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Intellectual Property Management

Intellectual Property Management Plan and Implementation

Intellectual Property Management Policy and Goals

To remain a world-leading technology provider, ASE Technology Holding Co.,Ltd. (ASEH) shall continuously focus on research, development and innovation; formulate an intellectual property (IP) strategy in alignment with its operation and R&D strategies; establish a set of operating model which can effectively utilize the IP rights ASEH owns to promote various business interests, so as to not only appropriately protect R&D results and enhance the company's competitiveness, but also to ensure the freedom of operation of ASEH and maximize shareholder benefits.

Intellectual Property Management System

To ensure the effective implementation of ASEH’s IP policy and goals, the company and its subsidiaries draws up innovative programs in accordance with its business blueprint and prevailing laws and regulations, as well as continuously strengthen its IP management system. ASEH’s comprehensive IP management ensures that the company’s R&D efforts and results are well protected and developed into IP rights. The company continues to integrate and utilize its high value IP portfolio to promote various business interests that further improve its competitiveness and strengthen its defense capabilities.

Patent

ASEH’s IP management strategy is focused on three equally weighted goals - patent quantity, patent quality and patent value. In addition to early deployment of IP management for critical technologies, ASEH continuously examines the quality and valuation of its patents through innovative ways to maintain a strong patent portfolio.These actions enable ASEH to maintain high patent standards and maximize R&D investment returns by strengthening the use of value-added patent rights. ASEH also actively collaborates with the industry’s technology leaders to jointly develop patents, file patent applications and obtain key licensing agreements. These actions enable ASEH to defend its leadership position in technology as well as maintain its overall competitiveness.

Trade Secret

ASEH’s trade secrets are based on a strong foundation of corporate competitiveness that include cost advantages, technology leadership, quality manufacturing service, and the establishment of smart factories and customer trust. ASEH adopts secrecy policy and management measures in accordance with laws and regulations on trade secret protection, puts in place a system of measures including information security systems, employee education and on-the-job training, and systematic management, and takes management-oriented approaches to continuously implement and improve those measures, effectively protecting ASEH’s trade secret. Where it is necessary, ASEH will timely enforce applicable laws and regulations on trade secret to prevent improper use, leakage or misappropriation of ASEH’s proprietary assets by others in order to ensure that ASEH’s investments, rights and interests are duly protected.

Trademark

ASEH has registered several trademarks to distinguish the exclusive products and services of ASEH from the similar products/services of others. The granted trademarks highlight the quality and uniqueness of ASEH’s products and services, and help to effectively market the ASEH brand name. ASEH may claim its legitimate trademark rights against any other similar marks that are improperly used to cause confusion to customers or consumers, so as to protect ASEH’s goodwill and market share.

ASE’s IP management strategy is focused on three equally weighted goals - patent quantity, patent quality and patent value. In addition to early deployment of IP management for critical technologies, ASE continuously examines the quality and valuation of its patents through innovative ways to maintain a strong patent portfolio.These actions enable ASE to maintain high patent standards and maximize R&D investment returns by strengthening the use of value-added patent rights. ASE also actively collaborates with the industry’s technology leaders to jointly develop patents, file patent applications and obtain key licensing agreements. These actions enableASE to defend its leadership position in technology as well as maintain its overall competitiveness.

ASE’s trade secrets are based on a strong foundation of corporate competitiveness that include cost advantages, technology leadership, quality manufacturing service, and the establishment of smart factories and customer trust. ASE adopts secrecy policy and management measures in accordance with laws and regulations on trade secret protection, puts in place a system of measures including information security systems, employee education and on-the-job training, and systematic management, and takes management-oriented approaches to continuously implement and improve those measures, effectively protecting ASE’s trade secret. Where it is necessary,ASE will timely enforce applicable laws and regulations on trade secret to prevent improper use, leakage or misappropriation of ASE’s proprietary assets by others in order to ensure that ASE’s investments, rights and interests are duly protected.

ASE has registered several trademarks to distinguish the exclusive products and services of ASE from the similar products/services of others. The granted trademarks highlight the quality and uniqueness of ASE’s products and services, and help to effectively market the ASE brand name. ASE may claim its legitimate trademark rights against any other similar marks that are improperly used to cause confusion to customers or consumers, so as to protect ASE’s goodwill and market share.

Main Uses of Intellectual Property and Contribution to Operations

ASEH's IP management is tightly embedded into the company’s business operation blueprint, forming a continuous innovation cycle that encompasses business opportunities and R&D, to IP management and utilization that includes the following three phases:

  • To maintain ASEH’s technology leadership and to better respond to future market needs, the company invests aggressively in research and development, aligns R&D with key future business opportunities and invests heavily in talent development and R&D resources.

  • Our robust IP application system and tools ensure that R&D achievements are transformed accurately, thoroughly and effectively into legally protected intellectual property rights. To ensure comprehensive protection for key technologies and strengthen patent quality, ASEH adopts a 3-pronged approach: developing a comprehensive portfolio, re-assessing patents to identify those of value and, revitalization to increase the value. Patents must also provide business value in order to maximize R&D investment returns. ASEH puts in place a system of measures to protect the company’s trade secrets and maintain its unique competitive advantage, including information security systems, employee awareness training and education and trade secret registration system management. Where appropriate, ASEH will enforce applicable laws and regulations to prevent improper use, leakage or misappropriation of intangible assets of ASEH by others to ensure that investments, rights and interests are duly protected. In terms of trademarks, the unique and identifiable trademarks may be registered to manifest the quality and characteristics of products and services. In case of other’s imitation or trade on the recognition of ASEH trademark, or causing confusion of customers and consumers, ASEH may invoke trademark rights to defend goodwill or secure the market share.

  • High-value IP helps to facilitate business success, obtain customer orders and develop more business opportunities, thereby creating a positive sustainable cycle. Our robust IP management prevents unauthorized use of technologies of ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. by others and helps to defend against any threats from competitors.

IP Risk Management

ASEH’s success is driven by its continuous quest for innovation and the strengthening of its IP management. To protect its proprietary technologies, trade secrets and patents from theft, misappropriation or infringement, ASEH has strengthened employees’ IP awareness as well as ensured the inclusion of IP protection measures at work. In addition to regular IP related online and classroom courses, various types of exercises are also conducted to enhance employees’ knowledge and skills on IP protection. ASEH has established stringent controls in its IT and email systems, and within its facilities, to strengthen security management and mitigate the risk of information leakage. ?In case of any risk exposures in IP misappropriation or infringement, ASEH has in place a robust response mechanism and standard operating procedure to promptly investigate and where appropriate, enforce legal actions to prevent IP misappropriation or infringement by others, so as to protect the ASEH’s IP rights.

ASEH respects the legitimate IP rights of others. However, to the extent that the technology is developed independently by ASEH or that ASEH does not have prior knowledge, it may be uncertain as to whether there may be any potential conflict with others’ IP. To a certain extent, ASEH may consider to rely on third party technology and patent licenses. If the technology license cannot be granted due to unacceptable terms and conditions, ASEH may be exposed to third party claims for infringement, damages incurred, or the risk of an injunction order. ASEH may also face customer requests and claims for contractual obligations to indemnify for the damages suffered by the customer due to third-party claim for infringement. Therefore, ASEH will strategically obtain the necessary licenses for specific technologies, and at the same time, collects high-quality patents that could be utilized for defense against litigation or cross-licensing, so as to ensure the freedom of operation.

Implementation Status

ASEH’s patent portfolios comprise a variety of technologies related to semiconductor packaging and testing, and electronics manufacturing. As of January 31, 2024, we held 2,179 Taiwan patents, 2,015 U.S. patents, 2,088 P.R.C., patents, 104 Europe patents and 47 patents in other countries related to various semiconductor packaging technologies and invention utility and design on our EMS. In addition, as of January 31,2024, we also had has a total of 2,144 pending patent applications, of which 246 in Taiwan, 532 in the U.S., 1,288 in P.R.C., 50 in Europe and 28 in other countries.

ASEH has applied and registered several trademarks in Taiwan, the United States, China and the EU. The following trademarks are registered in Taiwan. This is anon-exclusive list of ASEH’s trademarks and any name, service mark or logo that has been used for or incorporated into ASEH’s services but not specified in the foregoing list shall not constitute a waiver of ASEH’s trademark or other intellectual property rights over that name or logo.

ASEH will continue to strengthen trademark management, enhance management mechanisms at all stages of trademark acquisition, protection, maintenance, and use, and improve management specifications and processes that effectively secure trademark rights and avoid trademark-related risks, so as to effectively secure company's trademark rights and defend the company's goodwill.

In terms of trade secrets management, ASEH is devoted to establishing trade secret registration management system that collocates with the comprehensive secrecy policy, protecting company’s core competitive advantage in all aspects. ASEH carries out annual on-line training for all employees, continues to direct them to secure confidential information and foster subject-specific course and propaganda of non-infringement of IP for R&D and engineering departments, enhancing protection of ASEH’s trade secret and preventing the risk of infringement. ASEH implements an interview mechanism in the employee resignation process for Legal department to interview with employee who will resign and alert such employee to continue to fulfill confidentiality obligations after the resignation and enhance management mechanism to reduce the risks of information leakage. ASEH and its subsidiaries collaborate to develop group corporate strategy for protecting critical technologies that effect industry leadership and adopt unified management guidance to enhance the confidentiality control of high value trade secret involved in the process of cooperating with customers and suppliers, continuing to maintain ASEH’s competitiveness and protect the best interests of shareholder. In order to improve trade secret management and coordinate government that enhances control of national core technologies, ASEH adopts a policy of protection of national core technologies and trade secret that enhances law compliance and effectively protects intellectual property to increase the core competitiveness of ASEH and its subsidiaries and protect the best interests of shareholders, customers and other stakeholders. Respective subsidiaries authorize a department responsible to implement management of trade secret grading, enhance the process of disclosure control and confidentiality measures and establish a reward system to encourage employees to innovate, securing company's core competitive advantages.

At least once a year, the foregoing IP management plan and implementation status are reported to the Board of Directors and the improvement measures are proposed in response to the Board’s recommendations. The last reporting date was October 8 , 2024.

Certification

On November 4, 2022, Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc., a subsidiary of ASEH, filed an application for the renewal of Taiwan Intellectual Property Management System (TIPS) (A Class) certification re-certificated. The renewal of TIPS certification (A Class) was valid for another 2-year-term until December 31, 2024.

The Benefits of IP Rights to The Company’s Sustainable Development

In terms of environmental sustainability, ASEH drives innovative research and development under four sustainable development strategies— "low-carbon, circular, inclusive, and collaborative" and adopts a versatile technology strategy to introduce novel packaging designs, optimize mature process parameters, use new materials, enhance automation, etc., while providing customers with innovative and leading-edge packaging services. Therefore, ASEH can reduce the use of materials and reduce energy consumption in the packaging process to promote the environmental sustainability.

Innovation is key to ASEH's revenue growth and competitiveness. ASEH's technology initiatives include SiP Module, 2.5D/3D IC package, fan-out wafer-level package and MEMS and sensor products. When ASEH facilitates environmental sustainability and assists customers in launching new generation products with green concepts, it simultaneously strengthens the patent portfolios. In 2023, 135 newly green-related patents were granted globally, and as of the end 2023, totally 1,101 green-related patents were granted.

Innovative Technology

Sustainability Focus

Examples of promoting environmental sustainability

Number of green-related patents granted in 2023

SiP Module

Reduce material usage

  • Reduce material usage and save costs, making the manufacturing process more comprehensive and promoting economic benefits.

  • By changing the design of the packaging base, the effect of reducing material waste by 30%-60% can be achieved.

  • By changing the thickness design of the semiconductor substrate from 100 microns to 50 microns, the substrate material usage rate is reduced by 50%.

37

2.5D/3D IC package

Save energy and reduce carbon

  • Achieve energy saving by lowering the curing temperature.

  • By designing cooling fixtures, the temperature of the sputtering process is reduced, and energy consumption is also reduced.

  • Through the "secondary ball stacking" technology and by fixing the heat treatment temperature in the process, the line shift time is reduced and the production efficiency of the machine is improved. In addition, because the temperature of the packaging equipment is fixed, energy consumption is reduced, achieving energy saving and carbon reduction.

8

Fan-out wafer level package

Increase production capacity

  • Through the new jig design, the cutting width is reduced, the utilization rate of typesetting is increased, and the production efficiency is improved.

  • Reuse new fixtures to reduce the cost of purchasing new fixtures and reduce waste generation.

  • Reduce the waiting time of packaging production and improve the production efficiency of the machine by sharing the furnace temperature.

52

MEMS and Sensor Package

Automation

  • Cooperate with equipment manufacturers to develop new programs and functions to solve the problem of die attachment of different sizes, avoid the risk of misjudgment of die attachment during manual operations, and improve machine production efficiency.

  • Develop a low-temperature wire bonding process, which not only saves the power consumption of the wire bonding process, but also saves the substrate supplier's process and power consumption.

38

Innovative Technology: SiP Module

Sustainability Focus: Reduce material usage

Examples of promoting environmental sustainability:

  • Reduce material usage and save costs, making the manufacturing process more comprehensive and promoting economic benefits.

  • By changing the design of the packaging base, the effect of reducing material waste by 30%-60% can be achieved.

  • By changing the thickness design of the semiconductor substrate from 100 microns to 50 microns, the substrate material usage rate is reduced by 50%.

37 green-related patents granted in 2023

Innovative Technology: 2.5D/3D IC package

Sustainability Focus: Save energy and reduce carbon

Examples of promoting environmental sustainability:

  • Achieve energy saving by lowering the curing temperature.

  • By designing cooling fixtures, the temperature of the sputtering process is reduced, and energy consumption is also reduced.

  • Through the "secondary ball stacking" technology and by fixing the heat treatment temperature in the process, the line shift time is reduced and the production efficiency of the machine is improved. In addition, because the temperature of the packaging equipment is fixed, energy consumption is reduced, achieving energy saving and carbon reduction.

8 green-related patents granted in 2023

Innovative Technology: Fan-out wafer level package

Sustainability Focus: Increase production capacity

Examples of promoting environmental sustainability:

  • Through the new jig design, the cutting width is reduced, the utilization rate of typesetting is increased, and the production efficiency is improved.

  • Reuse new fixtures to reduce the cost of purchasing new fixtures and reduce waste generation.

  • Reduce the waiting time of packaging production and improve the production efficiency of the machine by sharing the furnace temperature.

52 green-related patents granted in 2023

Innovative Technology: MEMS and Sensor Package

Sustainability Focus: Automation

Examples of promoting environmental sustainability:

  • Cooperate with equipment manufacturers to develop new programs and functions to solve the problem of die attachment of different sizes, avoid the risk of misjudgment of die attachment during manual operations, and improve machine production efficiency.

  • Develop a low-temperature wire bonding process, which not only saves the power consumption of the wire bonding process, but also saves the substrate supplier's process and power consumption.

38 green-related patents granted in 2023

In terms of social sustainability, ASEH applies the green-related patents and technologies to the semiconductor packaging process to drive novel business models, lead the emergence of green supply chains, create high value-added job opportunities, and thereby enhance social welfare. At the same time, green-related patents and technologies also improve the quality of life, reduce pollution, and achieve more balanced development of the economy, society, and environment. Intellectual property rights play a key role in sustainable development in encouraging innovation, promoting technology transfer, protecting the environment and improving social and economic welfares.

In terms of business sustainability, ASEH continues to invest in innovative research and development, and is committed to high-value, low-carbon, waste-reducing, and AI-assisted semiconductor packaging services. At the same time, ASEH will transform innovation achievements into intellectual property rights and build an intellectual property protection wall to prevent others from plagiarizing ASEH technologies and defend against competitors' intellectual property threats. ASEH's intellectual property management system forms a continuous innovation cycle to support sustainable business development, protect innovation achievements and sustain ASEH competitive advantages.

Other topics

Other topics

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Supplier Sustainability Management Approach

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Climate Leadership

Transitioning towards Low-Carbon Resilience

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Talent Cultivation and Development

Talent Cultivation and Development

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Smart Factories and Automation

Higher customer satisfaction in quality and delivery

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Supplier Sustainability Awards

Supplier Sustainability Awards

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Business Conduct and Ethics

Good corporate citizenship and social responsibility

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Corporate Sustainability Policy

Pioneering Sustainability, Powering Tomorrow

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Environmental Management System

Towards a Greener and Better Future

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Supply Chain Management Framework

Supply Chain Management Organization

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Talent Attraction and Retention

Talent Recruitment

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Risk Management

Risk Management Policies and Procedures

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Industry-Academia Collaborations

Industry-Academia Collaborations

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Waste Management

Waste Generation and Recycling

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Social Involvement

Stimulate positive social change

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Biodiversity

Promote the well-being of human and safeguarding our planet

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Water Resource Management

Water Risk Assessment

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Community Engagement

Community Engagement

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Organization & Structure

Fostering Organizational Excellence

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Green Facility

Realizing the determination of green transition

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Occupational Health and Safety

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Human Rights Management

Committed to Human Rights, Sustainability, and Responsibility

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Conflict Minerals Compliance

Corporate Policy for Sourcing Conflict Minerals

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Stakeholder Communication

Uniting Stakeholders for Impactful Change

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Diversity in Human Resources

Diverse Talents, United Excellence

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Sustainable Manufacturing

Eco-Efficiency Through Sustainable Manufacturing

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Environmental Conservation

Environmental Conservation

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Public Advocacy

Public Advocacy and Management Framework

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SDGs & TIMM

Shaping Tomorrow's Value

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Information Security Management

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Succession Planning

Risk Management Policies and Procedures

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Sustainability Strategies

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Regulatory Compliance

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