產品策略與專利權在價值鏈之佈局-以國巨(Yageo)為例

Abstract

在知識經濟與技術密集產業的競爭格局中，企業對於智慧財產權的重視程度日益提升，專利制度不僅作為技術保護工具，更成為企業建構競爭優勢與價值創造的核心資產。本文以波特（Michael E. Porter）所提出的價值鏈理論為分析基礎，探討專利制度於企業內部價值活動中的角色與功能，並選擇國巨公司在積層陶瓷電容（Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor, MLCC）產品的發展歷程作為個案研究。 本文首先針對國巨公司之企業概況、MLCC產品的技術特性與應用市場進行整理，並爬梳其2000年至2024年間於MLCC領域所取得之21件代表性專利，依專利技術屬性分類為材料創新、結構改良與製程優化三大類型。進一步結合價值鏈中研發、製造、供應鏈管理與行銷等主要活動，評估專利在各項價值活動中的支撐性與策略意涵。 研究結果指出，國巨公司透過橫向併購與專利佈局，強化其全球製造基地與供應鏈整合能力，並有效延伸研發成果至產品設計與品牌策略。此外，其專利布局亦顯著強化製造自動化與材料可靠性，符合終端市場如筆記型電腦、智慧型手機及車用電子對高密度、小型化、高信賴度的需求。本文並從價值鏈角度，評估國巨面臨的專利管理挑戰，諸如全球專利訴訟風險、技術快速迭代與專利效期管理問題。 總結而言，專利制度若能結合企業價值鏈運作，將不僅是防禦型工具，更可成為驅動創新、提升價值與擴展市場的主動性資源。本文所建構之分析架構，亦可供其他技術導向企業在制定專利策略時作為參考依據。

In the context of knowledge-driven economies and technology-intensive industries, intellectual property—particularly patents—has emerged not only as a legal mechanism for protecting innovations but also as a strategic asset for building competitive advantage and value creation. This study adopts Michael E. Porter’s value chain framework to analyze how patent systems function within the internal value activities of enterprises. As a case study, the research focuses on Yageo Corporation and its strategic patent development in the field of Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCC). The study first presents an overview of Yageo’s corporate background and the technical characteristics and market applications of MLCC products. It then investigates 21 representative patents obtained between 2000 and 2024, categorizing them into three types: material innovations, structural improvements, and process optimizations. These patents are mapped against primary value chain activities—namely R&D,manufacturing, supply chain management, and marketing—to evaluate their strategic significance and contribution to value generation. The findings indicate that Yageo has leveraged horizontal acquisitions and strategic patent portfolios to enhance global manufacturing integration and supply chain efficiency. Furthermore, its patents have significantly strengthened automation, material reliability, and performance alignment with evolving demands in end-user markets such as notebook computers, smartphones, and automotive electronics. The study also identifies challenges in patent management from a value chain perspective, including litigation risks, rapid technological iteration, and lifecycle management of patents. In conclusion, when integrated with corporate value chain activities, patent systems can serve not only as defensive tools but also as proactive enablers of innovation, market expansion, and long-term value. The analytical framework developed herein provides a strategic reference for technology-oriented enterprises in managing intellectual property.