107 348
107
the connectivity field, Prysmian continued to develop
several new accessories for use in FTTH (Fibre to the
Home) applications.
In terms of industrial innovation, the strategic role played
by materials in cable and accessories technology is leading
Prysmian Group to step up its exploratory studies in this
area. The main achievements in the year included:
• Successful completion of the study of semi-conducting
compounds for P-Laser cables up to 500kV HVDC. These
compounds were successfully extruded on prototype
cables.
• Completion of the development of a proprietary formu-
lation of high temperature acrylic for use in fibres for
sensors.
• In the petrochemicals sector, completion of testing
of aluminium clad armouring for flexible pipes: this
material showed an excellent performance in extreme
environments and at great depths.
• Continued study of composite materials for use, instead
of steel armouring, in submarine cables and umbilicals;
this work was conducted in partnership with several
suppliers for the realisation of the desired materials.
Lastly, work on cost optimisation continued throughout
the year. The package of DTC (Design to Cost) projects was
further extended to cover more than 1,700 projects, which,
combined with compound rationalisation and better use of
materials, allowed the Group to achieve major cost savings
in support of greater competitiveness.
Intellectual property rights
Protecting its portfolio of patents and trademarks is a
key part of the Group's business, particularly in view of
its strategy of growth in high-tech market segments. In
particular, the Group's intense R&D activities, in the Energy
Projects, Energy Products and Telecom operating segments,
have allowed it to continue to add to its patent portfolio,
especially in high-tech and higher value-added areas, in
order to support its major investments in these areas in
recent years and to protect the related businesses, both now
and in the future.
As at 31 December 2014, the Prysmian Group had 5,836
patents and pending patent applications throughout the
world, covering 932 inventions (of which 278 in the Energy
Projects and Energy Products segments and 654 in the
Telecom segment). During 2014, 45 new patent applications
were filed (+21% compared with 2013), of which 32 in the
Telecom area and 13 in the Energy area, and 187 patents were
granted after examination, of which 33 by the European
Patent Office (EPO) and 61 in the United States.
5,900
5,600
5,300
5,000
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
Patents granted
and patent
applications pending
PATENTS GRANTED AND PATENT APPLICATIONS PENDING
The most important products, typically distinguished by
particular characteristics or a specific production process,
are protected by trademarks that allow them to be identified
and guarantee their uniqueness. As at 31 December 2014, the
Prysmian Group owned 605 trademarks, corresponding to
2,920 trademark registrations in its countries of operation,
covering the names and identifying symbols of its companies,
activities, products and product lines.