About TDK | Intellectual PropertyIntellectual Property Policy

Basic Stance

The TDK Group positions intellectual property as a source of corporate competitiveness. The TDK Group Code of Conduct stipulates that, in our business activities, we shall make every effort to create and protect our own intellectual property, while respecting the intellectual property of third parties.*1 Based on the code, the TDK Group upholds a basic policy regarding intellectual property to respect the patents of third parties and to have others respect our patents. We do this to contribute to the development of society by actively developing and supplying new products and services through the establishment, accumulation, and utilization of intellectual property rights.*2
Furthermore, through coordination with the intellectual property divisions of principal Group companies, we formulate and implement an intellectual property strategy in line with our business strategy.

1. TDK Group Code of Conduct 2-3 "Creation, Protection, and Utilization of Intellectual Property"
https://www.tdk.com/en/about_tdk/code_of_conduct/index.html
2. "Intellectual property rights" refer to rights relating to creations, etc. born from intellectual activities. These include patent rights, utility model rights, design rights, trademark rights, industrial property rights and copyrights, as well as know-how, technological and sales information, etc. managed by each company as confidential information.

Structure

The TDK Group conducts intellectual property governance through the Intellectual Property Rights Center, which acts as a global headquarters, and the intellectual property divisions of principal Group companies in the United States, China, and Europe. Thanks to this structure, we can respond in a timely manner to the intellectual property problems unique to each region.

Acquisition and Utilization of Rights

Regarding newly created products and technologies, through the sharing of intellectual property strategy with each business division, we conduct global applications and patent prosecution in line with business activities so that they have sufficient legal protection through intellectual property rights. In addition, we strive for the effective utilization of our global intellectual property portfolio by regularly checking the state of implementation of rights.

Technological Protection and Contracts

As well as naturally taking steps to prevent the unintentional leakage of technological information and illegal infringements of the TDK Group’s intellectual property by third parties without title, we also promote the protection of technology by realizing appropriate contractual relations when providing technology to or co-creating technology with third parties. Through the appropriate protection of technology, we aim to optimize the value created by our original core technologies.

Measures to Counter Imitation Products

We seek to prevent the distribution of imitation products through a combination of measures, including the regular monitoring of imitation products on e-commerce sites, a ban on imitation products at customs, and the exposure of imitation product businesses.

Invention Incentives

TDK globally promotes the creation and patent prosecution of inventions, etc., which are the wellspring of TDK’s value creation. Group companies have established incentive schemes in line with legislation in each country.

Training

With the aim of enabling team members (employees) to acquire intellectual property knowledge and to enhance their practical intellectual property skills, we are striving to develop human resources mindful of intellectual property through various in-house and outside intellectual property training programs.