​Description

​Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of both technological innovation and the legal processes that govern it. This event brings together practitioners working at the intersection of AI, intellectual property, and technology policy to discuss practical and legal implications.

​Speakers will examine how AI tools are already being used in patent practice, how legal frameworks may evolve in response to autonomous AI systems, and how organizations can strategically protect AI-related innovations.

​The discussion will also cover international perspectives on innovation cooperation and intellectual property support mechanisms. The goal is to provide a grounded overview of how AI is interacting with existing IP structures and where legal and regulatory questions are emerging.

​​Agenda

​​18:00 Doors open

​​18:30 - 18:50 The Law of the Lobster: What AI Agents Might Teach (Shinsuke Kaneko)

​​18:50 - 19:10 From Innovation and Technology Cooperation to IPRs: How to Deal with AI (Luca Escoffier)

​​19:10 - 19:30 How to Protect Your AI Innovation (Eric D. Kirsch)

​​19:30 - 20:00 SEP Enforcement Utilizing Generative AI with NotebookLM (Susumu Nishihara)

​​20:00 - 21:00 Networking

​​21:00 Doors close

​Speakers

​Talk 1 - The Law of the Lobster: What AI Agents Might Teach

​Speakers: Shinsuke Kaneko (Tech Lawyer and AI Strategist)

​Abstract: In 1996, Judge Frank Easterbrook argued that “cyberlaw” was no more meaningful than a “law of the horse,” suggesting that existing legal principles simply apply to new technologies. Lawrence Lessig responded that examining technology-specific problems could illuminate broader legal structures. Today, AI agents raise similar questions. Using OpenClaw—an open-source AI agent framework—as a reference point, this talk considers whether autonomous AI systems challenge existing legal frameworks or can be addressed through established doctrines. The discussion focuses on implications for intellectual property, liability, and regulatory design.

​Bio: Shinsuke Kaneko is an attorney admitted in Japan and New York State. His career spans legal practice, technology strategy, and startup operations, including roles at Morrison & Foerster, Accenture, and dely (Kurashiru). He is currently involved with a number of AI-focused initiatives. He will begin studies at ZEN University in April 2026.

​Talk 2 - From Innovation and Technology Cooperation to IPRs: How to Deal with AI

​Speaker: Luca Escoffier (Project Manager, EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation)

​Abstract: The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation supports collaboration between European and Japanese organizations in technology and innovation. This presentation introduces the Centre’s activities and explains how its services are evolving to place greater emphasis on intellectual property rights (IPRs). Particular attention will be given to the role of AI within cross-border innovation initiatives and the types of support available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking assistance with technology cooperation and IP-related matters.

​Bio: Luca Escoffier holds a law degree from the University of Parma and an LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law. After his first work experience in Italy, he spent two years in Seattle as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Washington. He currently works with the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation as Manager of the EU-Japan Innovation and Technology Cooperation Helpdesk, supporting international collaboration, technology commercialization, and IP strategy together with the Helpdesk’s partners.

​Talk 3 - How to Protect Your AI Innovation

​​Speaker: Eric D. Kirsch (Group Practice Leader, Intellectual Property, Rimon Law)

​Abstract: Organizations developing AI technologies must decide how best to protect their innovations. This presentation examines different intellectual property strategies, including patent protection, trade secrets, and design patents for graphical user interfaces. It will discuss the advantages and limitations of each approach and outline practical considerations when deciding where to file patents internationally. The talk is intended for both startups and established companies seeking to align their IP strategy with their AI development activities.

​Bio: Eric D. Kirsch leads the Intellectual Property Practice at Rimon Law. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. After serving as a prosecutor in Philadelphia, he transitioned to intellectual property law and later became Chief IP Counsel at Nikon Corporation in Japan, a role he held for over a decade before returning to private practice.

​Talk 4 - SEP Enforcement Utilizing Generative AI with NotebookLM

​Speakers: Susumu Nishihara (Patent Attorney, SHIGA International Patent Office)

​Abstract: Patent attorneys frequently work across a wide range of technical fields and must analyze large volumes of technical documentation. Generative AI tools can assist in understanding inventions and managing patent prosecution workflows. This talk explores potential applications of generative AI—particularly NotebookLM—in the context of standard essential patents (SEPs). Because technical standards in areas such as telecommunications and video coding contain extensive documentation, AI tools may help practitioners analyze standards and evaluate how claimed inventions correspond to them.

​Bio: Dr. Susumu Nishihara is a patent attorney specializing in communications networks, electronics, transmission systems, and photonics. Before entering patent practice, he conducted research on high-speed optical transmission technologies and power-efficient optical access systems and participated in international standardization activities related to next-generation optical networks.

​​Organizers

​​​​​​​Ilya Kulyatin is an entrepreneur with work and academic experience in the US, Netherlands, Singapore, UK, and Japan. He holds a BA in Economics, an MA in Finance, and an MSc in Machine Learning. He's a 3x founder, now helping Japan grow the local AI ecosystem through a not-for-profit community, Tokyo AI (TAI), while building an AI-native system integrator and solutions provider, Foundry Labs株式会社.

​​Julia Harvey is a GTM enablement strategist and facilitator with leadership experience across APAC, Europe, and the US, specializing in cybersecurity and startup ecosystem growth.

​​Supporters

​​​​Tokyo AI (​​​TAI) is the biggest AI community in Japan, with 4,000+ members mainly based in Tokyo (engineers, researchers, investors, product managers, and corporate innovation managers).

​​​Value Create is a management advisory and corporate value design firm offering services such as business consulting, education, corporate communications, and investment support to help companies and individuals unlock their full potential and drive sustainable growth.

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