K. Marie Vinluan

IP Assistant

“The Firm has taught me to exceed every expectation I have of myself. I have grown professionally and mentally in this Firm more than in any organization I have been in. I have acquired life lessons and wisdom that I am confident will propel me to a greater career path.”

 

What were the most difficult aspects of adjusting to life in Japan initially?

Being away from your loved ones was very difficult to me. Working in a foreign land, where people are very work-centric and the culture is very reserved can make you miss the support and care given to you by your family and friends. Luckily, I have found real friends at work that I will treasure even after I leave Japan.

How was Japan in reality to what you had imagined before you arrived?

I never thought that Japan would be such a desirable place to live in. Japanese people are so conscientious that everyone recycles their garbage. They do not just segregate biodegrables from non-biodegradables but they wash their bottles and milk cartons with water before they throw them away in appropriate waste bins. Whenever I ask for instructions, I often encounter people who walk me to my destination. Every day I am amazed by the kindness of Japanese people.

How did you cope with the stresses of working and living in Japan?

I travelled the country and learned Nihongo. I enjoy travelling around Japan, which has varied landscapes and a convenient train system to discover them all. Places around Osaka are historical jewels that just left me in awe of Japan's rich culture. Learning basic Japanese also helped me interact with Japanese people more and learn more about them.

What has been your fondest experience in Japan?

Having picnics under cherry blossom trees during our Firm's lunch hour in Spring is by far my fondest memory in Japan. Since our office building is a stone's throw away from Osaka Castle Park, we can just walk to the park and eat our lunch under glorious cherry blossom trees. The cool breeze, the fresh scent of cherry blossoms, the sound of waves playing in the adjacent river, while my officemates and I admire hundreds of cherry blossoms is the perfect lunch hour break and of course the best opportunity to take lots of photos!

I am looking forward to experience ...

some winter sports and seeing more of southern Japan. I have never tried snowboarding or skiing before coming to Japan so while I'm here I would like try my hand at these sports and enjoy the excellent snow in Hokkaido or Niseko. I have also heard of the erupting volcano in Sakurajima and the lovely wisteria pathways in Fukuoka. Those would be interesting to see.

What did you like most about your work?

Addressing different compliance and substantive issues of our clients everyday makes working in our Firm exciting and challenging. The Firm is a very dynamic workplace with a short and rapid decision chain. Every day is different and brings a different set of challenges that need to be overcome. I get to develop my skills every day from the excellence and professionalism demanded from me and my colleagues.

What sort of work are you getting and is it challenging?

The work is always challenging at the Firm. I work with outstanding lawyers and professionals in the Firm to address issues from clients all over the world, ranging from procedural to legal questions concerning Japanese patents, designs and intellectual property.

I was surprised at how quickly I had to hit the ground running and how quickly I could take on more responsibility after proving myself. There is a lot of reading, analysis, plenty more reading, writing, proof reading, docket management, and organizing approvals. Basically you're a hub for all that goes on in the file. You are the only one with an overview of the matter. So you become the 'go to' person.

What is the most important thing that working here has taught you about yourself?

The Firm has taught me to exceed every expectation I have of myself. I have grown professionally and mentally in this Firm more than in any organization I have been in. I have acquired life lessons and wisdom that I am confident will propel me to a greater career path.

What one piece of advice you would offer to incoming recruits?

Be prepared to break your pre-conceived notions of other nationalities, work hard and keep learning about IP law and WIPO procedures, be humble and explain yourself well.