliability, and cost performance, and is accomplished for demonstrating a skilled legal proficiency regarding all areas of intellectual property.

The firm has been voted as one of the top patent prosecution firms in Japan by various legal publications, magazines, and is continually practicing the firm’s management philosophy "to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the clients."

ESG and diversity achievements

-    ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)

Our firm is guided by the principle of contributing to the technological and cultural development of society through intellectual property. Grounded in strict compliance with applicable laws and regulations and high ethical standards, we are committed to ESG-focused management and to fostering continuous communication that builds trust with all members of our firm and all of our clients. We also promote global intellectual property support through close collaboration with our overseas partner firms.

-    DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

We respect the individuality of each employee and embrace diversity in all its forms, including race, nationality, language, gender, age, values, and religion. We are committed to maintaining and continually improving a workplace environment in which every member of our firm can recognize their own value and fully realize their potential.

Practice Areas & Sector Specialisations

Key IP Areas

Intellectual property, Patent prosecution, Patent contentious, Trade mark prosecution, Trade mark contentious, Designs, Copyright & related rights, IP Infringement lawsuit, IP transactions

Key Sector Expertise

Electrical, Computer technology & services, Semiconductors, Telecommunication, Automotive, Nanotechnology, Chemical, Life science, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Medical device, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Technology hardware

Address:
4-3, usa 3-Chome,
Gifu city
500-8368
Tel:+81582762175 Fax:+81582687602 Email:Contact Us Web Address:http://www.hiroe.co.jp/en/
2026 Edition
Patent prosecution - domestic firms
Tier 3
19 firms ranked
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Tier 1

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Tier 2

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Tier 3

Abe Ikubo & Katayama
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Hiroe and Associates
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Kyowa Patent and Law Office
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Trade mark - domestic firms
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Tier 2

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Tier 3

Aoyama & Partners
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Other Notable Firms

Asamura IP
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Overview

Hiroe and Associates handles a wide range of trade mark matters, including applications, infringement issues, and licensing. The team also assists clients with unfair competition and copyright infringement matters. Its patent team is well-known for its prosecution services. It has industry sector strength in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. 

Notable IP practitioners: Takenori Hiroe, Masanori Hiroe, Satoshi Hashimoto, Tetsunori Yoshida 

Testimonials

2026

"I appreciate the team's deep expertise in IP litigation strategy and their proactive communication throughout the case. They are highly responsive and always keep me updated on progress, which gives me confidence in the process."

"The team is meticulous in handling IP filings and prosecutions, ensuring all details are accurate and deadlines are met. Their administrative support is efficient, and they provide clear guidance on the entire process, making it easy to understand and follow."

"I like that the team provides strategic, tailored IP advice that aligns with our business goals. They are knowledgeable about both local and international IP regulations, and their advice is practical and easy to implement."

"The team provides a high level of professionalism and efficiency. They respond to inquiries very promptly and with clear, well-reasoned explanations, which gives us confidence in their IP filing, prosecution, and administrative support."

"Their IP advisory work is thoughtful and well reasoned. The team provides clear guidance that is helpful for decision-making, especially in complex prosecution and strategy-related matters."

Satoshi Hashimoto

"He is highly responsive to client inquiries. He also demonstrates strong attention to detail in case management, ensuring all tasks are completed accurately and on time."

"Satoshi Hashimoto is highly professional and responsive. They handle inquiries promptly, provide clear and well-reasoned explanations, and ensure that our cases are managed efficiently."

 

2025

"Hiroe's team is very responsive, very knowledgeable with respect to the law and technology, and very reasonably priced."

"We like Hiroe's personal attention to our matters. Their team is big enough so that they can handle large workloads, but small enough that every matter receives personal attention."

Linked Reviews
Patent

Case studies show the team handled various appeals against decisions of refusal for clients. 

Trade mark

Case studies show the team assisted clients with trade mark applications and provided interim support. 

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