Intellectual property

By implementing appropriate protection of its own intellectual property rights, the Company seeks to grow the business and contribute to society. Intellectual property rights acquired by the Company are used to the fullest possible extent in its business activities in order to maintain and enhance its competitive advantages.

By continuously managing and renewing the intellectual property rights it has acquired to maximize their value, the Company works to increase the value of the business. The Company will also implement timely reviews of its intellectual property rights in response to changes in technologies and markets, and consider the optimal policy for their protection.

Through the appropriate acquisition of intellectual property rights necessary for its business, the Company seeks the stable expansion of its business activities. In addition, so as to ensure that the intellectual property rights it acquires do not infringe the rights of others, it undertakes full legal investigations and conducts appropriate procedures in relation to such acquisitions.

The Company builds cooperative relationships with other companies, and engages in technology development based on sharing and collaboration with regard to intellectual property rights. It also complies with laws, regulations, and treaties both in Japan and overseas, and contributes to the development of society by conducting fair and transparent transactions.

The Company implements intellectual property training for employees in the Research & Development Division. Regular liaison meetings are also held between the Intellectual Property Division and the Research & Development Division to share information on patents inside and outside the Company.