Buchalter welcomes IP shareholder to Los Angeles office

August 18, 2025 – Buchalter is pleased to announce that H. James Abe has joined the firm as an Intellectual Property Shareholder in Los Angeles and as a member of the firm’s Japan group. Abe counsels companies on a wide range of legal areas, with an emphasis on intellectual property matters, commercial disputes, licensing, and corporate transactions.

“James is a welcome addition to the firm and our Los Angeles office as we bolster our corporate and IP offerings and continue to grow our Japan Practice Group,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “His comprehensive experience adds depth to our prominent national IP group and strengthens our already highly respected practice in the Japanese markets.”

Fluent in Japanese, Abe counsels many Japanese companies on their US legal needs and regularly represents them in litigation. He also serves as outside general counsel to US subsidiaries of Japanese companies, advising on contract matters, regulatory compliance, and labor and employment issues. His litigation experience includes representing Japanese and US companies in high-stakes patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret disputes across multiple industries, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, and apparel. Abe also advises on corporate acquisitions, licensing, and patent and trademark prosecution.

“Buchalter has an outstanding reputation, and I’m thrilled to be joining the firm,” Abe said. “Its national platform and entrepreneurial culture will enhance my ability to serve my national and international clients.”

Masahisa Mitsunaga, Chair of the firm’s Japan Practice, added, “James is an invaluable addition to our Japan Practice. While our team already boasts a strong foundation in corporate and transactional matters, we have been expanding our expertise in litigation as well. Adding an accomplished bilingual litigator to the team is great for the firm and our clients.”

Abe earned his J.D., cum laude, from the University of San Diego School of Law, where he was a member of the San Diego Law Review and received the CALI Award in Patent Law. He earned his B.S. in chemistry from the University of California, Irvine. Before law school, he worked for seven years at Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corp. on various patient monitoring systems.

Bill Holbrow, Firm-wide Intellectual Property Chair, added, “We are fortunate to have James join us, and we look forward to collaborating with him for many years ahead.”

Bass added, “James broadens our capacity to support our international clients with complex matters. He’s a great asset to the firm as we continue to expand.”

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