*Reprinted from Chugai's official talentbook (https://www.talent-book.jp/chugai-pharm). The descriptions and affiliations are current as of May 2023.

About Chugai Pharmaceutical's Intellectual Property Department (Patent Specialists)

──First, please tell us about Chugai Pharmaceutical's Intellectual Property Department. What kind of work do you do on a daily basis?

Our primary responsibility is securing and maintaining intellectual property rights, particularly patents, and formulating intellectual property strategies. We set patent filing guidelines within the company and outsource the preparation of specifications to external patent firms.

Additionally, we conduct competitor patent searches, manage patent disputes, and oversee contract-related tasks as part of product development.

While this may seem typical for an IP department, Chugai Pharmaceutical's approach to rights acquisition is unique.

──What do you mean by "unique"?

Chugai Pharmaceutical’s drug discovery is "technology-driven." Rather than focusing on specific diseases, we initially develop new technologies for drug discovery, such as next-generation antibodies and medium-sized molecules, without restricting ourselves to any particular disease area. These technologies are then applied to pharmaceutical development.

Through the ideas and technical capabilities of our researchers, we aim to create innovative drugs that offer new value to patients. Unique and valuable drug discovery research requires both technology and ideas, which the IP department helps protect with intellectual property.

Additionally, bringing pharmaceuticals to market involves a lengthy process, including clinical trials, before sales can begin. Since the period during which technology can be protected by patents is limited, a key aspect of our work is advancing patent applications and rights acquisition at the right times. We coordinate with multiple departments, including research, business, and clinical development, to ensure that products are appropriately protected.

For detailed information on our intellectual property strategy, please visit our website:

Intellectual Property Strategy | Company Information | Chugai Pharmaceutical

 

 

Relationship with Roche

 

— I'd also like to hear about the work related to the strategic alliance with Roche, which seems characteristic.

 

As mentioned earlier, through our strategic alliance with Roche, we market Roche products in Japan and out-license our in-house products for global expansion. Building a patent portfolio across a wide range of countries is essential to protect our business in international markets. Conversely, when selling Roche products domestically, we examine potential patent-related issues.

 

The Appeal of Working in Chugai Pharmaceutical's IP Department

 

— So, what exactly is the appeal and excitement of working in Chugai Pharmaceutical's IP department?

 

I think the unique appeal and excitement of our IP department lies in the opportunity to be involved in significant tasks such as building patent portfolios that protect products destined for the market. Additionally, employees have discretionary authority in these matters.

What About Education?

 

— You mentioned there are many unique aspects, but what is your company's talent development education like?

 

For mid-career hires, we offer mentor-based OJT [on-the-job training], which is tailored to the individual’s prior experience. Given that the IP department has a high proportion of mid-career hires, this approach ensures robust educational support.

Additionally, many employees gain global IP experience through overseas assignments with Roche, Genentech, and Chugai Pharma Body Research [CPR], our research subsidiary in Singapore.

While you will be given discretion to work on significant projects, the company also provides comprehensive training and support for the necessary procedures and hard skills required.

 

Values and Policies in the Workplace

 

— Please tell us about any policies or values that Chugai Pharmaceutical employees cherish in their work.

 

Chugai Pharmaceutical conducts its business activities based on three core values: "Patient-Centric," "Frontier Spirit," and "Integrity."

These values reflect our commitment to maintaining integrity in meeting societal expectations while fostering innovation with a pioneering spirit. Through these efforts, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of each patient.

We work with drugs that directly impact patients' lives. As such, we consistently evaluate whether our activities genuinely benefit patients and act accordingly. This principle reflects our "Patient-Centric" approach.

We believe that such actions ultimately build trust with healthcare professionals and patients, establishing us as a company of choice. Given that drugs are inherently linked to life, we place "Integrity" at the center of all our actions.

Moreover, innovation should not be limited to management alone. Our value of "Frontier Spirit" encourages every individual to pursue and implement good ideas, promoting creativity across the organization.

 

Words We Cherish

 

Our slogan, "Creating Beyond Imagination," embodies Chugai Pharmaceutical’s commitment to innovation. It reflects our desire to be the leading innovator in the healthcare industry, continuously developing solutions that exceed global expectations and challenge conventional thinking.

About the Workplace Environment

──Now, I'd like to ask about the workplace environment in the IP department! First of all, what's the atmosphere like?

The department is composed of many kind and calm individuals, and ideas from younger staff members are generally welcomed. It is easy to take on new challenges, and both the efforts and processes involved in those challenges are properly evaluated.

In demanding situations, I feel reassured by the consistent support from my supervisors and colleagues, which helps me overcome difficulties.

──I heard you joined Chugai Pharmaceutical as a mid-career hire. If you have any impressions compared to your previous company, I'd love to hear them!

I appreciate the active exchange of opinions and the collaborative discussion style, where everyone’s views are respected and combined to move projects forward. The “Frontier Spirit” embedded in our values is clearly reflected in this approach, and the corporate culture readily embraces good ideas.

Work-Life Balance

 

──Please tell us about your company from the perspective of "work-life balance."

Chugai Pharmaceutical offers a very comfortable work environment. Telework and flexible hours, with no core working hours, provide significant flexibility regarding both the location and timing of work.

As I am raising children, the flexibility to come to the office in the morning for meetings and work from home in the afternoons is invaluable. This arrangement allows me to be present when my children return home early.

Whether attending meetings at headquarters, collaborating with researchers at the new Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama, which fully opened in April 2023, or concentrating on tasks from home... I find the variety of work environments to be very convenient.

Additionally, the headquarters employs a free-address system, allowing employees to work at any desk. This promotes interdepartmental communication and helps expand professional connections.

──That seems to support the IP department’s need to communicate with a wide range of departments. Could you also tell us about holidays and leave policies?

IP work offers flexibility in scheduling, which allows for extended time off. Staff members share their schedules, ensuring that meetings are planned with consideration for everyone’s availability.

Furthermore, there is a strong culture that encourages men to take childcare leave. While the duration of leave varies by individual, the childcare leave acquisition rate in 2022 was approximately 90% (*).

*From Chugai Pharmaceutical's Diversity & Inclusion Related Data Collection

 

I believe that by fostering communication and trust among colleagues, we build relationships that make such flexible work styles possible.

Reason for Job Openings

──Why is the IP department recruiting?

Chugai Pharmaceutical has outlined its growth strategy, "TOP I 2030," which aims to position the company as the top innovator in the healthcare industry. We have set ambitious goals, including doubling our R&D investment by 2030 and launching global products annually.

Since the IP department supports R&D, we need to strengthen our team to properly protect the products that emerge from this process. This is why we are recruiting new talent.

▲Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama, Chugai Pharmaceutical’s research facility opened in April 2023

 

 

Desired Candidate Profile

 

──Specifically, what kind of people are you looking for?

In the pharmaceutical industry, there is a firm belief that technology and products can significantly improve society.

At Chugai Pharmaceutical, we view intellectual property as a tool to support and protect the business. We actively consider how to leverage IP in business, not just for filing and securing rights. Therefore, we are looking for individuals who are interested in utilizing IP and are committed to its application.

Since collaboration is key to our success, we seek motivated individuals who are eager to grow through interaction with colleagues and exposure to new ideas.

──Are knowledge of pharmaceuticals and English skills required?

A background in pharmacy or chemistry is not necessarily required. I myself come from a materials background, but what is more important is the ability to connect technology with societal impact.

Regarding English skills, there are certain tasks, such as communication with Roche, that require proficiency. However, rather than native-level fluency, we value a willingness to communicate in English.

We welcome individuals who are not hesitant to engage in English communication.

──If there are any overall desired candidate profiles for Chugai Pharmaceutical as a whole, please tell us about those as well.

Chugai Pharmaceutical is currently seeking autonomous individuals. We believe that for the company to grow in the future, we need people who can think independently and act proactively while collaborating with others.

Additionally, integrity is a core value. We hold the belief that "business ethics take precedence over performance," highlighting the fundamental importance of integrity at Chugai.

──Finally, please share a message!

We've covered a lot today, and if anyone reading this interview is interested in Chugai Pharmaceutical, we would be thrilled to receive your application!

*Note: Interview and text: Chizai HR