.png?width=500&height=250&name=%E7%9F%A5%E7%9A%84%E8%B2%A1%E7%94%A3%E4%BA%8B%E5%8B%99%E6%89%80%E3%82%A8%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%20(500%20%C3%97%20250%20px).png)
IP COUNSEL / RETAINER
🤝 Retainer Services
Flat-rate plan starting at 30,000 yen per month — A dedicated patent attorney provides ongoing, one-stop support for your company’s intellectual property
Introduction to Our Consulting Service Plans
Table of Contents
- What Is a Retained Patent Attorney?
- 5 Benefits of a Retainer Agreement
- Differences from One-Time Engagements
- How to Use Our Services
- Plans & Pricing (5 Plans)
- Guide to Choosing a Plan
- Nationwide Service & Online Consultations
- Major Consulting Projects (by Industry)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Free Consultation & Inquiries
What Is a Retained Patent Attorney?
A retained patent attorney is a patent attorney who enters into an ongoing retainer agreement with a company or sole proprietor and, for a fixed monthly fee, handles all consultations and filing procedures related to intellectual property (patents, trademarks, designs, copyrights, trade secrets, etc.). We work alongside you to design and execute intellectual property strategies that align with the growth of your business.
📌 Features of the Retained Patent Attorney Service
- Fixed monthly fee: No per-consultation charges
- Dedicated Patent Attorney: A patent attorney with a deep understanding of your company’s business and technology will serve as your consistent point of contact
- Collaborative IP Strategy: We go beyond one-off filing representation to design an IP portfolio tailored to your business growth
- Emergency Response: Prompt handling of urgent matters such as notices of rejection, infringement warnings, and unauthorized trademark registrations
- One-Stop Service: Comprehensive coverage ranging from patents, trademarks, and designs to copyrights, contract reviews, and dispute resolution
- Member Rates: Application and litigation fees for individual cases are kept low through member rates
This service is ideal for companies—from technology-based startups to publicly traded firms—that want to maximize the use of intellectual property as a “business asset.”
5 Benefits of a Retainer Agreement
⚡ 1. Immediate Consultation and Response
Feel free to consult with us anytime via phone, chat, or email. We treat urgent matters (such as infringement warnings or notices of rejection) as top priority.
💡 2. Support for Your IP Strategy
Long-term IP portfolio design aligned with your business plan. A strategic perspective that cannot be achieved through one-off application services.
📚 3. In-House IP Training
We continuously conduct invention brainstorming sessions, training programs, and seminars to enhance IP literacy among engineers.
💰 4. Member Rates & Priority Service
Individual cases—such as applications, litigation, and investigations—are handled at member rates. This results in total cost savings of 10–30% compared to one-off requests.
🔒 5. Proactive Risk Mitigation
We minimize litigation risks through freedom-to-operate (FTO) searches prior to new product releases, contract reviews, and early detection of trademark infringement.
Differences from One-Time Engagements
| Item | Retained Patent Attorney Services | One-Time Engagements |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Structure | Fixed monthly fee (starting at 30,000 yen) | Quotes provided on a case-by-case basis |
| Consultation | Unlimited, Immediate Response | Billed by the hour |
| Assigned Patent Attorney | Dedicated and Fixed | May vary by case |
| Business Understanding | In-depth (ongoing) | Assessed on a case-by-case basis |
| Emergency Response | Top priority | Delays may occur during peak times |
| Application Agency Fees | Member Price (Discount) | Standard Price |
| Budget Management | Predictable with a fixed monthly fee | Varies by month |
| Recommended Scenarios | Ongoing applications, multiple projects, and technology companies | One-time projects, small-scale operations, and low-frequency needs |
How to Use
Free Consultation and Initial Interview
We will discuss your business operations, current IP status, and your specific needs. Once an NDA is signed, you can feel free to discuss detailed technical information with us.
Proposal of the Optimal Plan
Based on your business scale, filing frequency, and the scope of support required, we will propose the most suitable plan from among five options.
Signing the Retainer Agreement
Once the plan is finalized, we will sign a retainer agreement. We will assign a dedicated patent attorney and provide their contact information (phone, LINE, Slack, etc.).
Assessing IP Status and Formulating Strategy
We will conduct an inventory of existing patents, trademarks, and designs; perform competitor analysis; and formulate an IP portfolio strategy aligned with your business plan.
Ongoing Consultation and Support
You can consult with us on a daily basis via phone, LINE, chat, or online meetings. We also support you by holding regular meetings to identify new inventions and helping you determine the optimal timing for filing applications.
Periodic Reviews and Strategy Updates
We review your IP status and reassess your strategy through quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reviews. We continuously optimize your strategy to align with changes in your business.
Plans & Pricing (5 Plans)
You can choose from 5 plans based on your business size, filing frequency, and the scope of support required. All plans feature a fixed monthly fee and include support via consultation, phone, and chat.
| Plan Name | Small | Medium | Large | Premium | IP Consulting Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Investment Amount (excluding tax) | 30,000 yen | 50,000 yen | 100,000 yen | 150,000 yen | To be discussed |
| Estimated Frequency of Service | 1–2 times per month | Once a week | Twice a week | 3 times a week | |
| Specialist Availability Hours | 3 hours | 5 hours | 10 hours | 15 hours | |
| Strategy Consultation | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | |
| ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| Document Review |
Additional Fee | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | |
| ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| Strategy Document Preparation | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | |
| Separate fee | Separate fee | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| Strategic Research and Analysis | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | |
| ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| Deadline Management Service | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | |
| Provision of the Latest Information | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | |
| ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ||
| Special Discount | ◯ (Subject to consultation) | ◯ (Subject to consultation) | ◯ (Subject to consultation) | ◯ (Subject to consultation) | |
| Other Support | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | |
| ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
Related Services
Please see our other intellectual property services
Guide to Choosing a Plan
For those unsure which plan is best, we’ve compiled recommended plans based on your business phase and number of applications.
Small (30,000 yen per month)
For sole proprietors and early-stage startups. Suitable for 1–2 applications per year, with a focus on regular consultations.
Medium (50,000 yen/month)
For small and medium-sized businesses and startups in the growth phase. 3–5 applications per year, with monthly meetings.
Large (100,000 yen per month)
For mid-sized companies and large enterprises conducting R&D. Includes 5–10 patent applications per year, biweekly meetings, and in-house training.
Premium (150,000 yen per month)
For large corporations and publicly traded companies. Includes weekly meetings, dispute resolution, and contract reviews.
IP Consulting Division (Upon Consultation)
Full outsourcing of your IP department and establishment of a structure equivalent to that of a CIPO (Chief Intellectual Property Officer).
💡 Plans can be flexibly adjusted to match your business growth. You can change your plan (upgrade or downgrade) at any time during the contract period. Many clients start with the Small plan and expand as their business grows.
Service Area
We receive inquiries regarding intellectual property from all over Japan.
Our patent attorneys will visit you in regional areas and at your manufacturing facilities!
We handle requests from all over Japan. Although our headquarters is located in central Tokyo, even for companies with factories or manufacturing sites in regional areas, our patent attorneys will travel to your location to inspect your actual products, including manufacturing processes and production lines.
In addition, our firm supports a wide range of communication tools, including phone (main office line and the assigned patent attorney’s cell phone), online consultations (Zoom, Skype, etc.), email, and chat (LINE, Teams, ChatWork, Slack, Messenger, Discord, etc.), so you can consult with us using your preferred method.
%20(400%20%C3%97%20250%20px).png?width=1250&height=781&name=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%BB%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E3%82%AA%E3%83%95%E3%82%A3%E3%82%B9%20(500%20%C3%97%20250%20px)%20(400%20%C3%97%20250%20px).png)
Our Firm's Track Record
IT Companies
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- IoT
- Blockchain
- Security
- FinTech
- NFT (Non-Fungible Token)
- DApps (Decentralized Applications)
- Startups and Venture Companies
- Companies aiming for an IPO or buyout
Electronics and Machinery
- Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturers
- Home Appliance Manufacturers
- Beauty Equipment Manufacturers
- Automotive Parts Manufacturers
- Metal Fabrication and Mold Manufacturers
Service Industry
- Restaurants
- Advertising Agencies
- Funeral Services
- Real Estate, Construction, and Paints
- Financial Services, Foreign-Owned Companies
- Trading Companies
- Acupuncture clinics, chiropractic clinics, dental offices, obstetrics and gynecology clinics, general clinics, etc.
Structural Products & Household Goods
- Plastic Molding
- Household Goods
Public Institutions, etc.
- Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Osaka Design Center (General Incorporated Foundation)
- Tokyo Noodle Cooperative Association
Specialized Institutions
- Medical Institutions and Medical Corporations
- Biotech startups
- Universities
- Professionals such as patent attorneys, attorneys at law, judicial scriveners, administrative scriveners, and social insurance and labor consultants, etc.
Fashion
- Apparel
- Bags, Shoes
- Cosmetics
- Shampoo, Conditioner
- Beauty (Hair Removal, Spa Treatments, etc.)
Sole Proprietors
- Sole proprietors (retailers on Amazon, Rakuten, etc.)
- Handmade artisans (on platforms such as minne and Creema)
Other
- General Incorporated Association
- General Incorporated Foundation
- Business Cooperative
- NPO Corporation
- Medical Institutions and Medical Corporations
- Biotech Startups
"Frequently Asked Questions" About Patent Attorney Advisory Services
Q : Is there a minimum contract term for advisory services?
Q : Are application filing fees included in the retainer fee?
Q Is there a limit to the number of consultations per month?
Q Is there a dedicated patent attorney assigned to me?
Q : Can I change my plan?
Q : Do you provide support for international applications?
Q : Does this include handling infringement warning letters and litigation?
Q : Can you assist companies located in regional areas?
Q : Can we sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?
Q : Is a free consultation available?
Free Consultation & Inquiries
Free Consultation on Patent Attorney Advisory Services
Our firm proposes the optimal retainer plan tailored to your business phase, industry, and intellectual property situation. From ongoing support for intellectual property strategies aligned with your business plan to emergency response and in-house training, our dedicated patent attorneys provide one-stop support for your company’s intellectual property needs.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions, to compare our plans, or to discuss the best plan for your business.
Business Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
Related Services
Please also check out our other intellectual property services
FAQ
Our company is small—is it possible to enter into a consulting agreement?
Yes, even small businesses can certainly enter into a consulting agreement. By engaging a specialized patent attorney from the early stages, we can help you prevent intellectual property disputes before they arise and propose strategies to effectively protect your company’s technology and brand. We’ll help you achieve the best possible results even with a limited budget.
Is it possible to visit the company or factory?
Of course. Our consulting patent attorneys will travel anywhere in the country to visit your factories and manufacturing facilities to inspect the actual manufacturing processes and products. This allows us to accurately assess your company’s specific circumstances and formulate the optimal intellectual property strategy. Please feel free to contact us, even if you are located far away.
What is the difference between a consulting patent attorney and a regular patent attorney?
Our consulting patent attorneys are available 365 days a year to respond promptly via phone, email, chat, and other channels. By maintaining regular communication with our clients, we gain a deep understanding of their technologies and business operations. This enables us to provide optimal solutions tailored to each client’s specific circumstances, whether during the application process or in the event of intellectual property disputes.
If an intellectual property dispute arises, how would you handle it?
In the event of an intellectual property dispute, our firm’s specialized team will respond promptly and strategically. From proactive risk management to actual legal action, we will propose and implement the optimal measures to protect your company’s intellectual property.
What is the fee structure and cost for a consulting agreement?
Our consulting fees are set flexibly based on the size and needs of your company. Please contact us for details on our pricing structure and plan offerings, and we will provide you with a specific proposal. As part of your business strategy, we offer services that deliver excellent value for money.
Is it possible to have a consultation online?
Yes, our firm utilizes a variety of online tools—including Zoom, Skype, Teams, ChatWork, Slack, and Discord—so you can consult with us quickly from anywhere in the country. We’ll provide support using the communication method that best suits your needs.
Why is it important to develop an intellectual property strategy early on?
By formulating an intellectual property strategy early on, companies can protect their technologies and brands from competitors and solidify the foundation for future growth. Our firm provides strategic advice tailored to a company’s current situation and future prospects, offering support in both risk management and growth promotion.