Intellectual Property
SHARE
CTO
Tomoaki Omura
ITO and Intellectual Property Activities
1. Group-Wide Vertical and Horizontal Optimization
In April 2025, following the appointment of a new president, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group introduced its Innovative Total Optimization (ITO) management policy. ITO is built on two pillars: Group-Wide Vertical and Horizontal Optimization, and a significant enhancement of societal development.
The first pillar of ITO is the implementation of Group-Wide Vertical and Horizontal Optimization, encompassing both vertical and horizontal aspects. Vertical optimization focuses on optimizing the value chain within each business, while horizontal optimization aims to strengthen collaboration across different business domains.
In vertical optimization, intellectual property activities are driven not only by R&D personnel but also by those responsible for business planning, who consider IP from the earliest stages of business planning. This approach advances IP development across the entire value chain — not just in R&D — and leverages patents, trade secrecy, publication, and other measures as appropriate according to the business model.
For horizontal optimization, best practices arising from IP activities across our diverse product businesses are rapidly shared to improve the Group’s overall IP QCD (quality, cost, delivery). Monitoring patent information to detect early signs of changes among competitors and customers, and reflecting those signals in business planning and R&D strategies, is also a key IP activity.
Additionally, developing patent portfolios that cover multiple product areas provides a common foundation for IP. For example, in rotating machinery, MHI Group products such as gas turbines, steam turbines, aircraft engines, and compressors are linked by core engineering disciplines, including thermal engineering, fluid dynamics, structural integrity, and tribology. This integration further strengthens our IP.
2. A Significant Enhancement in Societal Development
The second pillar of ITO is dedicated to significantly increasing our societal developments. By combining our accumulated technologies with advanced expertise, we create new value and address a broader range of societal needs. Through licensing and strategic partnerships, we also reach new customers and regions, further expanding our impact. Intellectual property is central to this effort. When MHI Group was founded, it operated as a licensee, introducing overseas technologies. Through ongoing improvement, localization, and refinement, we have evolved into a licensor, offering technologies across gas turbines, CO₂ capture systems, marine equipment, and environmental systems.
While licensing businesses may risk commoditization, we remain committed to delivering our technologies to a wider range of customers. By engaging closely with customers, we gain a deep understanding of their needs and perspectives. We consider the benefits not only for our direct customers but also for their customers and beyond. Embedding IP strategies from the outset of business development allows us to build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
3. Unlocking the Potential of Intellectual Property
MHI Group aims not only to leverage the diverse intellectual property developed and accumulated across its businesses, but also to share and utilize it collaboratively with stakeholders.
We see intellectual property not merely as rights but as keys to promptly solving societal challenges. To help build a sustainable and prosperous society, MHI Group will unlock the potential of its intellectual property.
ITO and Intellectual Property Activities
1. Group-Wide Vertical and Horizontal Optimization
In April 2025, following the appointment of a new president, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group introduced its Innovative Total Optimization (ITO) management policy. ITO is built on two pillars: Group-Wide Vertical and Horizontal Optimization, and a significant enhancement of societal development.
The first pillar of ITO is the implementation of Group-Wide Vertical and Horizontal Optimization, encompassing both vertical and horizontal aspects. Vertical optimization focuses on optimizing the value chain within each business, while horizontal optimization aims to strengthen collaboration across different business domains.
In vertical optimization, intellectual property activities are driven not only by R&D personnel but also by those responsible for business planning, who consider IP from the earliest stages of business planning. This approach advances IP development across the entire value chain — not just in R&D — and leverages patents, trade secrecy, publication, and other measures as appropriate according to the business model.
For horizontal optimization, best practices arising from IP activities across our diverse product businesses are rapidly shared to improve the Group’s overall IP QCD (quality, cost, delivery). Monitoring patent information to detect early signs of changes among competitors and customers, and reflecting those signals in business planning and R&D strategies, is also a key IP activity.
Additionally, developing patent portfolios that cover multiple product areas provides a common foundation for IP. For example, in rotating machinery, MHI Group products such as gas turbines, steam turbines, aircraft engines, and compressors are linked by core engineering disciplines, including thermal engineering, fluid dynamics, structural integrity, and tribology. This integration further strengthens our IP.
2. A Significant Enhancement in Societal Development
The second pillar of ITO is dedicated to significantly increasing our societal developments. By combining our accumulated technologies with advanced expertise, we create new value and address a broader range of societal needs. Through licensing and strategic partnerships, we also reach new customers and regions, further expanding our impact. Intellectual property is central to this effort. When MHI Group was founded, it operated as a licensee, introducing overseas technologies. Through ongoing improvement, localization, and refinement, we have evolved into a licensor, offering technologies across gas turbines, CO₂ capture systems, marine equipment, and environmental systems.
While licensing businesses may risk commoditization, we remain committed to delivering our technologies to a wider range of customers. By engaging closely with customers, we gain a deep understanding of their needs and perspectives. We consider the benefits not only for our direct customers but also for their customers and beyond. Embedding IP strategies from the outset of business development allows us to build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
3. Unlocking the Potential of Intellectual Property
MHI Group aims not only to leverage the diverse intellectual property developed and accumulated across its businesses, but also to share and utilize it collaboratively with stakeholders.
We see intellectual property not merely as rights but as keys to promptly solving societal challenges. To help build a sustainable and prosperous society, MHI Group will unlock the potential of its intellectual property.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
CTO
Tomoaki Omura
In recent years, the global momentum toward the energy transition has evolved beyond addressing environmental challenges alone. For companies like ours in the energy sector, this transition has become a top priority and a critical concern.
Concentrating Resources on Key Technology Initiatives
Over many years, we have built a foundation of advanced technologies by addressing societal challenges through manufacturing, particularly in the energy sector. This foundation is supported by a broad and diverse intellectual property portfolio. By fully leveraging this portfolio, we efficiently and effectively address our customers’ challenges while fulfilling our commitment to support both their businesses and society as a whole.
As a company serving diverse customers worldwide, the MHI Group recognizes that tackling these challenges alone is not easy. Building partnerships across the entire value chain is essential. With a global business portfolio, the MHI Group can collaborate with companies and research institutions outside our organization through frameworks that facilitate the shared use of technologies and intellectual property. We aim to serve as a hub, connecting stakeholders and helping to build value chains that deliver meaningful benefits to our customers.
Managing and Leveraging Intellectual Property with Integrity
Our intellectual property division is dedicated to developing IP specialists capable of contributing across the entire MHI Group. Building and managing an effective IP portfolio requires professionals who understand our technologies, possess expertise in relevant technical fields, and can apply international IP laws and regulations. By developing proprietary technologies that address societal challenges and securing related intellectual property, we aim to foster relationships where our customers, business partners, and the MHI Group can grow and succeed together.
Realizing Energy Transition
Responding to the energy transition with technology
Realizing the energy transition is a global challenge. As a leader with a long history of development and manufacturing, spanning over a century, in various industrial sectors, including energy supply businesses such as thermal power generation systems and nuclear power generation, and with a strong track record across these fields, our group is expected to take the lead in climate change countermeasures.
We are engaged in research and development in the energy transition technologies we promote, such as demonstration studies for the realization of a hydrogen society, covering hydrogen production and power generation at the Takasago Hydrogen Park and Nagasaki Carbon Neutral Park, and decarbonization through fuel conversion from fossil fuels (ammonia combustion technology, biomass-derived synthetic fuel production technology, etc.).
In response to these business strategies and technological development strategies (management policies), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group has been increasing its intellectual property investment in energy transition-related technologies in recent years.
Contributing to Enhancing Business Competitiveness
High-Quality Technology Patents
The role of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, and what is expected of us, is to accelerate efforts toward the realization of the energy transition.
In the gas turbine field, we have been promoting continuous technological development, and in recent years, we have been able to expand our profits. In doing so, regarding the patents created through technological development, we have continued activities to increase the number of patents while enhancing the overall value of our patent portfolio.
As a result, the number of times our related patent portfolio has been cited (citation count) in patent examinations in the same field by the Japan Patent Office (JPO) has increased significantly compared to before. In general, citation count indicates the influence of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group’s patents on technological development in the relevant field, and the increase in citation count demonstrates that the quality of our patents has improved in terms of their influence.
Regarding new fields, we are also building a patent portfolio that is mindful of the connection between business profits and intellectual property and focuses on patent value. In particular, we are making every effort to build a patent portfolio to address new fuels (hydrogen and ammonia), for which future market expansion is expected. The total value of patents in this field has significantly increased.
Leading with Patents
CO₂ Capture, Storage, Conversion, and Utilization Technology
In this field, we are actively advancing technological development and have secured widely recognized patents through proactive R&D and patent filings. Our goal is to realize a comprehensive CO₂ ecosystem that covers the entire CCUS (Carbon Dioxide Capture, Utilization, and Storage) value chain, including capture, conversion, utilization.
Leveraging proprietary technologies, we are implementing CO₂ capture systems across a broad range of emission sources, such as cement production and coal-fired power plant boilers. At the same time, we are developing CO₂ transport and shipping technologies to establish an integrated value chain that includes capture, transport, and storage.
To better meet customer needs, we have expanded our CO₂ capture lineup by introducing the small-scale CO₂MPACT™ system, allowing us to offer optimal solutions tailored to various emission sources. Through these development efforts, we strategically secure intellectual property in key areas of the value chain to protect and enhance our business value.
Furthermore, by licensing our technologies to global partners, we aim to deliver our solutions to customers we have not previously been able to reach.
- MHI and Worley to Deliver Full-Scale Carbon Capture Facility for Heidelberg Materials UK's Padeswood Cement Works
-- Project will deploy MHI's carbon capture technology following Heidelberg Materials' final investment decision with UK Government -- - MHI Awarded Contract for Basic Design of Japan's Largest CO₂ Capture Plant at Hokkaido Electric Power's Tomato-Atsuma Power Station
-- One of Advanced CCS Projects in Japan, Moving Forward toward the Realization of a Carbon-Neutral World -- - Approval in Principle (AiP) for World's First LCO₂ / Methanol Carrier
- Launch of Demonstration Test for CO₂ Capture from Chemical Recovery Boilers at Paper Mills in Japan
-- Using CO₂MPACT™ Mobile to Contribute to the Decarbonization of the Pulp and Paper Industry -- - Renewal of Compact CO₂ Capture System "CO₂MPACT™" Series
-- Releasing a New Model that Adopts Full-Module Concept for Mass Production as a Middle-Size Class -- - MHI Agrees to Collaborate with Saipem, One of Europe’s Leading Engineering Companies on CO₂ Capture Technologies
-- The Company’s Global CCUS Strategy Will be Advanced with a Project Partner in Europe and the Middle East etc.--
(The circle size indicates the number of patents held, and a higher score indicates a more noteworthy invention.)
At Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, we actively promote various licensing activities to build a licensing network based on our intellectual property strategy to achieve the energy transition.
- We have concluded a collaborative agreement with Chiyoda Corporation regarding licensing CO2 capture technology, aiming to strengthen our ability to respond to the expanding domestic CCUS market.
- We provide CO2 capture technology licenses for an advanced low-carbon hydrogen production project in Cheshire, UK.
Furthermore, we are strengthening our intellectual property investments in climate change countermeasure technologies related to the realization of energy transition. Non-fossil fuel power generation, such as nuclear power generation (innovative light water reactors) and green steel (hydrogen reduction steelmaking), contributes to the stable supply of clean energy and decarbonization, which are global social issues.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, which is working to solve various social issues, develops and provides innovative products and technologies that support national security in social and industrial infrastructure, as well as land, sea, and air, to the world. To support our global business, we are strengthening overseas patent applications, focusing on major countries such as the United States, Europe, and China, in addition to Japan. Please refer to the MHI Report (Integrated Report) for trends in the number of patent applications.
Towards the Realization of a Safe, Secure, and Comfortable Society
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group has a track record of contributing to social development since its founding, including building critical infrastructure and challenging unknown worlds such as space and the deep sea, as well as a wealth of knowledge. By integrating and applying these, we are promoting the construction of flexible, robust, and excellent labor savings systems.
Building a society where people can live safely and securely is essential for realizing a prosperous life. We aim to realize a safe social infrastructure by making our own individual mechanical systems intelligent and autonomous, achieving collaboration among the mechanical systems surrounding society, and making social systems intelligent, enabling them to be "smart and connected."
Provision of Infrastructure Solutions for Data Centers
One example is the provision of infrastructure solutions for data centers, whose importance has been increasing in recent years. The infrastructure technology (power, cooling, digital) that supports the stable operation of data centers requires both reliability and innovative cooling capabilities that can handle advanced computing power and excellent energy-saving performance.
In addition to our rich technical infrastructure in power and cooling, our company has been promoting intellectual property investment (patent applications, etc.) in "machine intelligence-related technologies," particularly in the OT (Operational Technology)/IT (Information Technology) fields, including unmanned and autonomous technologies. We are also working to strengthen our patent portfolio in the digital field.
We will provide green and sustainable one-stop solutions by "intelligently connecting" the high infrastructure technology base we have cultivated thus far.
Digital Transformation of Environmental Plants
To drive the digital transformation of social infrastructure, we are enhancing plant control systems for waste incineration facilities (waste-to-energy facilities). By combining the operational expertise of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering (MHIEC) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with advanced technologies such as AI, deep learning, and network technologies including IoT, we have developed MaiDAS (MHIEC AI Data Analysis System), an integrated plant operation platform. The implementation of MaiDAS in waste incineration plants is enabling greater automation and intelligent, autonomous plant control.
Intellectual Property Activities
We are also actively engaged in our intellectual property (IP) activities (IP analysis and patent filings, etc.). Our patent portfolio focuses on the automation and efficiency of processes ranging from waste intake and handling to combustion. We have also obtained high-profile patents in areas such as operational optimization, including energy recovery from waste incineration. By identifying key challenges across our customers’ value chains and promoting both R&D and IP development, we leverage our proprietary IP to business development and project acquisition.
Enhancing the Value of Brand Intellectual Property
To ensure that a wide range of customers understand Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group's products, solutions, and services that address social issues such as energy transition, we are working to enhance the value of our technology brands, including strengthening trademark registrations.
The solutions brand behind Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group’s DX infrastructure
One example is 'ΣSynX' (SigmaSynX), a digital innovation brand that leverages our company's unique operational data related to digital technology and automates and intelligently connects entire products. Towards realizing a safe and secure social infrastructure, we are promoting activities to intelligent various product groups and realizing new human-machine collaboration by enabling "Smart Connections" using digital technology.
External Awards
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group's intellectual property activities have been evaluated by external parties. To ensure a world where people around the globe can live with peace of mind, we will continue to engage in intellectual property activities that originate from social value.
Clarivate Top 100
Global Innovator
Selected for 'Clarivate Top 100 Global Innovators 2025' by Clarivate, a global information services company. We were chosen as one of the leading companies/research institutions at the pinnacle of the world's innovation ecosystem, which is selected once a year.
This award is based on Clarivate's unique intellectual property/patent trend analysis of company patent data. It is supported by innovators worldwide as an index that accurately grasps the ecosystem and its impact.
IAM's Asia IP Elite
In June 2024, IAM (Intellectual Asset Management), an international intellectual property media outlet, selected us for the '2024 Asia IP Elite'. As a global engineering and manufacturing company, we were recognized and awarded for strategically increasing our patent applications overseas, including in the United States, Europe, and China.
DX Grand Prix 2024
In May 2024, we received the 'DX Grand Prix 2024' from among the companies selected for the Digital Transformation (DX) Stock 2024, which is jointly selected by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and the Information-Technology Promotion Agency, Japan. We were selected as the Grand Prix company as a 'company leading the digital age,' marking our first win.
Mechanical Industry
Patent Asset Scale Ranking 2024
In November 2024, Patent Result Inc., a company providing patent analysis software services, ranked us second in the "Mechanical Industry Patent Asset Scale Ranking 2024." Technologies such as gas turbine equipment compatible with new fuels (hydrogen and ammonia) and thermal power plants capable of flexibly responding to external power generation fluctuations are cited as highly noteworthy patents.
Invention Awards and others
National Invention Awards (Organized by: Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation)
A historical invention award system that began in 1919 (Taisho 8) with the aim of contributing to the improvement of science and technology and the development of industry. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group received the Imperial Gift Invention Prize, the highest award of this program, in 1971 (Showa 46), receiving an Imperial donation.
Recent Major Awards
| Year | Award | Patent No. | Invention |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Invention Award | 5138643 | Gas Turbine Generator, Gas Turbine Generator Control Method, Control Device, and Gas Turbine Generator with Power Generation |
| 2009 | Invention Award | 3565331 | High Creep Strength Alloy (Joint patent with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.) |
| 2005 | Invention Award | 2502132 | Shaped Polyurethane Elastomer Preform |
Regional Invention Awards (Organized by: Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation)
This system began in 1921 (Taisho 10) to recognize engineers and researchers who have created outstanding inventions, devices, or designs being implemented. It is implemented by dividing the country into 8 regions (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu) based on how much the invention contributes to regional industry.
Recent Major Awards
| Year | Area | Award | Patent No. | Invention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Chugoku | Shimane Prefectural Invention Association President's Award | 6578123 | Full Auto Control Device for Combines |
| 2023 | Chugoku | Prefectural Invention Association President's Award | 7083287 | Vehicle Security Sensor Installation Device |
| 2022 | Kinki | Patent Office Director-General's Award | 5291790 | Gas Turbine Exhaust Cooling Device |
| Chugoku | Shimane Prefectural Invention Association President's Award | 6914099 | Front Grille Structure for Agricultural Tractors | |
| Kyushu | Nagasaki Prefectural Invention Association President's Award | 6896564 | Biomass Pulverization Mill for Power Generation | |
| 2021 | Chugoku | Hiroshima Invention Association President's Award | 6718525 | Low-NOx Gas Turbine Combustion Equipment |
| Kinki | Kyoto Invention Association President's Award | 6692564 | Battery Forklift Traveling Control Method | |
| Hyogo Prefectural Invention Association President's Award | 6399894 | Gas Turbine Exhaust Cooling Device | ||
| 2020 | Kanto | Saitama Prefectural Invention Association President's Award | 5973980 | Auxiliary Device for Working in an Elevated State |
| Chugoku | Shimane Prefectural Governor's Award | 6389707 | Tractor Automatic Steering Device | |
| Hiroshima Prefectural Governor's Award | 6025983 | NOx Reduction Device for Boiler High-Efficiency Operation |
Good Design Award (Organized by: Japan Institute of Design Promotion)
This comprehensive design evaluation and recommendation system was established in 1957 (Showa 32). It does not simply select beautiful designs but comprehensively judges whether the design improves the quality of life and industry and recognizes "good designs" that enrich society.
Recent Major Awards
| Year | Award | Award Winner | Name of Invention | Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Good Design Award | Tamachi Building (Ltd.) / Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Ltd.) / Mitsubishi Estate (Ltd.) / High-Rise Office Building |
Tamachi Tower |
|
| 2022 | Good Design Best 100 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Ltd.) | Plant Autonomous Inspection Robot "EX ROVR Series ASCENT" |
|
| 2021 | Good Design Award | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Ltd.) | AM-Zone "AM-Zone Additive Manufacturing Open Factory" |
|
| Good Design Award | Hiroshima Rapid Transit Co., Ltd. / Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering Co., Ltd. |
"Astram Line 7000 Series" |
|
|
| 2020 | Good Design Award | Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd. | Electric Counterbalance Forklift "ALESIS Series (0.9-3.5t)" |
|
Intellectual Property Management Structure
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group operates organically linked intellectual property activities. Under the direction of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries CTO, intellectual property managers are appointed to manage intellectual property in each domestic and international business division. By promoting intellectual property management through these managers, we are leveraging the strengths of our conglomerate.
To contribute to energy transition and the realization of a safe, secure, and comfortable society, each business division formulates intellectual property strategies that originate from social value based on the group's common intellectual property policy. We are promoting the intellectual property protection of highly advantageous unique technologies and the development of our intellectual property portfolio.
Education and Human Resource Development
We systematically conduct domestic and international intellectual property training and internal rotations with business, research, and development divisions. We strive to improve the capabilities of individuals and the entire intellectual property department and help them acquire the necessary specialized skills, thereby leading to the development and utilization of intellectual property personnel within the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group.
Strategy Department: Mr. Kimura
It's been six years since I transferred from the intellectual property department of a manufacturer. At Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, I could handle a wide range of products and gain various experiences. It is rewarding because I can contribute to society with the technologies I've helped create. After joining the company, I was thoroughly instructed, so I was able to proceed with my work without anxiety. I've engaged in various tasks, such as patent analysis and licensing activities, and I've experienced the breadth of intellectual property work. There are also internship programs and events for students, so please come and talk to the actual employees.
Application/Rights Acquisition Department: Ms. Kitamura
It's been seven years since I joined the company as a new graduate. I decided to join because I heard I could be in charge of one product during the company information session and thought I could experience the upstream and downstream aspects of intellectual property work. I have many opportunities to communicate with various people, such as those in the business divisions, and I build a casual relationship in my daily communication. I have also participated in external organization activities, interacted with intellectual property department members from other companies, and experienced a business trip to Europe. I'd like to tell students interested in intellectual property that many are often torn between research and development, but please choose intellectual property.
Work at the Intellectual Property Department
To students who are interested in a career at our company:
We also have internship programs for students and hold job-hunting events periodically. Please take a look at the recruitment video introducing Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' intellectual property department from the URL below.
MHI JOBCON Online Seminar: Introduction to the Intellectual Property Department (This video is for students graduating in 2027)