Omron 2007 Annual Report Download - page 32

Download and view the complete annual report

Please find page 32 of the 2007 Omron annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.

Page out of 85

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • 42
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • 46
  • 47
  • 48
  • 49
  • 50
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
  • 54
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • 58
  • 59
  • 60
  • 61
  • 62
  • 63
  • 64
  • 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 68
  • 69
  • 70
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • 76
  • 77
  • 78
  • 79
  • 80
  • 81
  • 82
  • 83
  • 84
  • 85

31
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STRATEGY
Omron’s Research and Development Scheme and
Strategy for Intellectual Property
Focusing on sensing and control as core competencies,
the Advance Device Laboratory and Sensing & Control Laboratory
are responsible for the development of fundamental technology
while the companies of the Omron Group engage in the devel-
opment of applied technology and product development.
In the context of this research and development scheme,
the Intellectual Property Center not only serves as an interme-
diary between business and technology but also contributes
to the Group by creating the differentiating value that in the
future will set Omron apart from other manufacturers in the
industry. In specific terms, the Center comprehensively man-
ages intellectual content from the development of fundamental
technology to the development of applied technology and
determines the direction of strategic development with a view
to providing integrated support for both R&D and the business
units. Through the Intellectual Property Center, we will predict
and assess value in terms of the differentiating value that will be
created in the future, synergies between technologies, and
the accumulation of know-how, and we will promote the acqui-
sition of rights for these projects, including business models
from the research and development stages to their catego-
rization as business models, aiming at maximization of corporate
value.
Stepping up Patent Applications in the United States and
China and Commencing Application Procedures in India
Since the Omron Group put in place its long-term man-
agement vision GD2010 in 2001, we have accelerated our busi-
ness development globally and have increased our number of
overseas patent applications. With our sights set on securing
patents that will enhance our competitive edge internationally,
we are stepping up efforts to acquire patents in the United
States. Likewise, we have also been promoting the acquisi-
tion of patents in China, which is positioned as one of our pri-
ority strategic areas. In India too, despite existing inadequa-
cies in legislation to protect intellectual property rights, we
have not only investigated legal conditions but have actually
begun to file applications for patents with a vision for the future.
Promoting the Acquisition of Patents on a Global Scale
To coincide with our plans as a global corporation, we
will continue to promote collaborative innovation with local
universities and local development in various regions of the
world. In China, as we move ahead with research and devel-
opment locally at the Omron Institute of Sensing & Control
Technology (ORS) in Shanghai and at Omron (Shanghai) Co.,
Ltd., the need for us to apply for patents locally in accordance
with the Chinese legal system is increasing in recent years.
To facilitate the acquisition of patents, we have appointed spe-
cialist staff in both China and North America to provide local
support at every stage from consultation concerning inven-
tions to the filing of patent applications.
Intellectual property relating to technology and know-how is one of the Omron Group’s most vital management
resources for ensuring its sustainable growth. Acting as our mentor in technology, the Intellectual Property
Center strategically links research and development with business and plays an essential role as a corporate
concierge in converting technology into profit.
2002
1,141
543
4,068
40.2
7.5%
1,378
Intellectual Property and R&D-related Data
2006
1,300
836
5,206
52.0
7.1%
1,630
2005
1,509
705
4,538
50.5
8.1%
1,591
2004
1,216
676
4,426
49.4
8.1%
1,384
2003
1,170
580
4,154
46.5
7.9%
1,594
0
50
100
150
200
01
93
29
02 03 04 05 06
Applications Approvals
Patent Applications and Approvals in the United States
(FY)
137
44
178
62
169
88 82
163 157
132
38
142
160162
150
105
0
50
100
150
200
01 02 03 04 05 06
Applications
Patent Applications in China
(FY)
Fiscal Year
Number of patents
Applications
Approvals
Total patents
R&D expenses (Billions of yen)
R&D expenses ratio
R&D staff (persons)