Nippon Kayaku Receives the 23rd Japan Intellectual Property Association "Industrial Merit Award"

Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Shigeyuki Kawamura; hereinafter "Nippon Kayaku") has been awarded the 23rd Japan Intellectual Property Association (JIPA) "Industrial Merit Award." The "Industrial Merit Award" is presented annually by the Japan Intellectual Property Association, a general incorporated association, to corporate members that have achieved outstanding results in intellectual property (IP) department activities.

The official citation from JIPA for the award is as follows:

"Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. has demonstrated remarkable achievements by highly effectively practicing IP-driven management across its diversified business domains, including pharmaceuticals, functional chemicals, and safety components.

In particular, in the field of drone safety devices—a new business area—its IP department has been deeply involved from the outset, proactively building an IP portfolio with international standards in mind. This approach is highly advanced.

Moreover, in joint research projects with universities and startups, the company addresses structural challenges arising from underdeveloped IP infrastructures by temporarily holding rights internally while flexibly adjusting ownership stakes according to outcomes. This practical and flexible approach actively promotes appropriate IP protection and societal implementation of research results.

Furthermore, within its IP department of approximately 30 members, the company cultivates specialized talent primarily drawn from research institutes. The entire IP team engages in strategic analytical and proposal activities utilizing IP landscaping to visualize intangible assets. The IP department also leads a hands-on six-month training program for R&D personnel using real research themes, supporting the development of analytical and investigative capabilities among R&D staff who can think independently.

These initiatives significantly contribute to advancing IP management practices within Japan's industrial sector and are therefore deemed highly deserving of the Industrial Merit Award." (https://ipaj.org/topics/2026/sangyoukourou_2026.html)

23rd Japan Intellectual Property Association "Industrial Merit Award" Ceremony

Nippon Kayaku's Intellectual Property Department strategically and practically advances IP activities centered on two pillars: "deepening knowledge" and "exploring knowledge." Under "deepening knowledge," the company aims to deepen, develop, and optimize existing businesses by formulating IP strategies, filing and securing patents, minimizing IP risks with respect to third-party IP, and collaborating closely with business units to enhance the technological and competitive strength of the Nippon Kayaku Group. Under "exploring knowledge," the department leverages IP landscaping to swiftly identify customer needs and drive R&D initiatives that lead to new businesses and products, while actively creating new intellectual property. These efforts have now been highly recognized.

Nippon Kayaku will continue to strategically and practically advance its intellectual property activities to realize its mission: "Creating safety, enrichment, and inspiration for people and the planet through KAYAKU technologies."

About Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1916, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive chemical manufacturer with over 100 years of history dedicated to creating innovative products. Today, the company operates primarily in the following areas: automotive safety components such as airbag inflators; mobility and imaging products such as polarizing films; fine chemicals including epoxy resins for semiconductors, inkjet dyes, and catalysts; and life sciences products such as anticancer drugs and agrochemicals. Through these businesses, Nippon Kayaku continues to deliver safety, enrichment, and inspiration for the future of people and the planet.