Patent Infringement and Intellectual Property Disputes
First written in FY2016. 3 of 5 entries say "Restated". Latest entry: FY2021.
- FY2021RestatedAnnual report
「The group currently checks during product development for any patent infringement or other issues, including by asking its patent attorneys for investigations as necessary. It also considers issues and responses through the activities of the Risk and Compliance Committee. However, this includes the possibility of infringing other companies' patent rights, including where views differ. Similarly, the group's patent rights may be infringed.」
While conducting investigations by patent attorneys, checking patents during product development and considering responses through the Risk and Compliance Committee, the company has reconfirmed that the possibility of intellectual property disputes remains. - FY2019RestatedAnnual report
「The group checks during product development for any patent infringement or other issues, including by asking its patent attorneys for investigations as necessary. However, this includes the possibility of infringing other companies' patent rights, including where views differ.」
The company has reconfirmed its intellectual property response policy, including consultation with attorneys and patent attorneys, and the possibility of infringement and disputes. - FY2018RestatedAnnual report
「If an intellectual property issue arises with a third party, the group plans to consult its attorneys and patent attorneys on how to respond. Depending on the matter, however, resolution may require considerable time and expense, which could affect the group's business performance.」
The company has reconfirmed its policy of consulting attorneys and patent attorneys on intellectual property disputes, as well as the possibility that resolution may require considerable time and expense. - FY2017WorsenedAnnual report
「Similarly, the group's patent rights may be infringed. If an intellectual property issue arises with a third party, the group plans to consult its attorneys and patent attorneys on how to respond. Depending on the matter, however, resolution may require considerable time and expense, which could affect the group's business performance.」
In addition to the possibility of infringing other companies' patent rights, the company expressly notes the possibility that its own patent rights may be infringed and that disputes may involve time and expense. - FY2016First statedAnnual report
「Many patent applications are expected to be filed in the future, and issues such as patent infringement may also arise. The group currently checks during product development for any patent infringement or other issues, including by asking its patent attorneys for investigations as necessary. However, this includes the possibility of infringing other companies' patent rights, including where views differ.」
The company anticipates infringement issues arising from an increase in patent applications and conducts investigations by patent attorneys and other measures, but states that the possibility of infringement remains.