Press Release
Press Release
Press Contacts: Erik Cummins, Matt Hyams, Taina Rosa, Olivia Meyer
03.05.26
With the adoption and application of new technologies continuing to raise challenges about international Intellectual Property strategy and enforcement, Pillsbury has welcomed another leading IP litigator in Robert J. “Bob” Hollingshead. Hollingshead, an accomplished litigator who has lived and worked in Japan for more than 22 years and focuses on patent litigation, adversarial patent license negotiations and cross-border IP counseling, joins the firm’s Tokyo office.
“Bob is an important addition to our global Technology and Intellectual Property practices, enhancing our capabilities in a key market for technological innovation,” said Pillsbury Chair David Dekker. “His extensive experience helping Japanese businesses resolve complex IP disputes also enhances our global offering. He will be a great asset to our substantial and growing number of technology clients worldwide.”
Hollingshead, a registered patent attorney and Japanese-qualified Gaiben, represents clients in complex litigation and licensing negotiations involving a wide range of technologies, including electronics, mechanical systems, automotive, semiconductor design and fabrication, display technologies, software, wireless telecommunications, medical devices, and metallurgical and magnetic technologies. He partners with clients to develop tailored strategies for litigation, licensing, patent procurement, inter partes review proceedings and portfolio development. He regularly leads adversarial patent licensing negotiations and transactions on behalf of Japanese and global corporations and appears on their behalf in U.S. District Court proceedings and before the International Trade Commission (ITC).
Over the course of his career, Hollingshead has been recognized for excellence by numerous leading directories and publications including Chambers, Legal 500, Managing IP Stars and IAM Patent 1000. Before entering the practice of law, he was an electrical engineer focused on satellite communications and navigation technologies. He is also a former patent examiner with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Shinya Akiyama, co-leader of the firm’s Japan practice, noted: “Pillsbury has one of the oldest and most deeply embedded Japan practice of any international firm, advising Japanese companies in their most significant matters in jurisdictions around the world. Bob’s vast experience in IP disputes is a great addition to the global team.”
Japan practice co-leader Chris Patay added: “Japan remains one of the most significant patent-generating jurisdictions in the world. We believe Bob’s diverse IP experience and deep connection with the Japanese market will make him an invaluable resource to those we represent, in Asia, the United States and globally.”
Pillsbury has been on a rapid growth trajectory, welcoming 34 new partners last year and 53 since the start of 2024. The firm’s Intellectual Property practice has been particularly active, with recent lateral additions the past nine months including fellow Japan-focused IP litigator Brian Paul Gearing, Ph.D. in New York and Washington, DC; Steven James, a London-based partner focused on IP support for innovators and emerging growth clients; nationally recognized IP trial lawyer Mark Abate in New York; and J. Rick Taché in San Diego, a seasoned patent and trademark practitioner with a wealth of in-house experience.
Michael Zeliger, global head of Pillsbury’s Intellectual Property practice, said, “Our strong IP practice continues to grow to keep up with the demand of our clients and Bob’s arrival is the latest important step in that expansion. His ability to navigate the boardroom and the courtroom has enabled him to forge deep relationships with his clients. We are pleased to welcome him to our team of world-class IP lawyers.”
“Pillsbury has a lengthy track record at the forefront of the tech sector and is highly regarded in Japan and across Asia,” Hollingshead said. “I am thrilled to join this thriving IP practice—which includes a number of lawyers I’ve known for many years—and to be part of a firm with such a storied history in Japan.”
On the cutting edge of IP for more than 120 years, Pillsbury’s intellectual property lawyers provide clients with successful and comprehensive IP strategies to protect, manage and optimize IP assets. The firm’s lawyers also assert and defend infringement claims and resolve IP-related disputes before regulatory bodies, in courts and at the negotiating table. The team includes over 70 IP lawyers—many bilingual—plus technical consultants, patent agents and former U.S. Patent and Trademark Office examiners. Many team members are scientists and engineers with advanced degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering, chemistry, biotechnology, physics and numerous other technical disciplines.