Konica Minolta 2006 Annual Report Download - page 37

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35
7. Intellectual Property Portfolio Policies
The Group considers its two core business domains of Business Technologies and
Optics to be its priority response domains for intellectual property. In terms of pri-
ority responses, the Group is not only working to increase the number of patent
applications but is also conducting research on leading-edge technologies before
patent applications are made and is proactively collaborating with engineers in the
R&D division in order to improve quality. While the Group believes this emphasis on
quality means that a certain decline in the number of applications is unavoidable, it
will nevertheless work to increase the number of patent applications in priority
domains after ensuring that quality is enhanced.
In addition, in keeping with the globalization of its business, the Group will con-
tinue to emphasize overseas patent applications. While the current emphasis is on
patent applications in the U.S., the Group will be placing even more importance
going forward on the U.S. as the most important target for patent applications. In
addition, given the growing importance of China as a production base and the rapid
expansion of the market, the Group is working to ensure that a specific number of
patent applications in China are made in key business domains and is promoting the
acquisition of effective patent rights.
8. Risk Response
As of the date of this report, the Group was not involved in any intellectual property
disputes or litigation that could have a material impact on the management of the
Group.