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<Upper-Intermediate> Lesson No.30

Technical License Negotiation with International Competitors / 海外競合他社との技術ライセンス交渉

0.Greetings & Ice-break (2min.)|挨拶と導入

 

0-1 Greetings

Let’s practice a short small talk that you can use to greet a business partner and start building a good relationship.

講師との挨拶を兼ねて、ビジネスパートナーと信頼関係を築くための短いスモールトークを練習してみましょう。

[Tips / 会話のヒント]

・Can you hear me clearly? 

 私の声はクリアに聞こえますか?
・How's your day going so far?

 今日はどんな一日でしたか?
・Talk about one small topic (Work, Weather, News, Hometown, Sports event, etc.)

 軽い話題について話しましょう(仕事、天気、ニュース、地元、スポーツイベントなど)

0-2 Introduction​

In today’s lesson, we’ll learn about the following situation. Have you ever experienced something similar?

本日のレッスンでは以下のようなシチュエーションについて学びます。同様のシチュエーションを経験したことがありますか?​

​​

- If you have experience, please tell us what it was like, what was difficult, or what you learned.

   経験があれば、どんな内容だったか、難しかったことや学んだことなどを教えて下さい。 

- If you don’t have experience, try to imagine yourself handling that situation in English.

  What do you think would be challenging?

  経験がなければ、英語でその状況に対応しているところを想像してみましょう。どんなことが難しそうですか?

Situation / シチュエーション

Negotiating technology licensing agreements with overseas competitors for important patents and technical know-how.
市場競争力強化のため海外競合他社の重要技術ライセンス取得について交渉する場面です。

1. Read (2 min)|型を学ぶ
Let's read the following key sentences aloud!
下記の文章や単語を順番に音読しましょう!

1-1 Basic phrases
1.We aim to utilize...(...を活用することを目指す)
2.We anticipate annual production of...(...の年間生産を見込む)
3.Our products target a different segment...(当社製品は異なるセグメントを対象とする)
4.We propose a non-exclusive license...(非独占ライセンスを提案する)
5.Let me propose a compromise...(妥協案を提案させてください)
6.We can commit to...(...を約束できる)
7.We'll establish a dedicated quality assurance team...(専任の品質保証チームを設立する)

1-2 Essential words
1.elaborate on(詳しく述べる)
2.utilize(活用する)
3.anticipate(見込む)
4.considerable(かなりの)
5.assess(評価する)
6.propose(提案する)
7.accommodate(対応する)
8.consult with(協議する)
9.submit(提出する)
10.reassuring(心強い)
2. Try  (3 min)|ロールプレイ練習

Let’s practice the role-play.

ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Negotiating technology licensing agreements with overseas competitors for important patents and technical know-how.
市場競争力強化のため海外競合他社の重要技術ライセンス取得について交渉する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
Thank you for reaching out regarding our technology. I understand you're interested in licensing our advanced sensor technology. Could you elaborate on your intended application and market scope?
(当社の技術についてご連絡いただきありがとうございます。当社の先進センサー技術のライセンスにご興味があるとのことですね。想定される用途と市場範囲について詳しくお聞かせいただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
We aim to utilize your sensor technology in our next-generation consumer electronics products for the Asian market. We anticipate annual production of approximately 500000 units over a 3-year period.
(貴社のセンサー技術を、アジア市場向けの次世代民生用電子機器製品に活用することを目指しています。3年間で年間約50万台の生産を見込んでいます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
That's a considerable volume. However, this technology is critical to our competitive advantage. What specific technical specifications are you most interested in, and how do you plan to differentiate your products from ours?
(かなりの数量ですね。しかしながら、この技術は当社の競争優位性にとって極めて重要です。具体的にどの技術仕様に最も関心があり、どのように貴社製品を当社製品と差別化する予定ですか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
We're primarily interested in the high-precision detection capability and low-power consumption features. Our products target a different segment — affordable mid-range devices, whereas your products focus on premium markets. This means we won't directly compete with your core business.
(主に高精度検出能力と低消費電力機能に関心があります。当社製品は異なるセグメント、つまり手頃な価格の中級機器を対象としており、貴社製品はプレミアム市場に注力しています。つまり、貴社の中核事業と直接競合することはありません。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
I appreciate the clarification. Still, we need to assess the potential risks carefully. What licensing terms are you proposing? We're particularly concerned about exclusivity, royalty rates, and technology transfer scope.
(ご説明ありがとうございます。それでも、潜在的なリスクを慎重に評価する必要があります。どのようなライセンス条件を提案されますか?特に独占性、ロイヤリティ率、技術移転の範囲について懸念しています。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
We propose a non-exclusive license limited to the Asian consumer electronics market. Regarding royalty, we can offer 4 percent of net sales for the first 2 years, increasing to 5 percent thereafter. The technology transfer would be restricted to manufacturing specifications only, excluding core algorithm modifications.
(アジアの民生用電子機器市場に限定した非独占ライセンスを提案します。ロイヤリティについては、最初の2年間は純売上高の4パーセント、その後5パーセントに引き上げることができます。技術移転は製造仕様のみに制限され、コアアルゴリズムの変更は除外されます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
The market limitation is acceptable, but the royalty rate seems low given the strategic value of this technology. Our internal assessment indicates a minimum of 6 percent would be appropriate. Also, we need stronger confidentiality commitments.
(市場の制限は受け入れられますが、この技術の戦略的価値を考えるとロイヤリティ率が低いように思われます。当社の内部評価では、最低6パーセントが適切であることが示されています。また、より強力な機密保持の約束が必要です。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
We understand your concern about the royalty rate. Let me propose a compromise: we can commit to 5 percent for the entire contract period if you can accommodate a 5-year term instead of 3 years. This would demonstrate our long-term commitment and increase total revenue for you. Regarding confidentiality, we're prepared to sign a comprehensive non-disclosure agreement with penalties for violations.
(ロイヤリティ率に関するご懸念は理解しています。妥協案を提案させてください。3年ではなく5年の契約期間に対応していただければ、契約期間全体で5パーセントを約束できます。これにより当社の長期的なコミットメントを示し、貴社の総収益を増やすことができます。機密保持については、違反に対する罰則を伴う包括的な秘密保持契約に署名する用意があります。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
A 5-year commitment does make the proposal more attractive. However, we still need to consult with our executive team about the strategic implications. Can you also clarify your quality control procedures and how you'll maintain our technology standards?
(5年間のコミットメントは提案をより魅力的にしますね。ただし、戦略的な影響について経営陣と協議する必要があります。品質管理手順と、当社の技術基準をどのように維持するかについても明確にしていただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
Certainly. We'll establish a dedicated quality assurance team trained specifically on your technology standards. We propose quarterly audits by your technical staff to verify compliance. Additionally, we'll submit detailed production reports every 6 months and allow on-site inspections with reasonable notice.
(もちろんです。貴社の技術基準について特別に訓練された専任の品質保証チームを設立します。コンプライアンスを検証するため、貴社の技術スタッフによる四半期ごとの監査を提案します。さらに、6か月ごとに詳細な生産報告書を提出し、妥当な通知により現地検査を許可します。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
Your quality commitment is reassuring. I'll present your proposal to our leadership team with a recommendation to proceed to detailed contract negotiations. We should be able to provide feedback within 3 weeks. I appreciate your thorough preparation and collaborative approach.
(品質へのコミットメントは心強いです。詳細な契約交渉に進めるよう推奨して、貴社の提案を経営陣に提示します。3週間以内にフィードバックを提供できるはずです。貴社の周到な準備と協力的なアプローチに感謝します。)
3. Use  (4 min)|ロールプレイ & 実践(空欄補完)

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Negotiating technology licensing agreements with overseas competitors for important patents and technical know-how.
市場競争力強化のため海外競合他社の重要技術ライセンス取得について交渉する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
Thank you for reaching out regarding our technology. I understand you're interested in licensing our advanced sensor technology. Could you elaborate on your intended application and market scope?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
We aim to [活用する] your sensor technology in our next-generation consumer electronics products for the Asian market. We [見込む] annual production of approximately 500000 units over a 3-year period.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
That's a considerable volume. However, this technology is critical to our competitive advantage. What specific technical specifications are you most interested in, and how do you plan to differentiate your products from ours?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
We're primarily interested in the high-precision detection capability and low-power consumption features. Our products target a different segment — affordable mid-range devices, whereas your products focus on premium markets. This means we won't directly compete with your core business.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
I appreciate the clarification. Still, we need to assess the potential risks carefully. What licensing terms are you proposing? We're particularly concerned about exclusivity, royalty rates, and technology transfer scope.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
We [提案する] a non-exclusive license limited to the Asian consumer electronics market. Regarding royalty, we can offer 4 percent of net sales for the first 2 years, increasing to 5 percent thereafter. The technology transfer would be restricted to manufacturing specifications only, excluding core algorithm modifications.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
The market limitation is acceptable, but the royalty rate seems low given the strategic value of this technology. Our internal assessment indicates a minimum of 6 percent would be appropriate. Also, we need stronger confidentiality commitments.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
We understand your concern about the royalty rate. Let me [提案する] a compromise: we can commit to 5 percent for the entire contract period if you can [対応する] a 5-year term instead of 3 years. This would demonstrate our long-term commitment and increase total revenue for you. Regarding confidentiality, we're prepared to sign a comprehensive non-disclosure agreement with penalties for violations.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
A 5-year commitment does make the proposal more attractive. However, we still need to consult with our executive team about the strategic implications. Can you also clarify your quality control procedures and how you'll maintain our technology standards?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
Certainly. We'll establish a dedicated quality assurance team trained specifically on your technology standards. We [提案する] quarterly audits by your technical staff to verify compliance. Additionally, we'll [提出する] detailed production reports every 6 months and allow on-site inspections with reasonable notice.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
Your quality commitment is reassuring. I'll present your proposal to our leadership team with a recommendation to proceed to detailed contract negotiations. We should be able to provide feedback within 3 weeks. I appreciate your thorough preparation and collaborative approach.
4. Challenge (7 min)|応用実践

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

*Let's practice this part repeatedly until we can speak it smoothly.

  このパートはスムーズにスピーキングできるようになるまで繰り返し練習しましょう。

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Negotiating technology licensing agreements with overseas competitors for important patents and technical know-how.
市場競争力強化のため海外競合他社の重要技術ライセンス取得について交渉する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
Thank you for reaching out regarding our technology. I understand you're interested in licensing our advanced sensor technology. Could you elaborate on your intended application and market scope?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
[貴社のセンサー技術を、アジア市場向けの次世代民生用電子機器製品に活用することを目指しています。] [3年間で年間約50万台の生産を見込んでいます。]

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
That's a considerable volume. However, this technology is critical to our competitive advantage. What specific technical specifications are you most interested in, and how do you plan to differentiate your products from ours?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
We're primarily interested in the high-precision detection capability and low-power consumption features. [当社製品は異なるセグメント、つまり手頃な価格の中級機器を対象としており、貴社製品はプレミアム市場に注力しています。] This means we won't directly compete with your core business.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
I appreciate the clarification. Still, we need to assess the potential risks carefully. What licensing terms are you proposing? We're particularly concerned about exclusivity, royalty rates, and technology transfer scope.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
[アジアの民生用電子機器市場に限定した非独占ライセンスを提案します。] Regarding royalty, we can offer 4 percent of net sales for the first 2 years, increasing to 5 percent thereafter. The technology transfer would be restricted to manufacturing specifications only, excluding core algorithm modifications.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
The market limitation is acceptable, but the royalty rate seems low given the strategic value of this technology. Our internal assessment indicates a minimum of 6 percent would be appropriate. Also, we need stronger confidentiality commitments.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
We understand your concern about the royalty rate. Let me propose a compromise: we can commit to 5 percent for the entire contract period if you can accommodate a 5-year term instead of 3 years. This would demonstrate our long-term commitment and increase total revenue for you. Regarding confidentiality, we're prepared to sign a comprehensive non-disclosure agreement with penalties for violations.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
A 5-year commitment does make the proposal more attractive. However, we still need to consult with our executive team about the strategic implications. Can you also clarify your quality control procedures and how you'll maintain our technology standards?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Engineer】:
Certainly. [貴社の技術基準について特別に訓練された専任の品質保証チームを設立します。] We propose quarterly audits by your technical staff to verify compliance. Additionally, we'll submit detailed production reports every 6 months and allow on-site inspections with reasonable notice.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
Your quality commitment is reassuring. I'll present your proposal to our leadership team with a recommendation to proceed to detailed contract negotiations. We should be able to provide feedback within 3 weeks. I appreciate your thorough preparation and collaborative approach.
\ If you have some extra capacity, give it a try(余力があればやってみましょう)/
5. Real-world application (5 min)|実務応用

Let's speak freely with the phrases and flow we learned today. If you can, imagine your real job—it makes practice more effective.
本日学習した単語やフレーズ、会話の流れを思い出しながら、自由に話してみましょう。可能であれば、自身の実務を想像しながら話すと効果的です。​

Situation / シチュエーション
An engineer is negotiating with a competitor's licensing manager to acquire important technology for market competitiveness.
The competitor evaluates the strategic value of their technology and carefully considers licensing terms and conditions.
エンジニアが市場競争力のために重要技術を取得するため、競合他社のライセンス担当者と交渉している。
競合他社は自社技術の戦略的価値を評価し、ライセンス条件について慎重に検討している。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Competitor's Licensing Manager】:
I'd like to hear your proposal for licensing our technology. Please explain your intended use, market scope, and proposed terms.
(当社技術のライセンスに関する貴社の提案をお聞きしたいと思います。想定される用途、市場範囲、提案条件について説明してください。)

🧑‍🎓【Student / Your Role】:
(Free Speaking based on today's lesson)

Hints / ヒント
1. Explain the intended application and production volume
2. Clarify market differentiation to avoid direct competition
3. Present specific licensing terms and royalty structure
4. Demonstrate quality commitment and compliance measures
​※This is not a role-play. Please speak until you finish your thoughts.
 このパートはロールプレイ形式ではありません。最後まで通して話してみましょう。
6.  Wrap-up (2 min) |レッスンの振り返り

Let's review today's lesson with your teacher!
今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!

 

6-1 Comments from student

・Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
・Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

 

6-2 Feedback from teacher

・Good points / 良かった点
・Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
・What to review / 復習ポイント

 

*6-3 Questions from student (if any)

Japanese translation(日本語訳)

1. Read (2min)(型を学ぶ)|基本フレーズ

2. Try  (4min)(ロールプレイ練習)|型を使った練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

3. Use  (7min)|応用
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

4. Challenge (7min)|実践
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

5. Wrap-up (3min) – レッスンの振り返り

"Let’s review today’s lesson with your teacher!”

「今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!」

5-1.  Comments from Student

  - Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ

  - Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

5-2.  Feedback from Teacher

  - Good points / 良かった点

  - Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント

  - What to review / 復習ポイント

5-3. Question from Students (If any)

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