Uncertainty Regarding Intellectual Property Infringement and Protection
First written in FY2016. 2 of 3 entries say "Restated". Latest entry: FY2020.
The whole theme swung hardest in 2025: 9 of 59 companies on the "Worse" side.
- FY2020RestatedAnnual report
「In developing products and providing services, our group accumulates new technologies and know-how and works to hold intellectual property rights in order to maintain an advantage over competitors. However, in some regions, those rights may not be adequately secured because of legal restrictions.」
The possibility of holding intellectual property, unauthorized use by third parties, and infringement of other companies’ rights was reconfirmed. - FY2017RestatedAnnual report
「As of the end of the consolidated fiscal year, our group held approximately 1,230 intellectual property rights. These rights may be invalidated, and even where our group holds such intellectual property rights, third parties may infringe them and improperly use the relevant technologies or other assets.」
The number of intellectual property rights held was updated to approximately 1,230, and the risks of invalidation, third-party infringement and uncertainty over enforcement were reiterated. - FY2016First statedAnnual report
「As of the end of the consolidated fiscal year, our group held approximately 1,170 intellectual property rights. These rights may be invalidated, and even where our group holds such intellectual property rights, third parties may infringe them and improperly use the relevant technologies or other assets.」
Potential risks include invalidation of rights held by the group, third-party infringement, and the costs of enforcing those rights.