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Yoshiyuki Inaba

TMI Associates

2026_IP Stars IP Star.png
Position: Senior Partner, Patent Attorney
Rating:
  • Patent star
  • Trade mark star
Practice Areas:
Patent disputes
Trade mark disputes
IP transactions
Jurisdictions:
Industry Sectors:
Electrical
Mechanical
Artificial intelligence
Languages:
Japanese
English
Association/network memberships
  • Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA), 1974
  • International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property of Japan (AIPPI)
  • Licensing Executives Society Japan (LES JAPAN)
  • International Trademark Association (INTA)
  • Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA)
Biography

Yoshiyuki Inaba is a managing partner of TMI Associates. He heads the intellectual property group, utilizing his expertise in patent and trademark prosecution and enforcement. With over 50 years of experience, Mr. Inaba has earned a reputation as a top-level IP practitioner. 

Mr. Inaba oversees the daily management of each client’s IP portfolio, ensuring that proper protection is obtained and that the client’s interests are fully covered. He also handles and supervises patent and trademark lawsuits at both the District and Intellectual Property High Court levels, as well as invalidation procedures at the Japan Patent Office (JPO). In negotiations, including those regarding licensing, transfers, and general cooperative arrangements, his attention to detail ensures that the parties involved can experience a reasonable, amicable, and hassle-free transaction. 

In addition to his private practice, Mr. Inaba has held roles in various professional organizations, including the Japanese Patent Attorneys Association, where he served as vice president. He also offers a class on Japanese IP law and practice in affiliation with Santa Clara University (CA). In 2023, Mr. Inaba received the “Practitioner of the Year (Japan)” award from MIP IP Stars.

Year joined the firm: 1990

Education/Alumni
  • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Sophia University, 1973
Address:
23rd Floor, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi Minato-ku
Tokyo, 106-6123
Tel:+81036438561 Fax:+81364385622 Website:https://www.tmi.gr.jp/people/y-inaba.html