2012 Sustainability Report
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| prysmian group | 2012 Sustainability Report
Thirty patent applications were filed
during 2012, of which 15 relating to the
Energy sector and 15 to the Telecom
sector.
Protecting the portfolio of patents and trademarks is a
key part of the Group's business, particularly in relation
to its strategy of growth in high-tech market segments.
In particular, intensive activity at the Group's various
R&D centres, both in the Energy and Telecom areas, has
resulted in further growth in the number of patents held
by the Group, especially in high-tech and high value-added
segments. These justify the major investment made in
these areas by the Company in recent years, and protect
its current and future business activities.
Intellectual property
As of 31 December 2012, the Prysmian Group holds 5,644
patents and patent applications throughout the world,
covering 914 inventions (of which 237 in the Energy
sector and 656 in the Telecom sector). Thirty patent
applications were filed during 2012, of which 15 relating to
the Energy sector and 15 to the Telecom sector. Following
examination, 194 patents were granted during the year, 36
by the European Patent Office (EPO) and 49 in the United
States. The most important products, typically involving
specific characteristics or production processes, are
protected by trademarks that allow them to be identified
and guarantee their uniqueness. At the end of 2012, the
Prysmian Group also owns more than 3,000 trademarks
covering its companies, activities, products and product
lines in the countries where it is active.
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PRODUCT RESPONSIBILITY
