History

September, 2025
Celebrated 60th Anniversary.
April, 2020
Introduced a system of working remotely.
September, 2018
Moved the Tokyo Office to Toranomon Seiwa Building.
April, 2018
Mr. Hiroshi TAMURA and Mr. Norihito YAMAO, patent attorneys, became Co-CEO’s.
November, 2015
Tokyo office moved to Shosen Mitsui Building, Minato-ku,Tokyo.
February, 2013
Osaka office moved to Osaka Umeda Twin Towers North in Kita-ku, Osaka city.
January, 2012
Mr. Mutsumi SAMEJIMA, a patent attorney, became the fourth chief executive officer.
December 2007
Tokyo office moved to Kasumigaseki Building, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
August, 2006
Mr. Mitsuo TANAKA, a patent attorney, became the third chief executive officer.
June, 2002
Mr. Osamu KAWAMIYA, a patent attorney, became the second chief executive officer.
January, 2001
Opened Tokyo office in Torano-mon in Minato-ku, Tokyo.
March 1994
Moved to IMP Building in Osaka Business Park, Shiromi, Chuo-ku, Osaka city.
November, 1986
Moved to Twin 21 MID Tower in Osaka Business Park, Shiromi, Chuo-ku, Osaka city.
February, 1982
Mr. Mitsunosuke MIZUSHIMA passed away and the firm name was changed to "AOYAMA & PARTNERS."
April, 1978
Installed a computer-aided docketing system.
June, 1973
Started an overseas training program.
June, 1969
Moved to Honmachi Building in Higashi-ku, Osaka city.
April, 1967
Mr. Mitsunosuke MIZUSHIMA, an attorney at law, joined the firm and the firm name was changed to "MIZUSHIMA & AOYAMA LAW AND PATENT FIRM."
September, 1965
Mr. Tamotsu AOYAMA established "AOYAMA PATENT FIRM" in Maeda Building, Higashi-ku, Osaka city.

The founder

Founder of AOYAMA & PARTNERS

Tamotsu Aoyama ［1931ー2024］

[ Biography ]

Born on November 16, 1931. In 1954, Tamotsu Aoyama graduated from the Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Medicine (current Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences), Kyoto University, and joined Shionogi & Co., Ltd. While working for the company, he studied at the Faculty of Law, Osaka City University (current Osaka Metropolitan University), and graduated in 1959. In 1965, he left the company and established Aoyama & Partners. Following this, he served as CEO of Aoyama & Partners until 2002, after which he became an advisor to the firm and devoted himself to the training of future generations. He passed away on March 15, 2024.

“Working in harmony”

This is a one-phrase expression of the philosophy that the late Tamotsu Aoyama had kept dear since the firm’s founding. Mr. Aoyama said that harmony has three elements. First of all, our clients. Aoyama & Partners and its clients have fostered a sense of mutual trust through sincere and united efforts on both sides, which has undoubtedly been the cornerstone of the firm since its founding in 1965. Secondly, with all our seniors, acquaintances, and friends in Japan and abroad who are constantly advising us. And with everyone at the Japan Patent Office and government agencies with whom we have a close working relationship. The kind guidance and instruction we have received from everyone has supported Aoyama & Partners. Finally, we must not forget each and every member of the firm. Aoyama & Partners' greatest strength is its open workplace culture and teamwork, which have remained unchanged since its founding, and such strength is the source of our ability to continue providing high-quality services to our clients. Times will continue to change rapidly. In order for Aoyama & Partners to remain a leading firm in the industry, we must transform ourselves in response to the changing times. However, no matter how times change, the importance of each and every member of our firm to work sincerely with our clients, seniors, acquaintances, friends, government agencies, and the Patent Office remains unchanged. For this reason, we are determined to carry on the tradition of "working in harmony" established by Mr. Aoyama.

Photo above: Lecture at the first international patent seminar in Japan. (1985)
Photo below: The state-of-the-art electronic filing process at the time. (1990)

Key posts in public service

  • Member, Board of Patent Attorneys, Japan Patent Office (1996-1998)
  • Director, International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property of Japan (1977-2002)
  • Director, Research Center of Comparative Law (1988-2002)
  • Visiting Professor, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (1999-2008)

Awards

  • Japan Patent Attorneys Association Longstanding Service Award (1991)
  • Medal with Yellow Ribbon (for meritorious service in patent attorney practice) (1999)

Firm Information