“Helping clients navigate the differences between U.S. and Japanese patent practice is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I focus on making those differences manageable so teams can stay focused on innovation.” John Chau is a patent attorney with extensive experience advising technology-oriented companies on intellectual property matters. He works with innovators in sectors such as automotive systems, medical devices, and software-driven technologies, helping clients navigate the patent landscape in both the U.S. and Japan. John’s work often involves complex technical and legal issues, and he brings practical insight into cross-border patent strategy and prosecution, particularly where U.S. and Japanese patent practice intersect. He is an active member of the Japan Committee of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), contributing to professional dialogue on international IP practice. In his practice, John focuses on securing strong patent rights for advanced technologies, including medical devices that integrate software and control systems, and supporting multinational engineering teams with coordinated IP counsel. He has managed intellectual property matters for a leading Japanese automotive supplier, working with its research and engineering groups in both Japan and the United States. John advises clients on questions of patentability, infringement risk, and freedom to operate across these jurisdictions, and he prepares and prosecutes patent applications covering mechanical, electrical, and software-enabled inventions before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Japan Patent Office. He also drafts and negotiates original equipment manufacturer (OEM) research agreements to facilitate collaborative R&D efforts with academic and national laboratory partners. John’s combination of technical understanding and legal skill enables him to provide strategic guidance that aligns patent protection with broader business goals, including the commercialization and monetization of intellectual property. Earlier in his career, he was seconded to the patent department of a Japanese automotive OEM, where he supported in-house teams and gained deeper insight into global IP operations.