Masaki, a partner at Saegusa & Partners, a 70-year-old IP firm, is the head of Saegusa's International Client Department, and the co-head of Saegusa's Chemical and Biotech Department. He works with a diverse array of clients from various chemistry and biotech fields, including specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fibers, foods, personal care products, diagnostics, enzymes, and stem cells.
Prior to joining Saegusa in 2008, he gained valuable work experience in the chemical industry as a corporate researcher for Lion Corporation, one of Japan’s leading personal care product companies, and then served for over 5 years as the IP Department head of an Osaka University spin-off company that focused on regenerative medicine.
He is highly experienced in drafting and prosecuting patent applications. Additionally, having represented clients on many occasions, Masaki is also experienced in oppositions and nullity proceedings before the JPO, as well as appeals before the IP High Court. He frequently provides infringement and validity opinions.
To study EPO practice in depth, Masaki completed a year of intensive on-the-job training in Munich- (Vossius & Partner, Hoffmann Eitle) and London-based (Marks & Clerk) IP firms. Additionally, to assist Japanese clients doing business overseas, he frequently attends oral proceedings before both the Opposition Divisions and the Boards of Appeal of the EPO. This experience enables Masaki to provide European clients with advice on Japanese IP matters, while ensuring better understanding and satisfaction by doing so from the European practitioner’s perspective, particularly in view of the differences between the two regions.
Year Joined Firm: 2008
Education/Alumni: Kyoto University Master of Science – MS, Applied Life Science
