In the dynamic legal landscape, few individuals are as remarkable as Takanori ABE. As a seasoned practitioner in intellectual property law and Managing Partner of ABE & PARTNERS, Takanori’s journey reflects his continuous efforts, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to positive change.
Visionary Leadership: Expertise and Specialization
Takanori ABE is currently leading ABE & PARTNERS, focusing on growth and innovation, emphasizing strategic planning, client relations, and team alignment. As a guest professor at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Mr. ABE shares his expertise with the next generation of legal professionals. His distinctive blend of academic and professional expertise has empowered him to navigate the complexities of IP law, providing invaluable insights to clients. Under his dynamic leadership, ABE & PARTNERS continues to set the standard for excellence in patent litigation and intellectual property law.
ABE & PARTNERS: A Quick Overview
Founded in 2003, ABE & PARTNERS is Takanori ABE’s creative vision. The firm specializes in a wide range of international and corporate matters, with a particular focus on intellectual property law and international commerce. ABE & PARTNERS has handled patent litigation in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, chemistry, electronics, and machinery. It has handled patent litigation in fields involving advanced technology, such as biotechnology and semiconductors, often in cross-border contexts.
ABE & PARTNERS has worked on notable cases such as its representation of Baxalta in Japan’s first-ever antibody patent infringement case. This landmark case set a precedent in Japanese pharmaceutical patent litigation, demonstrating ABE & PARTNERS’ expertise in handling complex biopharmaceutical disputes. The case involved intricate legal and technical arguments, requiring a deep understanding of both patent law and cutting-edge scientific developments.
ABE & PARTNERS has also provided critical IP due diligence services to Shire during Takeda Pharmaceutical’s $62 billion acquisition of Shire, the largest M&A transactions in Japan’s pharmaceutical M&A history. Its extensive analysis helped Shire successfully integrate the IP assets acquired by Takeda into its existing portfolio, demonstrating the strength of the firm’s expertise in international IP due diligence.
In 2024, ABE & PARTNERS experienced a bountiful year with four successful decisions and zero losses. Notably, they achieved victories representing various pharmaceutical giants. ABE & PARTNERS notably secured a triumph for a Japanese pharmaceutical company by invalidating all claims of an Indian pharmaceutical company’s patent linked to the Zika virus vaccine. Additionally, they represented a US pharmaceutical company, overturning the JPO’s cancellation notice and maintaining the patent’s claims unaltered. Furthermore, in a significant legal battle representing Bayer Healthcare and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals against Samsung Bioepis, ABE & PARTNERS effectively quashed Samsung Bioepis’ unfair competition claim. These cases form part of a broader global litigation landscape between Regeneron/Bayer and biosimilar companies concerning Eylea, a prominent biopharmaceutical medicinal drug.
When asked about his inspiration for pursuing a career in law and particularly in intellectual property, Takanori remarked, “While other areas of law had been thoroughly explored, the field of intellectual property law appeared to be a blank canvas, offering to chart new territory.”
Navigating the Challenges
Establishing a firm and succeeding in the legal field is challenging. Takanori faced his share of challenges, mainly when entering the niche field of patent litigation. One of the biggest difficulties he encountered was the substantial variation in judges’ judgments, largely due to the lack of similar cases and established precedent.
Significance of Early Experiences: Takanori’s Approach to Handling Complex Cases
Takanori was trained as a litigator at a young age. He learned to anticipate what the other side was thinking and what they would do next and to read the judge’s thoughts. This training taught him how to make the right moves in legal strategy, much like playing chess.
Evolution in ABE & PARTNERS and Pivotal Moments
Takanori has successfully managed numerous patent cases in both the US and Germany. In the US, he has handled various patent cases in the district courts, including two jury trials as well as cases at the Federal Circuit and the Supreme Court. In Germany, he has worked on cases in Düsseldorf, Karlsruhe, and Munich. Through these experiences, Takanori has gained a deep understanding of the thought process of Western clients and has observed how top Western lawyers work. This insight has been valuable in repeating cases in Japan on behalf of Western companies.
Balancing High-stakes Cases with Contributions to Academia
There is a synergistic effect when engaging in multiple pursuits. As a litigator, Takanori handles cutting-edge cases while also working to expand the field of intellectual property law. In his role as a guest professor at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Takanori feels a sense of mission in teaching intellectual property law and medical law to doctors, nurses, and medical students.
The Significant Challenges in the Intellectual Property Law in Japan
There is an ongoing conflict between originators and generic drug manufacturers in pharmaceutical patent litigation. Additionally, there are intense disputes between holders of standards-essential patents and implements, especially in FRAND litigation. The rules governing these cases are often uncertain.
Takanori’s Take On: Pharmaceutical Patent Landscape in the Future
Takanori believes that there will be more disputes regarding the balance between patent protection and access to medicines. More cases are expected to arise that will determine whether or not to grant injunctions against medicinal drugs.
The Latest Trends in Pharmaceutical Patent Litigation
The rise of biopharmaceuticals such as antibody drugs has led to an increase in patent lawsuits among originator drug manufacturers. It will be interesting to observe how the national policy of promoting generics and biosimilars will affect patent lawsuits.
A Piece of Advice for Young Lawyers
Pharmaceutical disputes present a legally and technically fascinating area, well worth dedicating a career to. Young lawyers have the opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists including Nobel Prize winners and to develop innovative legal arguments that help shape the future of this field.
The Future Outlook of ABE & PARTNERS
ABE & PARTNERS is poised to reach new heights in the next five to ten years. Takanori believes they will successfully handle cutting-edge cases and high-stakes cases and will also play a significant role in the formation of new legal frameworks.
