Epson, has been listed among the Clarivate Top 100 Global Innovators for the 10th time since the award’s inception in 2012. Clarivate Plc, a global information services firm, announced the selection of Epson to the list, which represents the top performers in the global innovation ecosystem, on 2 March 2023.
Epson has a proactive, forward-looking intellectual property strategy, which it considers its most valuable asset. Its unique and advanced core technologies are critical to its operations. Piezo printheads, a core device in the printing sector, are one such technology. Epson owns more patents related to these printheads than any other company in the industry.
“Top 100 Global Innovators”
Epson’s inkjet multifunction printers, which are equipped with Epson’s unique heat-free printhead technology, have several advantages, including reduced CO2 emissions and less frequent replacement of consumables and limited lifetime parts. The company’s technology helps solve societal issues, and its intellectual property rights protect it. Epson’s sustainability efforts are underpinned by its technology, and the company’s IP activities prioritise finding ways to use its strengths to solve societal issues.
General Administrative Manager of the Epson Intellectual Property Division, Toshihiko Kobayashi, said, “It’s an honour to be selected as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators. Last September, we publicly announced our aspirations in a corporate purpose statement that reads, ‘Our philosophy of efficient, compact, and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world.'”
Clarivate assesses the quality of patent ideas using indicators directly linked to innovativeness, compares and analyses invention data from around the world, and annually selects companies and organisations that continuously demonstrate outstanding innovation performance. A twin-track approach is used in evaluations. The first track identifies innovating companies and organisations based on the number of patent applications filed and patents held. An “international factor” is then calculated based on the rate and scale of international inventions. The second track scores them on four factors – influence, success, globalisation, and rarity – and compares them to all other patent ideas.
Epson aims to continue pushing the boundaries of technology to contribute to society and help create a sustainable world.
