Konica Minolta 2007 Annual Report Download - page 43

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41
Trend of Japanese Patents
in the Business Technologies
and Optics
0
300
200
100
0
800
1,600
2,400
3,200
Business Technologies
Optics
2005 2006 2007
Trend of U.S. Patents
in the Business Technologies
and Optics
0
120
240
360
480
0
700
1,400
2,100
2,800
2005 2006 2007
(2) Business Contribution of Other Intellectual Property
The Konica Minolta brand is an invaluable asset of the Group. In particular, maintaining and
improving the image of the Konica Minolta brand after the Group’s exit from the photographic
film and camera businesses has become ever more important. The Group has created an organi-
zation to manage and strengthen the Konica Minolta brand. In addition, the Intellectual Property
Center is working to legally protect the Konica Minolta brand by applying for and obtaining
rights and maintaining the trademark rights in over 200 foreign countries. Moreover, training
exercises were implemented in the fiscal year ended March 2007 to instill a sense of pride in
every Group employee in order to raise the image of the brand inside and outside the Group.
In addition to maintaining a high brand image, there are increasing instances of counterfeit
goods being sold in Japan and overseas. Counterfeiting of consumable products in the Business
Technology area is detrimental to revenue and earnings and moreover could cause irreparable
damage to the Group’s brand image. The Intellectual Property Center, with the cooperation of
each business company, is actively implementing anti-counterfeiting measures.
6. Intellectual Property Portfolio Policies
Considering the Business Technologies and Optics as priority business domains, the Group is not
only increasing the number of patent applications but also enhancing its ability to search prior art
documents before applications are made as it actively works to improve patent quality. Further,
the Group continues to emphasize patent applications in foreign countries in response to the
globalization of its businesses.
The Group manages the patent assets held within the Group as a portfolio from the stand-
point of future business profitability and the potential for patent utilization inside and outside
the Group.
7. Risk Response
As of the date of this report, the Konica Minolta Group was not involved in any intellectual property
disputes or litigation that could have a material impact on the management of the Group.