About TDK | Intellectual PropertyTDK Technology & IP HQ Holds Event at Akita University as Part of Alliance Agreement
A career-experience event titled “Intellectual Property and Technology” was held for students at Akita University on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Planned by TDK’s Technology and Intellectual Property HQ, the event took place with a two-part composition of lectures and technological exhibits. It was held for the first time as part of an alliance agreement between TDK Corporation and Akita University concluded in April 2025 with the aim of promoting the development and social contribution of both parties.
The Intellectual Property Rights Center of the Technology and Intellectual Property HQ delivered a lecture on the theme of “Intellectual Property and Careers,” with the center’s general manager, Mr. Ryosuke Koshiba, and others introducing our company profile and explaining basic knowledge relating to intellectual property to about 30 students and faculty members.
GM Ryosuke Koshiba delivers the opening address.
Third-year employee Mr. Sota Mikami gives a profile of TDK.
As the guest speaker, the US lawyer Mr. John Yang, representing intellectual property division of TDK U.S.A. Corporation, took the podium and delivered a talk on “The Importance of Intellectual Property to the Future of TDK.” In his lecture, Mr. Yang spoke about the impact of artificial intelligence on the acquisition and protection of patents and copyrights in a changing society and the role of intellectual property in TDK’s contribution to the AI ecosystem.
Mr. John Yang delivers his lecture.
Students listen attentively to the lecture.
In the following panel discussion titled “Career Development in the Intellectual Property Field,” Mr. Yang spoke to the students about the attractions of the intellectual property field and the importance of following your own passion when choosing a career. Also, Mr. Ryo Koike , who has been with TDK for seven years and is in charge of intellectual property, told them that TDK’s intellectual property activities are spreading globally and there are many opportunities to be active on the international stage.
Panel discussion by intellectual property members
As a general summary, Akita University Vice-President Kyoichi Ono pointed out the importance of being mindful of the protection of research results and the heightening demand for human resources capable of handling technology and the law. In addition, he noted that the speaker Mr. Yang was a good career model, having, since becoming an adult, carved out a new path by learning new skills amid the present diversification of workstyles.
Akita University Vice-President Kyoichi Ono gives the closing address.
The technology planning department of the Technology and Intellectual Property HQ organized a technological exhibition in the TDK Venture Spirit Hall, for which TDK has acquired naming rights. Members of the technology strategy section introduced the WeWALK Smart Cane 2 , which is equipped with sensor technology, and a motion sensor and gave demos using actual devices. The students deepened their understanding by actually touching the exhibits.
Akita University’s TDK Venture Spirit Hall
Students visit the event.
Students show much interest in an exhibit explanation.
Going forward, through partnerships with universities, TDK will continue to convey its initiatives to promote intellectual property activities and technological development to students and other stakeholders.
Related article
■Akita University and TDK sign alliance agreement
https://www.tdk.com/en/news_center/press/20250422_01.html
■Redefining Independence With Intelligent Mobility Powered by Sensors
https://www.tdk.com/en/featured_stories/entry_084-WeWALK-Smart-Cane-2.html
