After studying mechanical engineering at university, Tateishi got a job with a big electronics manufacturer. As an engineer he was involved in design and development. After five or six years of working, he started to wonder “How long can I keep doing the same thing every day?” He realized his growth potential was limited because he could gain experience in only a limited area. He wanted to “be involved with various kinds of technologies and try various things”, but he was unable to fulfill this need through the routine work that he was doing. He also knew it would not be much different even if he went to work for another manufacturer. He asked himself, “What can I do that will allow me to use my existing technical knowledge and experience and, at the same time, expose me to new technology?” He decided to become a patent attorney.
He got a job at a patent office and started to study for the examination to become a patent attorney. After three years, at age 33, he passed the exam and obtained his attorney certification. He had been working for the same patent office, but because he wanted to develop his potential to the fullest, he switched to Tashita International Patent Office.
A word from Tateishi
This company is a great place to work. It is great that I can concentrate entirely on preparing specifications and so on because the administrative staff supports us very carefully and cooperatively. Because I can concentrate on my specialty, I am trusted with a great deal of work. I have a lot to do every day, but I feel that my growth potential is unlimited and depends only on my efforts.
After working for a manufacturer as a secretary, Endo seized the chance to work for Tashita International Patent Office, one of many patent offices with a high degree of professionalism and internationalism, because she could use her previous work experience. She is part of the administrative staff which works behind the scenes. They handle all clerical tasks concerning the Patent Office and the clients. They can be entrusted with all kinds of tasks, including “examination requests”, “annuity payments”, “changes of applicants” and “powers of attorney”, and of course they can handle documents from abroad as well. If there is anything that needs the president’s attention, they make sure that he gets it, but otherwise, Endo and the other administrative staff members handle the rest of the tasks. The administrative staff supports the patent attorneys firmly so that they can concentrate on preparing the specifications.