Basic policies for protecting intellectual property
The ULVAC Group maintains a basic policy of respecting the intellectual property rights of third parties, as well as protecting the results of research and development with intellectual property rights,and utilizing them effectively throughout the Group.
Respecting third-party intellectual property rights
When selling our products, ULVAC has a firm policy of only offering products that customers can use in the knowledge that intellectual property rights are respected. If any intellectual property issues arise regarding a product, we will take responsibility for resolving them. To properly execute this policy, we have established the Patent Risk Management Regulation. The Regulation aims to prevent patent infringement issues from arising, and to deal promptly with any intellectual property right issues that do occur. It also clearly sets out the management method and system for intellectual property risks (role and scope of responsibilities of personnel).
Encouraging patent applications
The Employee Invention, Design and Creation Management Regulation clarifies the internal procedures for any invention created by an employee and any payment made as consideration for that invention. Given the diverse forms of employment, the Regulation is revised continuously to encourage invention and creativity among all employees involved in research and development.
Patent seminars are also offered to younger-generation employees every October, as part of our efforts to encourage patent applications.
Managing patents and sharing intellectual property information
The ULVAC Group has established an Intellectual Property Rights Management Regulation, which aims to expand ULVAC Group businesses by leveraging the intellectual property owned by Group companies.
The Intellectual Property & Licensing Division meanwhile serves as the secretariat for semiannual ULVAC Group Patent Management Committee meetings. The meetings enable discussion and sharing of the results of investigations into third-party intellectual property rights, the status of patent applications by Group companies, issues related to intellectual property management and other matters.