Sharp 2014 Annual Report Download - page 23

Launch of Microbe Sensor
Sharp released* a microbe sensor that quickly and automatically
measures the amount of airborne microbes, such as bacteria
and mold spores. Previously, a skilled technician measured air-
borne microbes manually after cultivating microbes over several
days. But thanks to this new product, microbes can be mea-
sured automatically in as little as 10 minutes. When linked to
a computer via network, the sensor can collaborate with an
air quality control system and can be controlled remotely. The
microbe sensor is particularly useful for food processing plants,
pharmaceutical factories, and other facilities that need to main-
tain strict environmental standards.
* Released by Sharp Manufacturing Systems Corporation in October 2013 (BM-300C).
Sharp views its intellectual property strategy as one of its key
management measures, promoting it in a coherent manner
with business and R&D strategies. By aggressively targeting ac-
quisition of patent rights, Sharp works to secure competitive
edges in its Product Business and Device Business and thus re-
inforce its operational foundation. In advancing its intellectual
property strategy in a consistent manner, Sharp’s Intellectual
Intellectual Property Strategy
The 1988 release of Sharp’s world-first 14-inch TFT-LCD for TVs was recog-
nized as an IEEE Milestone. The IEEE Milestone recognizes the huge contribu-
tion made by Sharp to the development of the LCD industry with respect to
the move from consumer CRT TVs to LCD TVs. The honor marks the third time
that Sharp has been recognized, with previous milestones received for innova-
tion in development of electronic calculators, as well as commercialization and
industrialization of solar cells. It also marks the first time that an individual or
organization in Japan has been recognized for three IEEE Milestones.
* The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world’s largest professional as-
sociation covering the electrical, electronic, information, and telecommunications engineer-
ing. IEEE Milestones honor innovations that have made important and historic contributions
to society
IEEE Milestone* Recognition
Topic
Property Center, under the Corporate Research and Develop-
ment Division, undertakes management of overall strategy and
cooperates with patent-related entities within each Business Di-
vision and site. At the same time, the Center organizes various
initiatives related to intellectual property through an approach
of mutual cooperation. Sharp has clearly delineated the fields
that are central to each business group to conduct strategic
patent development* close to the front line. Sharp also obtains
useful patents arising from alliance activities from collaboration
with other companies or universities. As of March 31, 2014,
Sharp had 18,925 patents in Japan and 24,033 overseas. Sharp
utilizes these patents to reinforce its business earnings power.
Sharp is also working to obtain design and trademark regis-
trations based on its brand strategy so as to increase the num-
ber of applications and registrations globally.
Sharp endeavors to make full use of its intellectual property
in coordination with its business and R&D strategies. In addi-
tion, we take actions to protect our intellectual property rights,
and we adopt an approach of respecting the intellectual prop-
erty rights of other organizations. Our fundamental policy is to
resolve infringement issues through dialogue. If other organi-
zations fail to respect our intellectual property rights, however,
we are fully prepared to enlist third parties, including courts, to
obtain a judgment.
Sharp also works hard to reinforce the protection of trade se-
crets and to prevent leaks concerning its unique and important
production technologies and know-how. Also, the impact of
counterfeit Sharp products overseas has grown in recent years.
In response, we have been promoting measures to clamp down
on this practice in cooperation with the relevant authorities and
industry associations.
* International patent applications (PCT applications) in 2013: Sharp ranked 6th
worldwide among applications (WIPO data)
Microbe sensor
Annual Report 2014 21
R&D and Intellectual Property