Fujitsu Implements Integrated IP Management to Advance Innovation and Global Sustainability Goals

Fujitsu Group has articulated a comprehensive intellectual property (IP) management strategy aimed at fulfilling its corporate purpose: to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. The company’s IP management targets are set to contribute to the Group’s innovation and the creation of new value through the strategic development and utilization of intellectual capital, including technology, brands, and design rights.

Since its founding in 1935, Fujitsu has grown by anticipating the needs of customers and society through innovation. Today, the company’s growth is driven by digital services that transcend traditional industry boundaries, with a focus on creating new value. To achieve its purpose, Fujitsu is consolidating management resources in technology, which is essential for digital services, and pursuing a technology strategy that reinforces its technological infrastructure under its medium-term management plan. Intellectual property management is positioned as a key promoter of this technology strategy, supporting value creation by maintaining and strengthening the competitive advantage of the Group’s intellectual capital.

Fujitsu’s IP management contributes to value creation by developing and utilizing its intellectual property portfolio. This encompasses not only acquiring rights for the Group’s intellectual capital but also implementing risk management to reduce the occurrence of risks that could damage corporate and social value. The company emphasizes respect for both its own rights and those held by other companies, and takes measures to protect against infringement.

The company is actively promoting the acquisition of rights for technology developed by the Fujitsu Group, as well as design rights and brands generated when integrating technology into society. Through appropriate management, Fujitsu aims to expand opportunities for license fees and differentiate itself from technology and services offered by others, thereby maintaining and strengthening its competitive advantage. The company also supports the search for growth opportunities by surveying, analyzing, and disseminating global technology trends, such as the status of patent applications in domains of strategic importance.

Fujitsu is actively involved in the open source software (OSS) community, which is essential for its digital services. The company contributes to the formulation of an ecosystem for value creation and the development of rules for utilizing intellectual property, thereby fostering an environment that encourages innovation.

Risk reduction is a central initiative in Fujitsu’s IP management. Infringement by other parties of rights held by the Fujitsu Group can obstruct business strategies and negatively impact the competitive environment and trust in Fujitsu’s brands. The company continuously monitors for potential infringements and implements swift and appropriate countermeasures when necessary. Fujitsu’s Code of Conduct, which forms part of the Fujitsu Way, as well as its Purpose and Values, specify the protection and respect of intellectual property. The Group has established Rules for Handling Intellectual Property Rights, which apply to Fujitsu and domestic Group companies engaged in IP activities.

To further reduce the risk of infringing on the rights of others, Fujitsu conducts thorough patent infringement avoidance surveys, manages OSS licenses, and responds to internal consultations on contract clauses related to intellectual property. These measures are designed to ensure compliance and minimize legal and reputational risks.

Under its technology strategy, Fujitsu is consolidating management resources in five Key Technologies vital for its technology services: Computing, Network, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technology. By aggregating resources in these areas, the company aims to reinforce its technological infrastructure and enhance the connection between research and development and business strategies, enabling effective and speedy commercialization and value creation. The creation and utilization of the intellectual property portfolio with a focus on these five Key Technology Areas is a strategic priority for IP management.

Uvance, Fujitsu’s vision for society in 2030, is a solution for sustainable transformation and is underpinned by the five Key Technology Areas. Through Uvance, Fujitsu aims to transform into a business that positively impacts the environment, society, and the economy, while working with customers to create value and achieve sustainable growth.

The Intellectual Property Division, part of the Legal and Intellectual Property Unit under the General Counsel, consists of the Intellectual Property Strategy Office, which formulates and promotes company-wide IP strategies based on communication with management, and the Intellectual Property Center, which implements IP portfolio construction. The division collaborates with Fujitsu Techno Research Ltd., which provides IP-related services, to execute IP management. The formulation of IP management strategy and policy is undertaken in collaboration with the Technology Units headed by the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), ensuring that IP management is integrated with broader management and business portfolio strategies.