Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, headed by the 'extremely reliable' Graeme Preston, continues to maintain its strong reputation for advising Japanese clients on the full spectrum of international TMT-related mandates. Leveraging its strong global network, the team is well equipped to handle a wide range of matters, including transfer agreements, licensing, data privacy, in addition to providing commercial and regulatory advice. Other notable individuals include David Gilmore, who is a disputes specialist which has vast experience in dealing with complex matters within the TMT sector, as well as Joseph Fisher, who is praised for his 'excellent' commercial awareness, regularly advising on prominent cross-border M&A mandates.

Housing a reputable data & technology transactions team, Latham & Watkins Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise is well known for is expertise in mandates concerning international IP transactions. The group has a wealth of experience in acting for high-profile clients across the technology sector. Senior associate Benjamin Han primarily focuses on IP and commercial matters concerning technology, telecommunications, licensing, and pharmaceuticals. Stuart Beraha has since departed.

Morrison Foerster is well known for its deep expertise in technology transactions and has experience in handling a broad range of mandates, ranging from the structuring and negotiation of license agreements to patent litigation settlements and partnering transactions. Headed by Masato Hayakawa, the team has a great deal of knowledge surrounding the IP aspects of M&A across a variety of industries, advising its diverse client roster which notably includes semiconductor technology companies, biotechnology corporates, and financial institutions. Yukihiro Terazawa leads the privacy and data protection practice at the firm and also has a vast amount of experience handling IP matters for tech companies. Seth Graham is another key name to note within the team, due to his experience regarding licensing agreements, technology transfers, and joint development activities.

The TMT team at Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise), co-headed by Kensaku Takase and Yutaka Kimura, is well known for its work within the fintech sector, advising numerous financial institutions and technology companies. Among other matters, the TMT team regularly deals with M&A and joint ventures, IP issues, e-commerce, and data protection. Takase primarily focuses on IT related matters, including outsourcing, licensing, and cloud based solutions. Kimura advises both domestic and global clients, such as investment banks and start-ups on joint ventures and M&A.

The team at White & Case LLP - White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association) has vast experience in advising on matters involving M&A and IP, exhibiting skill when advising on emerging areas such as cryptocurrency, robotics, virtual reality, and e-sports. Practice co-head Jun Usami handles a variety of TMT transactions for both Japanese and international IT companies, while co-head Nels Hansen advises on venture capital transactions and M&A. Naoya Shiota is also recommended across the automotive, manufacturing, and entertainment sectors.