

Sharp conducts R&D activities from the perspective of users
with the goal of consistently delivering new levels of value
and joy to people around the world. To accomplish these
goals, we focus on two approaches to R&D. The first is to create
original products by blending our many unique technologies.
The second approach tackles fields of technology that
are new to Sharp using open innovation and cooperation with
partners. These approaches allow us to perform distinctive,
speedy, as well as efficient R&D.
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 acquisition
of patent rights, Sharp works to enhance competitive
edges in its Product Business and Device Business and thus reinforce
its operational foundation. In 2016, Sharp reformed its intellectual property division to change it to a profit center, and established a spun-off company, ScienBiziP Japan Co., Ltd. (SBPJ). By using highly skilled services provided by SBPJ who understands Sharp's products, technologies and business well, Sharp accelerates promotion of intellectual property-related operation based on intellectual property strategies and cohering with business strategies of Sharp. 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.
Sharp is also working to obtain design and trademark registrations
based on its brand strategy so as to increase the number
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 addition,
we take actions to protect our intellectual property rights,
and we adopt an approach of respecting the intellectual property
rights of other organizations. Our fundamental policy is to
resolve infringement issues through dialogue. If other organizations
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 secrets
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.
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