Intellectual Property Management
Approach/Promotion System
Approach to Intellectual Property
Canon has always been an R&D-led company. Our growth as an enterprise relies on proactive R&D to support the creation of new markets and customer segments based on the development of products using proprietary technologies. This history underpins our belief that it is products and intellectual property (IP) that are the fruits of R&D. Canon’s IP Division emphasizes the role of intellectual property activities in supporting business development.
Basic Policy of IP Activities
- IP activities are vital to support business operations
- The fruits of R&D are products and IP
- IP rights of others should be respected and handled appropriately
Integrating IP Activities Company-wide
Canon has a tradition of appointing executives with a background in IP, which means that intellectual property activities are firmly integrated and their significance is well understood throughout the company. As a result, our IP Division is able to work closely not only with R&D but also with all divisions, from production to marketing, in promoting related activities.
With all divisions acting as a team to create and protect intellectual property, Canon is able to carry out world-class IP activities.
Respecting Intellectual Property Rights
Canon takes a strict, consistent approach against counterfeit goods and intellectual property infringements. At the same time, we respect the intellectual property rights of others. We have established clear rules to ensure that our products do not infringe on rights held by others.
More specifically, we conduct thorough searches of third-party patents to prevent use of intellectual property held by others without permission. Such thorough searches of third-party rights are carried out at all stages, from the R&D stage onward, based on cooperation between the R&D division involved in the technology and the relevant IP department.
Moreover, by conducting thorough searches of thirdparty patents, Canon smoothly and appropriately creates partnerships with other companies and external research institutions for cross-licensing or joint research projects. This allows Canon to achieve better results than would be possible using only in-house patents or technologies.
IP Rights Management System
At Canon, the Corporate Intellectual Property and Legal Headquarters at Canon Inc. works with the IP divisions of Group companies to formulate a set of global management rules, specifying matters such as roles and responsibilities in the handling of intellectual property and procedures for setting IP policy.
This approach enables us to coordinate IP activities across the group and collaborate as needed in legal proceedings and licensing activities. By working together we make effective use of Canon Group's patents and strive to maximize profits by optimizing the patent portfolio.
IP Rights Management System
