Novagraaf Japan adds patent attorney to its growing team

Leading intellectual property (IP) consultancy Novagraaf has further expanded its IP protection and enforcement capabilities and expertise in Japan. Patent Attorney Manabu Suzuki joined the growing team in Novagraaf’s Tokyo office on 1 May 2020.

Novagraaf announced this month that it has hired Patent Attorney Manabu Suzuki to provide dedicated patent and design services for clients in Japan. Suzuki joins the team in the IP specialist’s Tokyo office, under the leadership of Dr Arjen van Blokland, Managing Director of Novagraaf Japan.

Suzuki brings more than 15 years of experience to his new role, having worked for patent firms in Tokyo before joining Novagraaf. His specific technical experience includes mechanical engineering, machinery, medical devices, computer software, artificial intelligence and e-commerce, and he is also practised at handling domestic and foreign design and trademark applications.

“We are proud of our continued investment in Japan and our ability to assist Japanese businesses by giving them direct access to Novagaaf’s full range of IP services through local experts,” said Van Blokland. “Japan has one of the world’s most advanced IP markets, and we are committed to delivering the services and expertise that our clients need to maximise the return on their intangible assets. In his new role, Manabu Suzuki will also support Novagraaf's Japanese clients with their patent applications in Europe.”

“I’m excited to join the growing team at Novagraaf K.K.,” added Suzuki. “I look forward to bringing Novagraaf’s wide range of IP services and vast knowledge of European IP systems and processes to Japanese customers, as well as to assisting our European customers to protect their innovation in Japan.”

Manabu Suzuki received a BSc in Precision Machinery Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering at Tokyo Metropolitan University in 1999. He is an active member of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA), including acting as workshop instructor and contributing to the Association’s Patent Journal.