The Head of the Intellectual Property Division
/ Chief Intellectual Property Officer

   Nishimura, Naofumi

Over the years, our university has generated numerous outcomes of research that lead the world. Conveying these outcomes of research to society and translating them into sustainable value constitutes one of the university’s most important missions. The initiatives surrounding intellectual property form the essential foundation that supports this mission.

Effective April 1, I assumed the roles of Head of the Intellectual Property Strategy Division and Chief Intellectual Property Officer. In this capacity, I am determined to further strengthen the linkage between the outcomes of research produced at our university and their contribution to society. In addition to the appropriate management of patents and intellectual property rights, we will work in close alignment with research strategy, industry–academia collaboration, commercialization initiatives, and the acquisition of external funding. Through such coordinated efforts, we will carefully cultivate pathways that enable the outcomes of research to be effectively utilized within society.

More specifically, we will pursue optimal approaches to the utilization of intellectual property in accordance with the characteristics of individual research outcomes, promote the enhancement of collaborative research, and advance societal deployment through mechanisms such as startups and licensing activities. Furthermore, by incorporating perspectives related to standardization and the development of rules and frameworks, we aim to broaden the possibilities and impact of the outcomes of research.

In parallel, we will work alongside researchers to foster an environment in which inventions emerge naturally and are applied in a practical and sustainable manner. We will also cooperate closely with internal and external stakeholders, including academic units and administrative bodies, to ensure a coherent and continuous transition from research creation to social implementation. Through these efforts, we seek to further enhance value creation across the university as a whole.

Intellectual property represents a critical foundation for connecting the outcomes of research with society and is an indispensable resource for supporting future competitiveness. Leveraging the research strengths of our university, we will integrate expertise in technology, legal affairs, and business to further accelerate the creation and societal implementation of innovation originating from the university.

We respectfully request your continued understanding and cooperation throughout the coming academic year.

April 2026