Product Development Research Committee

Starting afresh in 1999, in cooperation with business and designers, the committee is carrying out design development, from design planning, model creation, extending to distribution and sales.
In sincere pursuit of what is selling and what is being sought in the current market, for the purpose of advancing the development of design that is possible with the resources available locally, the committee is conducting research activities such as holding design training seminars and doing market research.

Product Development Research Committee Guide
1.	Membership is limited to within Toyama Prefecture. The only other requirement for participation is having passion and enthusiasm about product design.The committee usually meets once a month (twelve to thirteen times a year)
2.	Research Committee Membership Fees and Number of Participants Yearly membership for one company is 30000yen and covers up to two people from the member company. Other fees include covering part of honorariums for lecturers, and paying for meeting and materials costs. (Once paid, fees cannot be refunded, even in the case of withdrawal from membership during the term) New members are also asked to pay an additional 5000yen. This will be used to cover the cost of communications with the member company. The committee office will send member companies a receipt upon payment of dues. Furthermore, members will be responsible for additional traveling expenses and accommodation for study trips outside of Toyama Prefecture, as well as for participation in receptions and social events.
3.	Research Committee Administration There are many participating members, so a sub-committee will be organized under the main committee, to deal with problems that might arise in effectively and efficiently administrating the committee, as well as dealing with any great differences over product development themes.
4.	Research Committee Location The Design Center of Toyama (5-banchi, Office Park, Takaoka City) Additionally, the committee may be held at other locations, if the administration should so decide.
5.	Participation After Commencement Entry of new members is allowed even after the committee has gotten underway, during the course of the fiscal year. In such a case, a one time 5000yen membership fee, plus 2500yen per month for the number of months remaining in the fiscal year of the club.
6.	Rights of Design The design rights for any work created at the Center, remain the property of the designers and/or the designer's employer. (further referred to as "designer")
7.	Usage Rights of Design In the case of a work that is chosen for product development, should the manufacturer wish to acquire rights to the product, the Design Center and the business in question will hold a consultation. Should more than one company wish to manufacture a product, the Design Center will provide mediation. Should a product be chosen for manufacturing, a royalty contract will be settled between the manufacturer, the Design Center, and the designer. Additionally, in the case of further development of the designer's product by the Design Center or the manufacturer, the designer is entitled to claim further expenses.
8.	The Product Development Research Committee is an administrative body under The Design Center of Toyama