Kurita Group Intellectual Property Activities Policy : Ultrapure water supply, Water Treatment Facilities & Chemicals : The Kurita Group

1. Purpose

This policy sets out the basic matters concerning intellectual property activities of Kurita Water Industries Ltd. (hereinafter “Kurita”) and its consolidated subsidiaries (hereinafter “Group Companies”; Kurita and Group Companies are collectively referred to as “Kurita Group”) in order to promote the appropriate acquisition, protection and utilization of intellectual properties, and respect the intellectual properties of others. This policy aims to maximize the utilization of the intellectual properties of Kurita Group to expand business and improve profitability.

2. Definition

In this policy, “intellectual property” or “intellectual properties” refers to any inventions, designs, works (including computer programs) and trademarks.

3. Policy

3.1 General provisions

（1）Kurita Group shall establish systems and operational rules based on this policy and promote intellectual property activities.
（2）The intellectual property activities of Kurita Group shall be implemented in accordance with the treaties, laws, rules, and regulations of relevant countries and regions, and standards that are generally recognized to be fair and appropriate.

3.2 Acquisition, protection and utilization of intellectual properties

Kurita Group shall understand the importance of intellectual property in its business activities, strive to acquire and protect its valuable intellectual properties in each country and region, and promote the utilization of intellectual properties.

3.3 Respect the intellectual properties of others

In promoting business activities, Kurita Group shall comply with all laws and regulations related to intellectual property in each relevant country and region, as well as respect the intellectual properties of others.

3.4 Intellectual property management

（1）To promote Kurita Group’s intellectual property activities smoothly and effectively, Kurita is in charge of gathering and managing information related to Kurita Group’s intellectual properties.
（2）Kurita shall establish guidelines to manage intellectual properties and ensure that the said guidelines are implemented at Kurita Group.

3.5 Risk management related to intellectual property

Kurita determines the countermeasures for any intellectual property-related risk that may affect Kurita Group’s business.

4. System of promotion & implementation

4.1 Promoter

Kurita appoints the General Manager of the IP Strategy Department of the Innovation Division as a promoter to implement appropriate intellectual property activities based on this policy under the direction and supervision of the Executive General Manager of the Innovation Division.

4.2 Implementation system

（1）The promoter shall promote intellectual property activities within the group based on this policy.
（2）Each Group Company shall appoint an administrator for its own intellectual properties and shall cooperate with Kurita to implement appropriate intellectual property activities based on this policy.

5. Responsible department

The department responsible for this policy is the IP Strategy Department of the Innovation Division of Kurita Water Industries.

6. Changes

Revision and abolition of this policy shall be made in accordance with the Management Regulations for Policies and Regulations of Kurita.

Supplementary provisions

This policy shall be enacted and enforced on April 1, 2023.