U.S. Patent Attorney

Taiyo, Nakajima & Kato, a top Japanese patent firm with a long history, is seeking a U.S. patent attorney to work at its main office in Tokyo, Japan. Qualified candidates will be licensed by the USPTO and at least one U.S. state bar, and will have 3-6 years of post-qualification experience filing and prosecuting U.S. patent applications and drafting opinions of counsel.

A degree in electrical engineering, chemistry or biotechnology is preferred, but significant experience in these areas will be considered in conjunction with other technical backgrounds. Japanese language ability, design application experience, litigation support, and previous work as local counsel for foreign firms are also desirable but not required.

Applicants should have strong interpersonal skills and problem-solving capacities, with an ability to communicate clearly and collaborate well with Japanese support staff and patent professionals, while being able to work independently and efficiently on U.S. legal matters with high quality standards and effective case management. The successful candidate will also be flexible, patient and adaptable to working in an international law firm environment.

Willingness and ability to navigate issues associated with living and working outside the U.S. are a must.

Taiyo seeks a practitioner who will remain with the firm on a long-term basis, to carry on the next phase of the firm's U.S. patent prosecution services. This may include an opportunity to participate in management of the U.S.

-based filing entity through which the firm's U.S. direct-filing services are implemented. As such, the compensation package for this position is highly competitive for the Tokyo market, and the firm will provide logistical assistance with matters such as visa procurement, if needed. Employees will be enrolled in the Japanese National Health Insurance and National Pension programs.

USPTO registration. Member of at least one state bar in the United States.