Intellectual Property Protection
Intellectual property management system
Advantest’s overarching policy is to observe all laws and regulations relating to intellectual property rights and to respect the intellectual property rights of third parties. Advantest has developed the system displayed below to ensure that intellectual property is properly managed.
Following the acquisition of Verigy Ltd. in fiscal 2011, Advantest acted quickly to evaluate the strengths of both companies so as to best leverage the synergies created by the acquisition. This quick action will help us to maintain efficient ongoing business development and improve our technical capabilities.
Ultimately, the process enabled us to assess the intellectual property rights owned by Verigy Ltd., merge organizations, and restructure our systems to allow for uniform management. Specifically, we have taken stock of the intellectual property rights owned by Verigy Ltd. and adopted a system that allows for the management of all patents throughout the Group. Aiming to launch this system by April 2013, we will unify intellectual property rights regulations and enable management by technological field.
Intellectual property management system
Employee training related to intellectual property
To improve the awareness of each and every one of our employees towards intellectual property, Advantest is changing the content of training provided based on continuous service milestones and employee posts as it strives to conduct training that is more closely related to the work of each of its employees.
During fiscal 2011, training was conducted on the theme of basic intellectual property knowledge for approximately 60 new employees and managers. We plan to train personnel responsible for R&D, PR and advertising, and manual creation on issues related to trademarks and copyrights.
We will strengthen training for personnel engaged in operations that require knowledge of intellectual property rights. In addition, we will conduct surveys after each training program and analyze participants’ level of understanding in order to improve our training and materials. We will also regularly hold IP Promotion Working Group meetings and continue other various activities to gain more knowledge about intellectual property.
Litigation and disputes relating to intellectual property
Not applicable as of March 31, 2012.
