Tetsuo TSUKANAKA

Professional Experience

Mr. Tsukanaka is the Chief Technology Officer of our firm which he joined in 2010. His practice encompasses patent prosecution in the chemical, material science, pharmaceutical, medical device, bio technology, and alternative energy fields. Prior to joining SUGIMURA, Mr. Tsukanaka had a distinguished and influential career at the JPO, where he served as Director of the Biotechnology Division, as Director of the Examination Standards Office, and then, as Deputy Director-General of the Chemical Examination Department. Of particular note, Mr. Tsukanaka led the review of the JPO Examination Standards regarding genetic, protein-structure, and pharmaceutical inventions. In 2005, Mr. Tsukanaka was appointed Chief Appeal and Trial Examiner of the Appeals Department at the JPO, where he delivered numerous judgments in the field of medicine.

In 2010, Mr. Tsukanaka joined SUGIMURA where he serves as a key patent prosecutor, advising on drafting techniques and strategies to avoid and overcome unfavorable decisions from the JPO. He also serves as our lead attorney in appeals processes before the JPO. Mr. Tsukanaka continues to be very influential in the Japanese IP community, writing and speaking on patent prosecution practice before the JPO.

Membership

Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA)

Education

M.S., Chemistry, Kyoto University
B.S., Chemistry, Kyoto University

Practice Areas

Patent Prosecution and Appeals/Trials (Material Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering)

Languages

English
Japanese

Publications

– “Patents for Pharmaceuticals,” Asia-Pacific Industrial Property Center, JIII 2011
– “Inventive Step of Invention,” Asia-Pacific Industrial Property Center, JIII 2011
– “Patentability of Gene and Protein-Related Inventions,” Japan Intellectual Property Association Vol.52 2002