Seven lawyers with Japanese IP-focused law firm Sonderhoff & Einsel Law and Patent Office, led by partner Ayuko Nemoto, have left to set up a new firm called Aquaxis Law Office.

The six other lawyers are Naoki Watanabe, Makoto Ohsugi, Kengo Sakai, Atsushi Yamashita, Grant Tanabe, and Makiko Watanabe.

Aquaxis currently has 10 fee-earners, including five partners. It focuses on industries in which IP plays an important role, such as healthcare and life sciences, chemicals, and entertainment and sports.

Nemoto, who serves as managing partner, has more than 15 years of experience in advising on corporate matters including commercial transactions, corporate law, M&A, commercial litigation and intellectual property. Prior to joining Sonderhoff in 2017, Nemoto spent about a decade at K&L Gates and Clifford Chance.