We know how it works. Someone must handle the growing IP load in a company, and it is too often handed to a candidate without the necessary skills, passion, experience or even will to succeed. Does this sound familiar? Well, I am here to tell you that this is a BAD idea. This pathway can be legally dangerous and financially disastrous. Why so?

Would you elect a quarterback for your most important game that lacks core quarterback skills and abilities? So why would you elect for your IP leader someone who lacks the necessary Knowledge, Understanding, Experience, Authority and Time?

I am suggesting that the CEO should ask themselves some serious questions. Do we believe that developing a good IP portfolio is good for business? Will the IP manager have the support of management on their IP management mission? Should we advocate a minimalistic or expansive IP approach, a defensive and/or defensive orientation, an IP presence to satisfy investors, scare off competitors, impress partners or to keep as an insurance policy?

Then, the CEO should ask the lead team some serious questions: Do we have anyone in here who knows our technology and knows IP, has experience in handling IP matters, cares about the IP program above and beyond their day to day job? Do we have anyone who can be our IP champion, either inside or outside our company? What budget can we provide for the IP program?

And then it moves forward with the chosen IP Champion – from inside or even outside the organization. The champion must be supported by management and empowered to give your IP the attention it needs to become a serious business asset. And the relationship to this asset should be defined early and polished periodically.

Intellectual Property is truly multi departmental. There are IP gems across the organization, from operations and finances through to business development and certainly R&D. If you have good people, wherever they may be situated, they are holding the keys to new IP, and these sources should be on the IP champion’s radar.

So now, once you have chosen, primed and empowered your champion, and set up the dream team to support them, you may start being ready to move your company forward in the direction of your future business success.

To the Future!

Yaron Damelin
Strategic IP Management Consultant