Toyota 2009 Annual Report Download - page 37

R&D Expenditures
In fiscal 2009, R&D expenditures totaled ¥904.0 billion, down 5.7%
from the previous fiscal year, representing 4.4% of consolidated
net revenues. We worked closely with suppliers to develop
components and products more efficiently and took steps to
reduce our own R&D expenses. At the same time, we plan to
continue making substantial investments in R&D involving
forward-looking, leading-edge technologies and the development
of products associated with the environment, energy, and safety.
These investments are essential to preserving our competitive
edge in terms of technologies and products.
R&D Organization
Toyota operates a global R&D organization with the primary goal
of building automobiles that precisely meet the needs of
customers in every region of the world.
In Japan, R&D operations are led by Toyota Central Research
& Development Laboratories, Inc., which works closely with
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., Hino Motors, Ltd., Toyota Auto Body
Co., Ltd., Kanto Auto Works, Ltd., and many other Toyota Group
companies. Overseas, we have a worldwide network of technical
centers as well as design and motorsports R&D centers.
Intellectual Property Activities
Toyota’s competitiveness springs from the forward-looking R&D
stance that is instrumental to core strengths associated with
products and technologies. Underlying each new product that
emerges from R&D, there are always intellectual properties such as
inventions and expertise that we value as important management
resources.
Intellectual Property Systems
R&D and intellectual property activities are organizationally linked
to enable us to focus on selected development themes and build
a strong patent portfolio. We have established an Intellectual
Property Committee made up of individuals involved with
management, R&D, and intellectual property. This committee
acquires and utilizes important intellectual property that
contributes to business operations and helps determine policies
for management risks associated with intellectual property.
Intellectual Property Strategies
Toyota carefully analyzes patents and the need for patents in each
area of research to formulate more effective R&D strategies. We
identify R&D projects in which Toyota should acquire patents, and
file relevant applications as necessary to help build a strong global
patent portfolio.
In addition, we want to contribute to sustainable mobility by
promoting the spread of technologies with environmental and
safety benefits. This is why we take an open stance to patent
licensing, and grant licenses when appropriate terms are met.
A good example of this policy is the licensing to other companies
of patents in the area of hybrid technology, which is one of our
core technologies involving environmental energy.
Intellectual Property Guiding Principle
• Securing greater corporate flexibility and
maximizing corporate value through the
appropriate acquisition and utilization of
intellectual property.
Basic Research
Forward-Looking
and Leading-Edge
Technology
Development
Product
Development
Development theme discovery
Research on basic vehicle-related
technology
Technological breakthroughs related to
components and systems
Development of leading-edge components
and systems ahead of competitors
Primary responsibility for new model
development
Development of all-new models and
existing-model upgrades
Toyota
Milestones
Corporate
Philosophy
Overseas
Manufacturing
Companies
Production
Sites
R&D
Organization
R&D and
Intellectual Property
Risk
Factors
Corporate
Governance
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Annual Report 2009 35