The manner in which corporations develop and manage their IP software has changed considerably over the past few years. Long gone are the days when the focus was simply filing data and managing due dates. Today there is a more proactive approach to IP management, which, in turn, has set new standards and challenges for IP professionals.

IP across departments

Many of the IP departments that we work with have noticed the rise in interest towards IP, with R&D, marketing, legal and senior management all requiring access to information about the company's IP portfolio. Without appropriate processes in place, delivery of this information has in many instances been difficult to supply and has increased the IP department's workload.

The challenge

Feedback from our clients indicates that IP professionals are no longer satisfied with Excel spreadsheets or traditional docketing-focused software programmes to manage their IP rights. IP departments – and with increasing frequency senior management – are keen to see management reports, including those relating to litigation, costs, surveillance and licensing.

Our own R&D has shown that other key requirements for IP management software must be to allow users to audit their IP portfolios, whether they are looking to assess geographical coverage, costs, or even the competitive landscape. Ideally an IP management system must also be able to incorporate all supporting data generated through the life cycle of IP assets (such as comments from counsel, licensing agreements), share a single database and be accessible to all. IP assets require significant corporate investment and companies today realize that they must similarly invest in the management of these critical assets.

The solution

Developments in technology have enabled companies like CPA Software Solutions to develop interfaces, accessible via a web browser, which provide various business departments with access to information via a common platform. One of the key innovations of these systems is the advent of a centralized repository for all corporate IP information – patent, trade mark, design, copyright etc.

This new generation of software is not only enabling corporations to simply manage their IP portfolio, but is also helping them to exploit it.

In practice

Putting a new web-based software system in place can provide companies with the management information they need and gives them an opportunity to step back and reassess their current practices. Most IP departments are eager to see how they can improve their existing methods through the use of technology and this is where the intelligent application of software is able to add considerable value.

We have found that the consolidation of IP information has empowered IP departments, enabling them to map out their corporate IP strategy, as well as providing them with the information they need to make practical, business-based decisions regarding commercialization, licensing and the abandonment of their IPR. These technological improvements have provided IP managers with a tool not only to audit their portfolios, but also to assist in visualising any gaps that may need to be addressed.

Many IP managers that I have worked with have noticed an increase in efficiency and are now able to communicate IP information beyond the traditional confines of the IP team.

We know that the importance of IP is being increasingly understood by corporations, particularly at boardroom level and IP teams are using this increased profile to build a case for the implementation of technology to support and improve the management of this important resource.

Mark Cordy