The Group is working to build a framework for the continuous generation of innovative technologies and products, such as decarbonization technologies, by promoting DX support in the areas of production and development, developing platforms for the creation of new development ideas, and strengthening development process management. In addition, we are fostering personnel responsible for technology development and technology-based business development.

We have introduced the Stage-Gate Process as our management system for business development. In addition, we established the Idea Seed Bank as a platform for learning and overcoming challenges. These efforts are handled by the Advanced Technology & Strategy Department, a department dedicated to the planning and formulation of Group-wide technology strategies.

In addition to fostering a corporate culture that encourages employees to overcome challenges through the Idea Seed Bank, the Advanced Technology & Strategy Department holds cross-organizational study groups. These groups help each individual member of the JX Advanced Metals Group understand products outside of their responsibilities and promote cooperation between divisions beyond their own. At these cross-organizational study groups, all employees learn about each division's business lines, products, and services. Through active Q&A and discussion, each employee gains a better understanding of the Group, which in turn leads to wider communication with external stakeholders. Through these efforts, we are advancing the development of human resources who can play an active role in finding potential co-creation partners, exploring new develop-ment themes, and further expanding existing businesses.

VOICE
Comments From an ISB Member

I operate a subcommittee where participants learn from each other about communicative skills and mindset, which are essential for business people. Starting the subcommittee required a bit of courage, but the ISB's credo, "Even a small step is okay... taking action will surely change your perspective," encouraged me along the way. I took the leap and challenged myself and now the subcommittee is very active and taking on meaningful activities. What stood out most were the connections that emerged from the meetings that transcended work things such as location, job type, and age. I am inspired by the dialogue amongst members from diverse backgrounds, which often leads to insights that I would not have had on my own. In addition to improving my skills on a given subject matter, I feel that broadening my perspective has a positive impact on my daily work.

Intellectual property is an important asset for the technology-based company that the JX Advanced Metals Group aims to be. In fiscal 2022, we formulated the JX Advanced Metals Group Basic Policy on Intellectual Property. Under this policy, we engage in intellectual property activities throughout the Group.

Basic Policy 1-1

Intellectual Property System

Within the Technology Group under the President, we have established an Intellectual Property Department. Under the slogan of three-in-one, the department strengthens collaboration among management, business divisions, and technology divisions, and examines and implements intellectual property strategies that reflect our management, business, and technology strategies. The Intellectual Property Department has established multiple groups divided by business domain, collaborating with the relevant business divisions to implement optimized intellectual property activities tailored to each domain.
Starting in fiscal 2023, in addition to the groups responsible for each business division, we established a new group dedicated to supporting the creation of new business ventures. This allows us to quickly research and analyze intellectual property information related to new themes and ideas, thereby contributing to the creation of new businesses.

Basic Policy 1-2

Development of Intellectual Property

The development of intellectual property human resources is important to carry out our intellectual property activities. In the interest of the appropriate acquisition, protection, and utilization of intellectual property and management of intellectual property risks, the Group provides all employees, including clerical staff, with intellectual property education based on a systematic program and using our own teaching materials. To address intellec-tual property tasks that become more complex each year, the Intellectual Property Department encourages obtaining qualifications such as patent attorney certifications and Intellectual Property Analyst certified by Association of Intellectual Property Education (AIPE). Additionally, the department promotes the sharing of the latest intellectual property-related knowledge to enhance expertise.

Basic Policy 2-1

Initiatives for Promoting Invention

In accordance with the Patent Act, the Group has established the Regulations Concerning Handling of Employee Inventions. In addition to incentives at the time of application and registration, we have established our own unique system to award inventors of profitable patents and inventors of outstanding inventions to encourage development and invention and promote activities as a technology-based company.
In fiscal 2023, four inventions were eligible for awards, including copper and copper alloys for electrodes, processing technology for compound semiconductor substrates, improved formability of copper alloys, and measures to reduce factory noise. In addition, we also recognize inventions that are kept secret as expertise, as well as patents.

Basic Policy 2-2

Status of Patent Ownersh

Number of Patents Held

Our Group is actively promoting research and development with the aim of becoming a technology-based company. In line with our business strategy, we conduct appropriate rights-acquisition activities in Japan and overseas for inventions generated in the course of research and development. On the other hand, for inventions that we choose to keep as trade secrets rather than patenting, we prepare documents in a specific format to clearly define the proprietary information and ensure its protection through rigorous confidentiality management.

Basic Policy 3

Using Intellectual Property Information

The JX Advanced Metals Group regards intellectual property information (patent information, etc.) as big data useful for understanding technological trends. We utilize intellectual property information not only for the purpose of preventing infringement and determining patentability, but also for various other purposes. For example, as part of our IP landscape survey, we conduct research and analysis by integrating our own and competitors' patent information with business and market data. This enables us to anticipate shifts in customer needs and technology trends, thereby contributing to the formulation of business strategies, the creation of development themes, and the search for partners. We also encourage the use of intellectual property information by others besides personnel in charge of intellectual property directly.
In fiscal 2023, intellectual property and marketing personnel participated in a hands-on workshop led by an outside instructor. Specifically, we analyzed the actual themes under consideration for possible entry, and based on the results, we examined hy-pothetical entry scenarios and co-creation partners.

Basic Policy 4

Protection of Intellectual Property

When there are suspicions of infringement regarding our intellectual property rights, including patents, we will take appropriate measures, including asserting our rights, to protect our technologies and products. While our basic policy is to resolve any unfair infringement through discussion, we are also prepared to seek a ruling from third parties, such as the courts, if our group's intellectual property rights are not respected.

Basic Policy 5

Respect for the Intellectual Property of Others

We have established a system in which our business units, research and development department, and intellectual property department collaborate to address the intellectual property of others, including patents. At each stage of new business planning, product research and development, and product manufacturing and sales, we strive to understand patents that are related to our products and held by other parties. If patents or other intellectual property with a high degree of relevance to our products are identified, we conduct a detailed risk assessment and formulate a policy for countermeasures, gathering opinions from outside attorneys or patent attorneys as necessary.