InfoAnda - Japan tech needs M&A but patent war more likely

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

RIM's Storm costlier to make than iPhone: report | 30 January 2009
Exclusive: The next generation of WikiLeaks | 29 January 2011
Critics hit Myanmar on trumped-up Suu Kyi charges | International | | 15 May 2009

Actor Vinnie Jones On Trial For Bar Brawl | 17 May 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Japan tech needs M&A but patent war more likely

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Japan tech needs M&A but patent war more likely Reuters - Sunday, January 10 Send IM Story Print People look at Panasonic plasma televisions displayed at an electronics store in Tokyo January 8, 2010. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao By Mayumi Negishi - Analysis LAS VEGAS - Japanese schoolchildren often hold hanseikai, or "reflection talks," to discuss what they did wrong during a play or a sports meet. There's a lot of that kind of introspection going on among Japanese tech executives at the Consumer Electronics Show this week, where the dominance of Sony Corp <6758.T> and Panasonic Corp <6752.T> seems to be a thing of the past, usurped by South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd <005930.KS> and LG Electronics Inc <066570.KS>. To regain their competitive edge, Japanese electronics makers should be looking to mergers and acquisitions, cost cuts and other moves to boost their market share abroad, according to government officials, investors and bankers. But veteran executives tend to be resistant to change, and the many factions found in Japanese conglomerates often slow decision making because of the value placed on consensus building. Some investors fear that a brighter global economy in 2010 will delay transformative deals, and Japanese firms will instead get distracted by patent fights to protect their existing technologies. "Everyone knows what needs to be done, but execution has always been the issue in electronics," said Atsuto Sawakami, a fund manager at Sawakami Asset Management Co in Tokyo. "I'm not holding my breath. There are better places to invest." At the world's biggest gadget fest in Las Vegas this week, Japanese executives privately voiced a sense of crisis. Just a few years ago, one could walk through the Samsung booth feeling secure and smug, said a Toshiba Corp <6502.T> official. "But each year, the booth becomes more showy, the products better-designed. And the price is still a challenge to match," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The rise of Korea Inc at the expense of Japan is reflected by Samsung's aggressive target for flat-screen TV sales, at a time when Sony Corp is struggling to turn a profit. Investors have taken note; Samsung's shares surged 77 percent in 2009, twice as much as Sony's 39 percent rise. OFT-TOUTED DEALS Investment bankers in Japan love to sing the praises of a hypothetical merger of Sony and Sharp Corp <6753.T>, or Sony and Hitachi Ltd <6501.T>. They are eager for more integration among Japanese firms' system chip and hard drive businesses, especially at a time when the global tech sector is also consolidating. Hardware, software and services firms are coming together to become more competitive, such as Oracle Corp's <ORCL.O> planned purchase of Sun Microsystems Inc <JAVA.O> and Hewlett-Packard Co's <HPQ.N> deal for network equipment maker 3Com Inc <COMS.O>. A combination of Sony's brand and Hitachi's technology and research capabilities could lay the groundwork for growth for the two loss-making companies, one banker said. As the TV market becomes commoditized, Japanese firms are under pressure to win back market share through competitive pricing. Some, such as Toshiba, plan to outsource more production. Sharp, which makes Aquos brand LCD TVs and supplies panels to Sony, Philips <PHG.AS> and Toshiba, aims to make its LCD plant in Nanjing as cost-efficient as any other local plant. But there is a limit to such cost cuts, and Japanese companies need to be at the forefront of new technologies, if they are to remain competitive and survive, executives said. "The South Korean companies are overwhelmingly stronger when it comes to cost efficiency," Sharp President Mikio Katayama said on the sidelines of CES. "We cannot win unless we do something only we can do." PATENT WARS Analysts expect patent wars to escalate as Japanese makers cling to key technologies in their grip. Sharp is locked in a web of suits and counter-suits against Samsung over liquid crystal displays. One of the main costs behind premium LCD TVs is the light emitting diodes used in the backlight, and Sharp is fighting to protect and leverage its patents. "LED technology makers have not been very aggressive about asserting their patents," said Katayama. "That is going to change." While the Consumer Electronics Show was brimming with flashy 3D TVs and products that Japanese firms are developing to win back their reputation as technology leaders, investors aren't sure it's safe to plough new money into their shares. "Sony is beginning to look interesting, if its e-reader can win more market share," said Mitsushige Akino, chief fund manager at Ichiyoshi Investment Management Co. "But in general, Japanese tech firms have a long way to go before they can compete in BRIC nations," referring to Brazil, Russia, India and China. "For true growth, drastic consolidation is necessary, and I don't see it happening." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Shoot video on the ski slopes with camera goggles AFP - 1 hour 40 minutes ago Lego expands its universe with online game AFP - Sunday, January 10 Japan tech needs M&A but patent war more likely Reuters - Sunday, January 10 Roxxxy the sex robot makes her world debut AFP - Sunday, January 10 Nokia urges mobile developers to focus on poor nations AFP - Sunday, January 10 News Search Top Stories Argentina appeals court ruling on Central Bank chief Oil talks fail between Russia, Belarus: news agencies Government hopes to cash in on devaluation in Venezuela Dozens join Sudan drumming protest in London Germany needs 'big spending cuts' to reduce deficit More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Britain faces toughest cuts for 20 years: Darling Hugh Grant sets marriage as New Year's resolution New for 2010: anti-wrinkle bras, protein undies Formula One boss launches Saab rescue bid: reports Weak US jobs report highlights sluggish recovery More Most Viewed » British priest defends urging people to shoplift Beat the blues by going to bed early: study Huge tomb found at Egypt's Saqqara pyramid More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Sunday, 10 January 2010
GIs return to their war zone and find it peaceful
Germany needs 'big spending cuts' to reduce deficit
Google becoming "giant monopoly"
NATO, Afghanistan agree Bagram prison handover
Tablets and slates take center stage at trade show
Iraq confiscates arms in private security crackdown
CIA attack 'revenge' for Taliban death: video
Muslims, Christians set homes ablaze in Egypt
Snow, freezing weather hit Europe, disrupt travel |
U.S. warns of attack threat to Sudan-Uganda flights |
Iran Supreme Leader urges firm action over riots
Blast outside Greek parliament, no one hurt |
France urges U.N. action on Congo refugees |
Report: 15 injured in latest Hong Kong acid attack
Warnings about accused Del. pediatrician surface
NYC man charged with getting al-Qaida training
Afghans losing hope after 8 years of war
Report: Slight cost increase in Senate health bill
Suspected US missile strike kills 2 in Pakistan
Police: Ex NYPD commissioner hit woman, drove off
CIA director: suicide bomber was almost searched
Chinese man arrested over US security scare: report
Palestinians demand full settlement freeze
Sri Lankan ex-rebels reunited with family members
Biographical information on EPA's Lisa Jackson
Google becoming giant monopoly
British FM says aid to Afghanistan conditional
US denies any plane entered Venezuelan airspace
Taiwan opposition scores fresh election win
Fourth church attacked in Malaysia as Allah row deepens
US warns of 'potential threat' to Uganda-Sudan flights
China port faces worst ice threat in 30 years
Afghanistan's second list of Cabinet nominees
Ruhr inaugurated as European Capital of Culture
CBS says business as usual with Charlie Sheen |
CIA director defends agency against criticism
Italians evacuate migrants, bring in police after clashes
Convent school, fifth church attacked in Malaysia |
Shoot video on the ski slopes with camera goggles
Argentina appeals court ruling on Central Bank chief
Israel: Palestinians to blame for impasse in talks
Oil talks fail between Russia, Belarus: news agencies
Europeans stock up as no end to cold snap forecast
Lego expands its universe with online game
Government hopes to cash in on devaluation in Venezuela
Nervous Venezuelans buy TVs after devaluation |
Dozens join Sudan drumming protest in London
Nicaraguan election tribunal stands for now: Ortega |
Japan tech needs M&A but patent war more likely
Roxxxy the sex robot makes her world debut
Croats start voting for new president |
Nokia urges mobile developers to focus on poor nations
Deadly ambush weighs on top Africa soccer event |
Nokia urges mobile developers to focus on poor nations
Japan tech needs M&A but patent war more likely |
LG confirms LCD TV sales target, eyes more market |
Taiwan lawmakers blame president for poll setback
Police say Anchorage officer shot several times
Grenade hurled at cathedral in southern Philippines
Cold stuns Floridians, causes deaths elsewhere
Suspect arrested over Hong Kong acid attack: police
In Foreclosureville, USA, so much change
Two more Malaysian churches attacked in "Allah" row
2 more churches attacked in Malaysia in Allah feud
US lawmakers to tackle airport security
Powerful quake hits off California coast: USGS
Convent school, fifth church attacked in Malaysia
6.5 quake shakes buildings on California coast
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Family doesn't know what led to plant shooting
China urges US to halt arms sales to Taiwan
Schwarzenegger says health care bill a 'rip-off'
Fifth church attacked in Malaysia in Allah feud
Gumby animator Art Clokey dies at 88 in California
CBS chief: Prime-time Leno great for us
China cements export lead with December surge
Report: JAL to decline offers from Delta, American
Indian firms set to report rising profits
JAL will not forge capital tie-up with US carrier: report
Friends star Matt LeBlanc back to TV
Nevada brothel seeking a few good men in US first
Foreign actresses move centre-stage in Bollywood
Winter of discontent for Berlin commuters
"Friends" star Matt LeBlanc back to TV
Adopted girl's fantasy life becomes series
CBS chief: Prime-time Leno great for us
Fashion show with Olympic themes opens in Rio
Picasso's 'Absinthe Drinker' to stay with British foundation
Mexico transfers inmates for reported Gibson film
CBS says business as usual with Charlie Sheen
Israel vows "powerful response" to Gaza attacks
Russia kills 'militant chief' in Dagestan: reports
Togo team to return from Africa soccer cup: captain |
Google apologises to Chinese writers over book flap
Laser projector, set-top box win gadget awards
UAE ruling family member acquitted in torture trial |
Israel vows powerful response to Gaza attacks |
Iran MPs criticize treatment of post-vote detainees |
Algerian security forces kill 10 militants: report |
Israel razes Palestinian structures in West Bank |
No secret as U.S. Marines plan for Afghan assault |
Russia says kills two Dagestan rebel leaders |
Iran frees Syrian journalist held during protests |
China writers say Google ready to settle book row
Bombing targets provincial lawmaker in NW Pakistan
Texas teen says he didn't hire friend to kill mom
China will likely spend full amount of stimulus
China evacuates 5,400 after heavy snow in NW
China overtakes Germany as biggest exporter
S.Korean dies over 200 days after life support cut
3 more churches attacked in Malaysia in Allah feud
Second Thai minister quits over graft scandal
Australian WWII wreck seen for first time in 66 years
New Zealand house prices rise in December
China will likely spend full amount of stimulus
China overtakes Germany as biggest exporter
Food prices soaring in N. Korea: group
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01