Intellectual Property

Action Guidelines on Intellectual Property

We understand that intellectual property is an important corporate asset that supports long-term, stable business continuity, and the Intellectual Property Management Office manages all intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, etc.) including those of associated companies.

The Intellectual Property Management Office works to revitalize and encourage creative work based on the following action guidelines:

Securing of Intellectual Property

The Engineering Division and the Intellectual Property Management Office work closely to early discover intellectual property arising in associated companies or from collaboration with external research laboratories. When intellectual property is discovered, the Intellectual Property Management Office and the Engineering Division work together to develop intellectual property strategies to acquire intellectual property rights in a way to maximize its added value.

Most of our businesses are conducted globally, and we work actively to acquire intellectual property rights not only in Japan but also overseas.

Changes in the numbers of patents we hold

Changes in the numbers of trademarks we hold

Respect for and Management of Intellectual Property

We respect third parties’ intellectual property. The Engineering Division and the Intellectual Property Management Office work closely to conduct close surveys on and analyses of third parties’ intellectual property in order that our products do not infringe it. At the same time, we take stern countermeasures against imitations of our products or infringements of our intellectual property.

We periodically analyze intellectual property that we hold and manage it so that a proper intellectual property portfolio is maintained.

Incentive Systems and Education on Intellectual Property

In order to encourage creation of creative and high-value added intellectual property, we have established various incentive systems (for inventions, registration, and performance).

In addition, experienced staff members of the Intellectual Property Management Office periodically provide education on intellectual property in order to enhance each employee’s intellectual property-related skills.