Member
Introduction

PresidentPatent Attorney

Mitsuharu Kiuchi ／ Registration No.8196

Mitsuharu Kiuchi has been practicing as a patent attorney for 46 years, specializing in patents, designs, and trademarks. He is known for his ability to provide clear, easy-to-understand explanations across a wide range of technologies, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, and computer science.

Drawing on his deep understanding of both the legal system and practical procedures, Mr. Kiuchi brings valuable insight to every case. His experience includes serving on the Design Examination Committee for the national patent attorney examination, reflecting his authority in the field. In recent years, he has been increasingly involved in cases related to AI technologies, particularly generative AI and machine learning, including applications and invalidation trials.

In intellectual property litigation, Mr. Kiuchi excels at strategic planning that integrates both legal and technical perspectives. He has contributed to securing favorable outcomes in numerous complex cases. These achievements, he emphasizes, are the result not of individual effort alone, but of longstanding trust and collaboration with colleagues at the firm.

He believes that the role of a modern patent attorney is to grasp the essence of technology while maintaining a sound legal viewpoint. Committed to adaptability and continuous growth regardless of age, he continues to earn the trust of a broad range of clients—from major corporations to SMEs and individual inventors.

March 1972
Graduated from Waseda University, School of Commerce
April 1972
Joined Shinwa Law & Patent Office
December 1976
Registered as a Patent Attorney (Japan Patent Office)
April 1979
Established Kiuchi Patent Office
FY1994
Appointed Vice President, Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA)
FY1998
Appointed Chairman, Design Committee, JPAA
FY2000
Appointed Chairman, Standing Committee, JPAA
President Patent Attorney Mitsuharu Kiuchi Registration No.8196

Patent Attorney
Koichi Ohkuma ／ Registration No.11256

Koichi Ohkuma is a veteran patent attorney with over 30 years of experience in patent law. He is highly regarded for his ability to distill complex technical matters—such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment—into clear, easy-to-understand descriptions that capture the essential points of each invention.

In the area of computer-related technologies, he draws on his background as a network engineer to bring both technical insight and strategic thinking to application drafting and prosecution.

In addition to patents, he has extensive experience in trademark applications, prosecution, and dispute resolution, and is well-versed in brand protection strategies. Clients value his accurate and thorough documentation, as well as his sincere, attentive communication—qualities that enable him to fully understand technical backgrounds and client objectives.

He has been affiliated with Kiuchi Patent & Law since his university days and has long been a trusted and integral part of the firm. Known for his calm demeanor and strong sense of responsibility, he is widely trusted by both clients and colleagues as a dependable, approachable professional.

March 1992
Graduated from Waseda University, School of Law
April 1992
Joined Kiuchi Patent Office
November 1998
Registered as a Patent Attorney (Japan Patent Office)
Patent Attorney Koichi Ohkuma Registration No.11256

Patent Attorney
Sadanori Katagiri ／ Registration No.16350

Sadanori Katagiri handles a broad range of technical fields, including chemistry and materials, electrical technologies such as reactors and magnetic powder cores, medical devices, optical lenses, multifunction machines, and industrial software. He also has experience with IT-related inventions and applications involving development tools.

In the process of uncovering inventions, he places great importance on attentive communication with clients. He listens closely to their ideas to identify potential technical value and focuses on expressing the core technical concepts clearly and effectively in the specifications.

He is committed to bridging the gap between technology and legal protection by maximizing the value of intellectual property, while maintaining a close, collaborative relationship with his clients.

March 1999
Graduated from Sophia University, Faculty of Science and Technology
November 2008
Registered as a Patent Attorney (Japan Patent Office)
August 2010
Joined Kiuchi Patent Office
Patent Attorney Sadanori Katagiri Registration No.16350

Patent Attorney
Ryoji Maruyama ／ Registration No.13676

Ryoji Maruyama joined Kiuchi Patent & Law in 2016 and specializes in drafting patent applications in the field of electrical and electronics technologies, including those related to social infrastructure and advanced electronics systems.

With a solid engineering background and hands-on experience in the field, he is known for his precise, detail-oriented drafting skills, which have earned him the trust of clients, particularly in patent prosecution within the electrical and electronics sectors.

He places strong emphasis on clear client communication and strives to achieve both accuracy and speed in his work. His goal is to consistently guide clients' technologies toward successful intellectual property protection.

March 1981
Graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Engineering
December 2004
Registered as a Patent Attorney (Japan Patent Office)
April 2016
Joined Kiuchi Patent & Law
Patent Attorney Ryoji Maruyama Registration No.13676

Attorney at LawPatent Attorney
Kanako Kiuchi
Attorney at Law ／ Registration No.37907
Patent Attorney ／ Registration No.21701

Kanako Kiuchi is both a registered attorney-at-law and patent attorney, allowing her to handle a wide spectrum of domestic and international intellectual property matters. Her practice spans patent, design, and trademark applications, office actions, oppositions and invalidation trials, as well as IP-related contracts and litigation.

With a strong foundation in chemical and mechanical technologies, she excels in combining technical understanding with legal structure, drawing from her previous hands-on experience. She is particularly known for drafting clear, practical agreements—such as licensing, joint development, and confidentiality contracts—and for preparing persuasive legal documents for disputes like oppositions and trials for invalidation.

She also has extensive experience working with foreign associates and managing international and foreign trademark applications, making her a reliable advisor on cross-border IP matters. At Kiuchi Patent & Law, she collaborates closely with patent attorneys and engineers, placing great importance on a team-based, cross-disciplinary approach.

She values each client relationship as a "once-in-a-lifetime" encounter and is trusted by both corporate and individual clients for her thoughtful communication, approachable demeanor, and consistent support—from initial consultation through to resolution of disputes.

March 2002
Graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Commerce
October 2008
Registered as Attorney-at-Law (Japan)
April 2011
Joined Kiuchi Patent & Law
Attorney at Law Patent Attorney Kanako Kiuchi Registration No.37907

Attorney at Law
Hiroshi Nishisaka ／ Registration No.55426

Hiroshi Nishisaka is an attorney-at-law with a strong technical foundation, particularly in electrical and mechanical engineering. With a degree in mechanical engineering, he began his career at Kiuchi Patent & Law as a patent attorney, gaining hands-on experience in drafting patent specifications and managing prosecution. He later expanded his practice to include legal affairs, becoming a registered attorney and taking on matters such as litigation, invalidation trials, and contract negotiation and enforcement.

He provides end-to-end support across a wide range of IP matters, including dispute resolution, IP strategy, and contract drafting and review. He is highly regarded for his ability to deliver practical, solutions-oriented legal advice grounded in a deep understanding of technical content, with keen awareness of legal risks and strategic considerations.

Known for his calm demeanor and approachability, Mr. Nishisaka is trusted by both clients and colleagues. He plays a central role in the firm's integrated legal-technical support system, working closely with patent attorneys and engineers to ensure seamless service from filing to enforcement. With both scientific expertise and legal acumen, he exemplifies the firm's hands-on, multidisciplinary approach to intellectual property law.

March 2007
Graduated from Tokyo Metropolitan University, Faculty of Engineering
January 2009
Joined Kiuchi Patent & Law
February 2009
Registered as Attorney-at-Law (Japan)
March 2012
Earned Master's Degree, Tokai University Graduate School of Law (Practice and Jurisprudence)
Attorney at Law Hiroshi Nishisaka Registration No.55426

Patent Engineer
N.Y.

Yoshiki Nakazawa has been with Kiuchi Patent & Law since 1983, having first connected with the firm's founder, Mitsuharu Kiuchi, through a high school acquaintance. Although he majored in law at university, he began his career at the firm as an engineer, and for over 40 years has carefully and faithfully supported a wide range of cases, primarily in patents, designs, and trademarks.

He has been involved in various technical fields, including mechanical, electrical, and information technologies. Known within the firm for his calm demeanor and courteous communication, he has long played a steady and dependable role in supporting the firm's daily operations with quiet dedication and professionalism.

Outside of work, his interests include Kyudo (Japanese archery) and participating in sign language circles. The calm focus of Kyudo and the thoughtfulness required in sign language are reflected in his polite and sincere approach to work. His composed personality and respectful manner have earned the trust of both clients and colleagues alike.

Patent Engineer N.Y.

General Manager, Engineering Supervisory Division
Tomoharu Kiuchi

Tomoharu Kiuchi serves as the General Manager of the Engineering Supervisory Division, overseeing administrative, accounting, and general affairs functions under the direction of the firm's patent attorneys and attorneys-at-law. He plays a vital role in ensuring smooth operations by coordinating indirect departments and providing organizational support across the entire office.

On a daily basis, he is responsible for monitoring and visualizing case progress, supporting deadline management, and promoting information sharing among departments. He also helps organize priorities, creating an environment in which patent attorneys, lawyers, engineers, and staff can focus on their core responsibilities without operational distractions.

As General Manager, he is actively engaged in workplace improvement initiatives, including workflow reform and efficiency reviews, which have contributed to enhancing both productivity and teamwork across the organization. His ability to understand the roles and strengths of each team member, along with his flexible, people-centered management style, has earned him broad trust both within and outside the firm.

Driven by the belief that "Together we can build a better IP department," he is particularly focused on reducing the operational burden faced by client IP teams. Working closely with our attorneys, he is dedicated to establishing reliable back-office support systems that provide peace of mind and operational continuity. From behind the scenes, he continues to support the foundation of trust that enables effective intellectual property operations.

Tomoharu Kiuchi

Patent Engineer
Takaharu Kiuchi

With a background in science and engineering and experience in patent prosecution, Takaharu Kiuchi provides a wide range of technical and operational support within the firm. He works closely with patent attorneys and engineers, assisting with tasks such as reviewing technical documents and drafting patent specifications. He also brings specialized knowledge in areas such as AI, sensors, and electronic circuits, offering valuable support through effective information analysis and logical structuring.

In addition to his technical contributions, he plays an active role in enhancing the office's IT infrastructure and cloud-based operations, helping to visualize task progress and streamline workflow. He is also involved in accounting and finance operations, contributing to the firm's commitment to transparency and accountability.

With a flexible and sincere approach, he supports the firm's overall operations by maintaining an environment in which all staff—legal, technical, and administrative—can focus on their work with peace of mind. His ability to see the big picture while managing day-to-day details makes him an indispensable part of the firm's support system.

Takaharu Kiuchi