Before creating Kimura & Partners in 2001, Takaaki Kimura had over 12 years in medium and large Japanese IP law firms handling multinational corporations’ IP needs and SMEs. He gained in-depth experience in registering and defending the IP of big corporations and SMEs.In Japan, over 90% of patent applications are initially rejected. The Japanese IP environment and the approaches used by the JPO (Japan Patent Office) is unique. However, we have an exceptionally high success rate in securing IP registration and defending our clients in IP disputes and legal actions.Special Assignments• JPAA, 1995–2017. Co-Chair International Activity Committee and International Activity Centre. Leader of “Harmonization of The Global Patent System,” navigating the JPAA at WIPO meetings regarding PLT (Patent Law Treaty), SPLT (Substantive Patent Law Treaty), SCP (Standing Committee Of Patent Law), and PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty).• IP Council for the Japan Leather Goods Industries Association—since 2010• IP Council for the Tokyo Handbag Association—since 2001Memberships• JPAA (Japan Patent Attorneys Association)—since 1989• AIPPI (International Association of the Protection of Intellectual Property)• APAA (Asian Patent Attorneys Association)SMEs are open to significant risks of copying or IP infringement, domestically, and globally. Good Patent Attorneys typically have technical and engineering expertise and skill. However, Kimura also has the experience, business savvy, and IP creativity to prove the “novelty” or “inventive step” of inventions to the authorities. Early on, Kimura recognized the vital importance of being willing and able to defend SMEs in infringement matters. Due to his experience and compassion for SMEs, we willingly take on such work and have a high success rate in stopping infringement and securing damages. Knowing how to win infringement cases also means that Kimura builds more robust IP applications and appeal processes.