Overview
Sachiko Taniguchi is a New York–based litigator with extensive trial experience, representing leading Japanese and global companies in high-stakes, complex cross-border disputes. Fully bilingual in Japanese and English and deeply attuned to both U.S. and Japanese business cultures, she bridges legal systems and cultural perspectives to deliver clear, strategic, and practical solutions—offering clients a distinct competitive advantage in cross-border matters.
Her practice spans U.S. litigation in federal and state courts, as well as domestic and international arbitration, with experience across industries including pharmaceuticals, life sciences, technology, manufacturing, real estate, and financial services. She has handled matters involving breach of contract, fiduciary duties, intellectual property, antitrust, and other complex commercial issues.
Ms. Taniguchi leverages a deep understanding of American litigation systems alongside Japanese business practices and decision-making processes to craft culturally informed strategies that maximize client outcomes. Known for her responsiveness, cultural fluency, and results-driven approach, she is a trusted advocate for companies navigating the U.S. legal landscape.
Accolades
- The Legal 500 USA, International Arbitration (2022-2024)
- Recognized as Ones to Watch in Japan, Litigation – The Best Lawyers in Japan (2022, 2023)
Education
- The University of Chicago Law School, LL.M., 2017
- The Legal Research and Training Institute of the Supreme Court of Japan, 2013
- Waseda University Law School, J.D., 2011
- Waseda University School of International Liberal Studies, B.A., 2007 (First in Class of 2008; Graduation in 3.5 Years)
- Grinnell College, Exchange Program, 2005-2006
Representations
- Represented Incyte Corporation, a leading biotechnology company, in a billion-dollar patent license royalty dispute that was successfully resolved.
- Represented JSR Corporation and Inpria Corporation in a research contract/patent inventorship dispute regarding semiconductor manufacturing technology pending in the Northern District of New York, and a patent infringement matter in the District of Delaware.
- Represented Mitsubishi Tanabe in an ICC arbitration involving a royalty payment dispute across multiple jurisdictions around the world and obtained a final award worth more than US$2 billion, rejecting every challenge to the IP license agreement at issue as well as awarding more than $22 million in fees and costs.
- Represented a Japanese pharmaceutical company in a patent/know-how licensing dispute, simultaneously litigated in New York Supreme Court, English High Court, and ICC international arbitration, all of which were successfully settled in the client’s favor.
- Represented a U.S. biotechnology company in multiple proceedings in arbitration and U.S. district courts, relating to its gene therapy technology and accusations of patent infringement, contract breaches, fraud, and other business torts.
- Representing a leading U.S. real estate holdings company in confidential U.S. domestic arbitration proceedings involving a high-stakes breach of fiduciary duty dispute before a panel of three former U.S. federal judges.
- Represented a U.S. technology company in a complex trade secret dispute before a U.S. District Court in Manhattan, which was successfully settled.
- Represented a construction machinery company in connection with a proceeding involving numerous disputed issues under multiple contracts.
- Represented a Japanese steel company in an international investigation in connection with a U.S. government initiative.
- Represented a U.S. multinational, pharmaceutical, and medical technologies company in a worldwide internal compliance and investigation matter.
- Represented a U.S. company offering a wide range of products for various research fields, such as biopharma, molecular spectroscopy, and clinical, in connection with its internal investigation relating to its Japanese subsidiary.
Engagement & Publications
Publications:
- “Current International Arbitration Practice and Challenges for Japanese Corporations,” (Japanese) JCA Journal, Vol. 68, No. 11, pp. 3-8, November 2021 (with Joseph R. Profaizer and Eric W. Dittmann)
- Interpreting English and Japanese in International Arbitration (co-hosted with Japan Commercial Arbitration Association) – November 2, 2022
Involvement
- Member of Daini Tokyo Bar Association