04.21.2026News
Announcement of Receiving an Award from the Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office under the FY2026 Intellectual Property Achievement Awards
Amano Enzyme Inc. is pleased to announce that it has received an award from the Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office under the FY2026 Intellectual Property Achievement Awards organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Patent Office.
The Intellectual Property Achievement Awards recognize individuals and companies that have contributed to the development of the intellectual property system.
In this award, the following points were recognized:
- Amano Enzyme Inc. manufactures and sells industrial enzymes that provide specific functions in the pharmaceutical, food, and industrial fields. In line with its management strategy of “delivering customer value,” a patent portfolio has been built by protecting core technologies through substance patents and the confidentiality of manufacturing know-how, while actively filing and publishing application patents tailored to customers’ actual use.
- One of Amano Enzyme Inc.’s flagship products, which was the first in the world to be discovered and commercialized, has delivered breakthrough improvements in the texture and flavor of plant-based proteins. Through a three-layer intellectual property strategy consisting of substance patents, confidential manufacturing know-how, and a network of application patents, competitive advantage has been maintained even after the expiration of the substance patent. These efforts have also contributed to addressing social issues, including the realization of a sustainable society and food-related challenges, while integrating its intellectual property strategy with business growth.
- A growing understanding among researchers of the importance of patents and the role of intellectual property strategy in supporting sustainable business growth and business protection has led to an increase in patent filings in recent years. In addition, on-site placement of intellectual property personnel at the research institute and the establishment of a framework for day-to-day collaboration with researchers have fostered an environment that encourages voluntary invention creation.
Under the slogan “Explore Unlimited Possibilities”, Amano Enzyme Inc. will continue to advance the discovery of new enzymes and the development of new applications through the integrated efforts of its R&D and intellectual property teams.
Further details of this award are also available on the website of the Japan Patent Office.
令和8年度｢知財功労賞」について | 経済産業省 特許庁 (in Japanese)
