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OUR TEAM

Meet Our Patent Attorneys

PATENT ATTORNEY PROFILE

Our experts in patents, trademarks, designs, and copyrights will take your business to the next level.

Representative Profile

REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE

Profile photo of Evolix, Intellectual Property Office, Evolix Representative Patent Attorney Kefumi Sugiura

Evolix Intellectual Property Office, Managing Patent Attorney

Takefumi Sugiura

TAKEFUMI SUGIURA

CAREER

Career

  • Born in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture, in 1984
  • 2008 Joined Shimizu International Patent Office
  • 2013: Passed the Patent Attorney Examination
  • 2018: Founded EVORIX® Intellectual Property Office and assumed the position of Representative
HOBBY

Hobbies

Golf, IT, sports in general, fishing, travel (domestic and international), exploring local eateries, listening to music, gaming

*My interest in golf began when I handled patents and trademarks for a golf equipment manufacturer at a patent firm before going independent. I enjoy IT and use various software to streamline my work. In college, I played basketball, and I used to fish for black bass. My gaming interests range from video games to board games.

EXPERTISE

Areas of Expertise

Intellectual Property Mix

Patents, Utility Models, Designs, Trademarks, Unfair Competition Prevention Act, Copyright Law

IP Research, Expert Opinions, and Litigation

Appeals against examination decisions, infringement lawsuits, invalidity and non-use cancellation proceedings

IP Consulting

Support for developing IP and brand strategies directly linked to business operations

IP Transactions

Sale, Licensing, and M&A Support for Patents, Trademarks, and Designs

Foreign Intellectual Property

Foreign Patents, Trademarks, and Designs (Direct Filings in Each Country)

International Applications

PCT Applications (Patents), Madrid Protocol Applications (Trademarks), Hague System Applications (Designs)

MEMBERSHIP

Professional Affiliations and Memberships

2014–present: Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA)
2014–present: Japan Association of Intellectual Property Law (JAIPL)
2014–present: Copyright Law Association
2014– Japan Trademark Association (JTA)
2014– Kansai Patent Study Group (KTK)
2014–present: West Japan Patent Attorneys Club
2015–2024: Osaka Junior Chamber (Osaka JC)
2019–present: Information Processing Society of Japan (IPS)
2019–present: Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI)
2019–present: Japan Association of Design and Law (JADELA)
2022–present: Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA)
2023–present: Morisei Club
2023– Fukuoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry
2024– Osaka City Ethics Association
2025– Passion Leaders
2025–present: Osaka Tenmabashi Rotary Club
COMMITTEES

Administrative Affairs

2014–present: Japan Patent Attorneys Association, Kinki Branch | Member, General Affairs and Planning Committee
2015–present: Japan Patent Attorneys Association, Kinki Branch | Member, Intellectual Property Promotion Committee
2015–2021 Japan Patent Attorneys Association | Member, Design Committee
2020–2021 Japan Patent Attorneys Association Kansai Chapter | Secretary
2020–present: Japan Intellectual Property Arbitration Center, Kansai Branch | Member of the Kansai Branch Steering Committee
2020–present: Association for Design and Law | Secretary
2022–present: Japan Patent Attorneys Association | Member, Patent Committee
2022–present: Japan Patent Attorneys Association | Member, Trademark Committee
2022–present: Japan Patent Attorneys Association, Kansai Chapter | Member, Design Committee
LECTURES

Past Lectures and Seminars

Please see the Seminars and Lectures page for more details.

2014
  • Visiting Lecturer, Intellectual Property Law II (Design Law), Osaka University of Economics
  • Visiting Lecturer, Special Lecture on Law (Brand Protection Law (Design Law)), Osaka University of Economics
2015
  • Visiting Lecturer, Intellectual Property Law (Copyright Law), Osaka University of Economics Graduate School
  • Visiting Lecturer, Intellectual Property Law (Patent Law), Osaka University of Economics
2016
  • Visiting Lecturer, Intellectual Property Law (Copyright Law), Osaka University of Economics
2017
  • Lecturer for Continuing Education for Members of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association: (1) Design Registration Invalidity Trials (Click here for the textbook) / (2) Examination-Related Trials (Designs) (Click here for the textbook)
2018
  • Patent Attorney Advisor for Design Patent Contest, Himeji Technical High School
  • Japan Industrial Designers' Association (JIDA) + Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA) Intellectual Property Rights Seminar 2018
  • Japan Patent Office · 2018 Study Group for Trial Practitioners · Researcher (Click here for details)
  • Japan Society for Intellectual Property: 16th Annual Academic Research Presentation Conference “Report on the Deliberation Results Regarding the Expansion of the Related Design System”
2019
  • Lecturer (Design Law) at the "FY2019 Briefing on Amendments to the Patent Act, etc." hosted by the Japan Patent Attorneys Association
2020
  • Contributor to “New Protection for Graphic Designs: What Patent Attorneys Need to Know” (Click here for details)
2022
  • Regular Seminar for Companies: "The Importance of Intellectual Property Rights for Startups"
  • Regular Seminar for Businesses: "How to Build a Successful Relationship Between Companies and Patent Attorneys"
  • Regular Corporate Seminar: "Basic Intellectual Property Knowledge Every Product Developer and Executive Should Know: Domestic Edition"
  • Regular Corporate Seminar: "Basic Intellectual Property Knowledge for Product Developers and Executives: International Edition"
  • Regular Corporate Seminar: "How Startups and SMEs Can Utilize Grants and Subsidies for Intellectual Property"
  • Regular Corporate Seminar: "Recommended IP Strategies for the Food Industry"
  • Regular Seminar for Businesses: "Recommended IP Strategies for the Fashion Industry"
  • Regular Corporate Seminar: "Recommended Intellectual Property Strategies for the Manufacturing Industry"
  • Regular Corporate Seminar: "Recommended IP Strategies for the Entertainment Industry"
  • Regular Seminar for Businesses: "Recommended IP Strategies for the IT Industry"
  • Japan Trademark Association (JTA) Lecture: "Personal Branding and Trademarks: A Dual-Role Patent Attorney Who Works with Both Patent Attorneys and Startups Shares Insights and Reports on Startup Activities"
2023
  • YouTube Intellectual Property Practice Channel: "Report on Roles and Activities at Startups"
2025
  • Lecturer at the Kinki Association of Certified Public Tax Accountants: "Patent Mechanisms and Trademark Knowledge That Tax Accountants Should Know"
  • Japan Rental Box Association: "Intellectual Property Knowledge That Rental Box Operators Should Know"
2026
  • "Learn from the Basics! Learn Through Case Studies! Intellectual Property Management and Its Strategic Utilization" (Co-hosted by: Fukui Prefecture Invention Association / INPIT Fukui Prefecture Intellectual Property Comprehensive Support Desk; Supported by: Kinki Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry / Fukui Prefecture)
PORTFOLIO

Projects Handled

We have experience handling rare cases such as those listed below, so please feel free to contact us.

Three-Dimensional Trademark (1 case; Purely Three-Dimensional Trademark; Obtained a registration decision under Article 3, Paragraph 2 of the Trademark Act)

Sound Trademark

Details→

Sale of Patent Rights, etc.

3 Examples

The Hague Agreement

International Design Applications

MEDIA

TV & Media Appearances

January 16, 2022: Appeared on Yomiuri TV’s
“Osaka Honwaka TV” (as an executive of Shirogami to Rock Co., Ltd.)

Client Types and Consultation Track Record

CLIENT INDUSTRIES

Our firm provides consultation services to a wide range of clients, including corporations and individuals across diverse fields—from cutting-edge IT technologies to traditional manufacturing and service industries, as well as personal creative endeavors.

Our main areas of expertise are as follows:

FASHION

Fashion, Beauty, and Consumer Goods

This is a sector of B2C products and services where brand value is crucial.

Fashion & Apparel

  • Clothing, Bags, Shoes, Accessories
  • Select shops, D2C brands

Beauty & Cosmetics

  • Cosmetics, shampoo and conditioner development
  • Beauty Services (Hair Removal Salons, Aesthetic Salons, etc.)
MANUFACTURING

Manufacturing, Hardware, and Electrical Machinery

We support the intellectual property needs of manufacturing companies that underpin Japan’s industry.

  • Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Semiconductor Manufacturers
  • Home appliance manufacturers
  • Automotive parts manufacturers
  • Medical and beauty equipment manufacturers
  • Musical instrument manufacturers
  • Metalworking (sheet metal fabrication, mold making, etc.)
  • Temporary construction materials manufacturers
  • Recycled toner manufacturers
  • Other structures, daily necessities, and plastic molded products
STARTUP

Startups and Venture Companies

We provide strategic intellectual property support tailored to each stage of business growth.

  • Companies Aiming for an IPO
  • Companies aiming for a buyout (M&A)
  • University-spun-off ventures, biotech ventures, etc.
FASHION

Fashion, Beauty, and Consumer Goods

This is a sector of B2C products and services where brand value is crucial.

Fashion & Apparel

  • Clothing, Bags, Shoes, Accessories
  • Select shops, D2C brands

Beauty & Cosmetics

  • Cosmetics, shampoo and conditioner development
  • Beauty Services (Hair Removal Salons, Aesthetic Salons, etc.)
SERVICES

Service Industry, Construction & Real Estate, and Other Industries

We provide legal support for business operations across a wide range of industries.

  • Services: Restaurants, advertising agencies, funeral homes, etc.
  • Construction & Real Estate: Construction, Civil Engineering, Real Estate, Paint Manufacturers, etc.
  • Finance & Trading Companies: Financial institutions, trading companies, foreign-affiliated companies
PROFESSIONAL

Healthcare, Professionals, and Licensed Practitioners

We support professionals in fields that require a high level of expertise.

  • Medical Corporations and Healthcare Facilities (Hospitals, Clinics, Dental Practices, Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics, Acupuncture and Osteopathic Clinics, etc.)
  • Professional Service Firms (Lawyers, Patent Attorneys, Judicial Scriveners, Administrative Scriveners, Social Insurance and Labor Consultants, etc.)
  • Design Firms
ACADEMIA

Universities, Research Institutions, and the Biotech Sector

We collaborate with professionals in the fields of research and development and academia to provide support ranging from securing intellectual property rights for inventions to technology transfer.

  • Universities (IP Management for Industry-Academia Collaboration and Joint Research)
  • Biotech Startups & Life Sciences
  • R&D Departments at Medical Institutions
  • Public Testing and Research Institutions and Public Research Institutions
LIVING

Household Goods, Architecture, and Interior Design

We support industries related to daily necessities that enrich daily life, as well as building and spatial design.

  • Household Goods, Home Products, and Plastic Molded Products
  • Architecture & Civil Engineering (Design Rights & Architectural Design Protection)
  • Interior Design, Furniture, and Home Goods
  • Residential Equipment & Construction Materials

Client Portfolio

CLIENT LIST

Below is a selection of clients for whom we have provided intellectual property services, including patent and trademark applications, searches, consultations, and seminars. *Listed in no particular order

Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Osaka Design Center (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation); Tokyo Noodle Cooperative; Osaka University of Economics; Monotsukuri University; Ideaco Co., Ltd. (ideaco); Tokushukai Medical Corporation; Japan Patent Attorneys Association; Kinki Association of Certified Public Tax Accountants; Nippon Steel Railway Technos Co., Ltd.; Yomiuri IS Co., Ltd.
Shirashi to Rock Co., Ltd. J-BEAM Co., Ltd. (formerly Fukushima SiC Applied Technology Research Co., Ltd.) Luxana Biotech Co., Ltd. Boruta Medical Research Co., Ltd. Hakaru Plus Co., Ltd. PAY ROUTE Co., Ltd. Nissho Electric Control Co., Ltd. HANDMADELab Dotonbori Akaki SUISO JAPAN Co., Ltd. BRIDGEBOOKS Co., Ltd. Kokomu Co., Ltd. MiraX Co., Ltd. Daisuke Tanaka Co., Ltd.
Iseto DC Architect Co., Ltd. Ark House Co., Ltd. Ten Rainbow Co., Ltd. First Think Co., Ltd. Meiwa Communication Industry Co., Ltd. High-End Music Co., Ltd. Yamamoto Umetaro Shoten Co., Ltd. BosaiTUBE Japan YeePa Co., Ltd. Nihon Sales Science Co. , Ltd. Sky Grid Co., Ltd . Welltech Lab Co., Ltd. BCube Co., Ltd. Okura Co., Ltd. TryHard Japan Co., Ltd. JAPAN NIGHT Sago NMG Co., Ltd.

and many others...

Clients

ADVISORY CLIENTS

CATEGORIES

Client Types

AI & App Development Companies, Fintech & Payment Companies, Disaster Prevention Tech / Disaster Prevention DX Companies, Design Companies, Plastic Product Companies, Temporary Construction Material Manufacturers, Recycled Toner Manufacturers, Lens Manufacturers, Game Companies
BOARD

Joined as a Director

IT Company

IoT, General IT

Femtech company

Businesses addressing women’s health and life-stage challenges

Notable Achievements in Arbitration and Litigation

NOTABLE CASES & WINS

Here is a selection of our past cases. We have included particularly notable cases from our history of arbitration proceedings.

CASE 01 / WIN

6 Trademark Invalidation Trials and Invalidation Decisions (Won)

A client was operating a restaurant when another party registered a trademark similar to the client’s without permission. We filed six trademark invalidation trials to invalidate the registrations in question. In all six trials, grounds for invalidation (violation of Article 4, Paragraph 1) were recognized, and the registrations were invalidated.
Representative for the Petitioner: Patent Attorney Kenbun Sugiura (2022)

CASE 02 / WIN

Appeal Against Design Rejection Decision / Decision Granting the Appeal (Victory)

In this case, a design application was filed for the form described below for the product “sushi on a board.” Although the application was initially rejected for violating Article 7 of the Design Act, the appeal against the rejection decision resulted in a ruling that “the present application pertains to a single form for a single product, meaning it is an application for a single design.” Consequently, we successfully obtained a decision granting registration.
Applicant’s Representative: Patent Attorney Kenbun Sugiura (2020)

意匠登録 板付き寿司（拒絶2020-002281 請求認容審決）

CONTACT

Consultations & Inquiries

For consultations and inquiries regarding
intellectual property—including patents, utility models, designs, trademarks, copyrights, and the Unfair Competition Prevention Act—please click here.

Call us to discuss your needs.