Business-driven IP portfolio management is performed understanding client’s need and developing roadmaps of change that realizes benefit.
Introducing structure and policy procedures with respect to intellectual property management, ideas can be captured through brainstorm sessions, to be further described into detail in a so-called Invention Disclosure Form (IDF). Not only clarifying technical specifications, the IDF preferably also covers a first estimation on the business expectations of new initiatives. Typically the IDF is, when completed by one or more inventors, centrally filed for evaluation.
Ideas and inventions are screened, by performing e.g. a prior-art search in order to investigate novelty and hence have a better view on the protection means that are applicable. A general company policy and formal decision process, in line with the business perspectives, will finally result into next steps to be taken. In case of approval for filing a patent application, a detailed description of the invention, including a set of patent claims will need to be drafted, usually supported by a few distinctive drawings.
For efficiently managing a significant portfolio, and following-up on the patent prosecutions pending, including keeping the overview of granted patents and payment of maintenance fees accordingly, an IP management database system, currently commercially available in different types fit to anyone’s needs, is highly recommended.
Moreover, the IP policy may also specify the rewarding of inventors or other employees heavily contributing to the innovation activities within the company.