J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 126(5): 414-419, 2025

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Feature topic

MEDICAL DEVICE DEVELOPMENT AND MED-TECH COLLABORATION: BASICS OF MED-TECH COLLABORATION（MANAGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY）

Innovative medical device development is increasingly driven by clinical needs, particularly in surgical fields where advanced technologies such as robotic assistance and AI diagnostics are emerging. Effective medical-engineering collaboration is essential in this context. However, without proper management of intellectual property (IP), such collaborations risk delays or failure in commercialization. Healthcare professionals must understand basic IP rights, including patents, utility models, designs, trademarks, and copyrights, as they play active roles in development. Proper handling of employee inventions, clear agreements on rights ownership, and strategic IP protection are crucial not only for securing competitive advantage but also for ensuring regulatory compliance and financial sustainability. Each phase of development, from idea generation, R&D, and product design to clinical application, requires an appropriate IP strategy. Contracts such as nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and joint research agreements help prevent conflicts and facilitate smooth collaboration.
Ultimately, robust IP management underpins the successful implementation and social deployment of medical innovations, making it a critical foundation for sustainable healthcare advancement.

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