Protecting Materials Innovation Abroad: How U-MAP Uses the PCT to Support Overseas Expansion

Interview with Mr. Kenji Nishitani, President and CEO of U-MAP Co., Ltd, about the company’s use of the PCT System. This interview was conducted in Japanese in June 2025, at the company’s headquarters in Nagoya University campus, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture.

Key points

1. To address heat dissipation issues in electronic devices, U-MAP developed a fibrous aluminium nitride filler with high thermal conductivity. The company was launched as a startup, and the technology has now been successfully commercialized.
2. As the number of overseas customers increased, the company found it necessary to obtain patents abroad. By using the PCT, U-MAP has secured patents in key market countries, including the United States, China, Korea, and Germany.
3. Managing intellectual property (IP) is critical to protecting the company’s technology. An internal IP manager works together with external IP professionals to develop strategies and obtain appropriate patents.

Please tell us about your business

Many industries—including smartphones, PCs, EVs [electric vehicles], and data centers—are struggling with heat generation in electronic devices. U-MAP, a startup originating from Nagoya University, is working to solve this global challenge through new materials.

Our product, Thermalnite®, an aluminium nitride filler, has a fibrous structure that allows the fibers to connect easily with one another. This structure improves thermal conductivity while maintaining the flexibility and strength of rubber.

This technology was developed by Professor Toru Ujihara of Nagoya University. I belonged to Professor Ujihara’s laboratory during my student years and later worked at a private company for about three years. I was then invited by Professor Ujihara to join the company and assumed the role of President and CEO.

U-MAP was founded in December 2016 and currently has 25 employees. We built a manufacturing facility in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, and began mass production in June 2025. In the early days, we relied on grants, but we have since received investments from multiple companies.

Initially, we considered selling the fibrous filler itself. However, because performance varies significantly depending on the orientation and formulation when mixed with rubber, we now offer sheets incorporating the filler. Demand is growing particularly in the EV and optical communication laser sectors.

What is your IP management structure?

Our IP policy is formulated together with the heads of the Business Development Department, the Technology Center, and the Research Department. In particular, the head of the Research Department, who previously worked at a materials company, plays a central role due to strong expertise in IP.

We also retain a law firm with extensive experience in both technology and startups, and since entering into this advisory relationship, we feel that our IP strategy has significantly improved.

How do you use the PCT?

Our overseas customer base has been increasing recently, and we consider PCT applications to be an effective means of obtaining patents abroad. The designated countries include the United States, China, Korea, and Germany. Recently, we were able to obtain a patent in the United States, which is a key market for us.

Venture capital firms are highly interested in patent portfolios that include foreign jurisdictions, and we need to develop strategies that enhance our company’s appeal. To protect our technology and prevent competitors from following suit, we believe that obtaining patents abroad is essential.