Intellectual Property Risk Management
Intellectual Property Risk Management
Intellectual Property Management Plan
To strengthen our industry leadership and protect valuable technological achievements, Edison Opto has formulated an intellectual property (IP) strategy that integrates business objectives with R&D resources. This strategy establishes an operational model that creates corporate value through intellectual property rights, not only safeguarding operational freedom but also enhancing competitive advantages and supporting business profitability.
1. Patent Protection Measures
Edison Opto's IP management strategy primarily focuses on patent portfolio deployment, expansion of patent applications, and rigorous review mechanisms to enhance patent quality. Through strategic patent portfolio planning, the company safeguards product rights and value, indirectly supports R&D tax incentives, and leverages patents to align with and reinforce business objectives.
2. Company IP Management Regulations
Edison Opto has established the “Intellectual Property Rights Management Regulations,” “Patent Application Management Procedures,” “Intellectual Property and Design Competition Reward Procedures,” and “Product Packaging, Labeling, and Trademark Management Procedures.” These mechanisms, supported by review systems, incentive programs, education, and talent training, are implemented to protect the company’s R&D results and maintain technological leadership.
3. Trade Secret Management
Trade secrets are crucial to sustaining Edison Opto's competitive edge in technological leadership, manufacturing excellence, and customer trust. They serve not only as a safeguard for specific intellectual assets but also as a necessary measure for maintaining competitiveness. To comprehensively manage trade secrets and innovation, the company includes specific provisions within its “Intellectual Property Rights Management Regulations.” Employment contracts and resignation forms require employees to comply with confidentiality obligations. Additionally, managers, business personnel, R&D staff, or any employee with access to trade secrets must sign a confidentiality declaration upon departure to ensure protection of the company’s trade and business secrets. The company also provides regular training to strengthen employees’ awareness and management of confidentiality practices.
Execution Status
Edison Opto reported matters related to intellectual property and its implementation status to the Board of Directors on November 1, 2024. In recent years, the company’s primary actions regarding IP management include:
1. Establishment and Refinement of IP Regulations
Since 2013, Edison Opto has progressively developed IP-related systems, including the “Intellectual Property Rights Management Regulations,” “Patent and Trademark Application Procedures,” “Intellectual Property and Design Competition Reward Procedures,” and “Product Packaging, Labeling, and Trademark Management Procedures.
In 2023, to address growing IP disputes, the company amended the “Intellectual Property Rights Management Regulations” to include a “Standard Operating Procedure for Handling Suspected IP Infringement Cases,” ensuring standardized case-handling processes.
In 2024, the company revised the “Patent and Trademark Application Procedures,” renaming it the “Patent Application Management Procedures.” Trademark-related clauses were removed, while new provisions for patent proposal procedures and the Patent Review Committee were added to clarify application processes and establish a formal review mechanism.
2. Centralized Management by Legal Department
The Legal Department is responsible for IP management, with designated IP specialists overseeing the Group’s patents and trademarks. Edison Opto is also planning to implement systematic and digitalized management of patent-related operations.
3. IP Training and Awareness Programs in 2024
June: Announcement of the “Patent Application Management Procedures.”
August: Trade secret inventory, classification of confidentiality levels, and establishment of protective measures.
November: Promotion of proper software usage.
December: Training on creativity, invention, and IP protection.
4. Overseas IP Strategy
In recent years, Edison Opto has actively pursued overseas market expansion. To prudently plan its global patent strategy and support international business development, key initiatives such as overseas patent portfolio analysis and IP compliance frameworks are regularly monitored through business meetings, ensuring timely responses to potential operational risks.
5. Patent Achievements
As of November 2024, Edison Group (including Aether) has obtained 212 patents, including 33 invention patents. These invention patents are primarily concentrated in Europe, the United States, China, and Taiwan, aiming to reduce patent infringement risks through innovative technologies. Special attention has been given to the AC module, with 44 patents secured worldwide, including 18 invention patents in Europe, the U.S., and China."