Mark Carmody

Biotechnology Specialist

“Working at SY has definitely opened every door that I have knocked on since returning to Europe. SY works with the top tier law firms of the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia and his and the firm's reputation goes well beyond Japan. Without the experience of SY, I do not think some of those doors would have opened.”

 

What was the most difficult aspect of adjusting to work and life in Japan initially?

The most difficult aspect of adjusting to life in Japan initially was figuring out which was salt/sugar and shampoo/conditioner in the supermarket! It took me a while to figure that one out. All joking aside, I think it took me about 3 months to feel comfortable in Osaka in terms of understanding the cultural nuances required to fit into working with a big, successful Japanese law firm and living in a community that did not encounter too many Western/European residents. The culture is so different from anything else I had experienced.

Getting used to a language different to my native tongue being spoken all around me (and not understanding it), the signage being in a different language (and not understanding it), the customs and food, all took time. One of the most important things I learned about the society in Japan and the work place was that your behavior outside of work was a nod to the type of work place you inhabited. Essentially, not only are you representing yourself, you are also representing the firm. Honor is very important to all aspects of life in Japan.

What were your fondest leisure experiences while you were working in Japan?

When I was not at work, I was either out having a meal and drinks with friends, or travelling the length and breadth of the Japanese archipelago taking photographs of wildlife and birds. I would spend at least one full day of the weekend during spring, autumn and winter in the countryside of Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Wakayama, Mie, Shiga, Nara, Okayama, Fukui, Gifu or Ishikawa prefectures birdwatching with friends from Osaka and Kyoto.

The hills and mountains are beautiful places to visit. The Japanese macaques at Jigokudani hot spring in Nagano in deep deep snow, the Japanese Cranes and Steller's Sea Eagles in Hokkaido in minus 20deg C temperatures, driving across the longest suspension bridge in the world between Honshu and Shikoku, climbing Mt. Fuji in the dark for sunrise, visiting Tokyo, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, going to a major Sumo tournament, crossing Hachiko Square in Shibuya (Tokyo) and many more were all highlights.

What sort of work did you get and was it challenging?

I received a lot of high-end patent work at SY, as well as the run-of-the-mill day-to-day duties that all patent attorneys or aspiring patent attorneys have to do. Most aspects of the profession of a patent attorney are provided to you at SY on a daily or weekly basis. Such duties entailed developing patent prosecution strategies before the JPO, EPO, IP Australia, USPTO, SIPO, and the like; assisting in the preparation of numerous Patentability, validity and infringement opinions; assisting in the preparation of Freedom-to-Operate searches and opinions.

One of the most exciting aspects of the jobs I did was assisting in the preparation of submissions relating to invalidation appeals and infringement suits before the JPO and courts. This type of litigation work is not common place where I work now in Ireland so to have that experience under my belt is very important to me. The learning curve is very steep and one must adapt and learn quickly, efficiently and without fuss. It is a challenging work atmosphere but an exciting challenge nonetheless. The hours are long but you will be rewarded if you rise to the challenge.

What did you like most about working?

I enjoyed the variety of clients and technologies that went across my desk every day, the vast majority of which were blue-chip companies and leading global innovators in their field. This variety made the work challenging and enjoyable. Mr. Yamamoto was also very approachable and willing to impart his knowledge and experience to you if asked, something which I didn't think a founder member of a large firm would do. The rewards at SY were merit based so the harder one worked (and worked well), the rewards were given. There was a very good level of camaraderie amongst the foreign staff and Japanese staff alike.

How has your work and experience at SY helped in your current position?

Working at SY has definitely opened every door that I have knocked on since returning to Europe. SY works with the top tier law firms of the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia and his and the firm's reputation goes well beyond Japan. Without the experience of SY, I do not think some of those doors would have opened.

What advice would you give to entry level recruits?

Be prepared to work hard, adapt quickly and experience a steep learning curve. If you can take that on board, your experience will be like nothing else and your career in IP will take off from there. It is important, however, to get out and enjoy Japan also, whether that is going hill walking, birdwatching, or visiting the numerous and various night clubs of Shinsaibashi or Umeda or Shibuya. Keep your eyes and mind open, and it will be an enriching and rewarding experience.