As a Senoir Executive Partner of Hanol IP & Law, Mr. Shimizu plays a key role in strengthening the firm’s international practice and advancing its strategic capabilities in technology-driven intellectual property matters. Drawing on decades of experience across industry, private practice, and professional leadership, he supports clients in developing robust and commercially effective IP strategies.

Mr. Shimizu began his career as a chemical researcher, spending over ten years at 3M in Japan and the United States. Building on this industrial background, he went on to practice as a Japanese patent attorney for more than two decades at a leading IP firm in Japan, where he handled a broad spectrum of patent matters in complex technical fields. His experience across both R&D and legal environments enables him to approach intellectual property with a practical, technically grounded, and business-oriented perspective.

His practice has focused on patent prosecution, appeals, trials, expert opinions, strategic IP consultations, and IP education for academia and applicants, particularly in areas such as advanced materials, polymers, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, semiconductors, and chemical engineering–related technologies, as well as food science and cosmetic technologies. He places strong emphasis on strategic planning and clear communication, advising clients in a manner tailored to their technical background and business objectives so that IP strategies effectively support long-term commercial goals.

In parallel with his professional practice, Mr. Shimizu has actively contributed to the development of IP policy and professional standards in Japan. He served as Chairperson of the Biotechnology/Life Science Committee of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA), participated in multiple Japan Patent Office working groups, and contributed to the Cabinet Office’s Strategic Council on Intellectual Property. He is an active core member of the JPAA International Activities Center and is well known for his strong working relationships with European Patent Office, contributing to enhanced international cooperation within the global IP community.

Mr. Shimizu has a strong interest in long-distance running and is one of the founding members of the AIPPI Running Club. He also enjoys playing classical and acoustic guitar as well as the ukulele.