AI Data and LegalTech Unveil IP Management SaaS for Robotics Industry

In a groundbreaking announcement, AI Data Inc., headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, led by President Takahito Sasaki, and LegalTech Inc., also based in Minato-ku and headed by President Tomoyuki Hirai, have unveiled a specialized intellectual property (IP) management platform known as "AI Komei on IDX." This SaaS model is specifically designed for the robotics industry, aiming to transform the handling of previously nebulous IP assets into structured, manageable entities that can drive profitability.

Background of the Collaboration

The robotics industry is increasingly reliant on complex data sets, including control algorithms, environmental recognition processes, and accumulated behavioral logs. As these elements constitute the core competitive advantage, they are often challenging to align with traditional patent systems that focus on physical devices and structures. This misalignment has resulted in insufficient guidance for managing such IP. Recognizing this shared challenge, both AI Data and LegalTech embarked on building a robust foundation to effectively manage control data and adjustment know-how as valuable assets.

Challenges Faced in the Robotics Sector

The robotics industry is grappling with several pressing challenges when it comes to managing intellectual property:

1. Difficulty in IP Classification: Control logic and recognition algorithms often resist straightforward classification as IP, making it hard to demonstrate their value.
2. Knowledge Silos: Know-how accumulated during development processes tends to become isolated, making reuse difficult.
3. Complex Licensing Structure: Organizing licensing units and conditions is complicated, complicating the SaaS implementation process.
4. Diligence Burdens: During fundraising, the workload associated with IP diligence often falls disproportionately on the development teams.

Solutions Proposed by the New Platform

The new SaaS model addresses these challenges with several innovative features:

- VDR IP Management: The platform allows for the secure storage of control know-how and operational data while keeping track of update histories in a centralized system.
- Automated Template Generation: By standardizing patterns of operation and invention structures, the model facilitates the creation of reusable IP packages.
- SaaS Licensing Operations: Clear delineation of the scope of technology and data provision enhances the efficiency of usage management and contract operations.
- ROI Documentation Generation: The platform automatically produces materials to elucidate the business and profitability potential of IP utilization, aiding in investor and customer communications.

Anticipated Outcomes

The implementation of this IP management platform is expected to bring various benefits to the robotics sector:

- Establishment of a practical framework for treating control data and operational know-how as intellectual property.
- Easier negotiation for licensing and external technology provision within research institutions and companies.
- Simplification of IP inventory and valuation processes for startups, reducing preparation burdens during fundraising.
- Offering clear guidelines for handling data, operations, and know-how-related IP within the robotics field.

Future Outlook

Both AI Data and LegalTech are committed to enhancing this platform, aiming to refine fundamental IP templates by 2025 while expanding collaborative use with robotics firms and research institutions. They also plan to explore partnerships with control systems AI companies and develop operational guidelines for thorough diligence processes, progressively advancing practical applications grounded in real-world needs. The overarching goal is to create an environment where control data is recognized as a valued asset, thereby establishing effective intellectual property management models.

About AI Data Inc.

Founded in April 2015, AI Data Inc. boasts a capital of 1 billion JPY and specializes in data and IP infrastructures. Over 20 years, the company has safeguarded and leveraged data assets for over 10,000 businesses and more than a million customers, helping to establish a robust data ecosystem that includes data sharing, backup, recovery, migration, and deletion services. AI Data's cloud data management solutions and forensic investigation services have earned high praise within the legal domain.

About LegalTech Inc.

Established in March 2021 with a capital of 3.8 billion JPY, LegalTech Inc. is at the forefront of developing patent exploration and invention extraction platforms. Their innovations include "MyTokkyo.Ai"—a proprietary AI platform aimed at streamlining IP management.