IP Training  

The development and management of IP is an art, not a science. Of all corporate job functions, only IP attorneys receive formal training related to IP, but just related to the legal side of intellectual property. More comprehensive training is needed to 1) prepare inventors, managers, marketers, and executives to speak the language of invention and IP management and 2) unite your company around develop and execute an IP strategy that supports the business objectives.

Potential pitfalls of not providing IP training:

• Reliance on whatever know-how employees brought into the company
• Adoption of a legal-centric perspective that may be disconnected or even in conflict with the business objectives for use of IP
• Invention submissions are limited or discouraged
• Review committee wastes time on low quality submissions and deters inventors
• Valuable invention opportunities are lost

Potential gains from IP training:

• Invention is a major driver of innovation
• Provides competitive advantage as many other companies are not providing training either
• Leverage skilled inventors as mentors for others
• Tap into the knowledge of IP attorneys but connect it to the business
• Create new opportunities for knowledge transfer, skill improvement, strategic planning, and increased power for innovation
• Unify and disseminate the desired approach to IP throughout the organization

Best in class IP training includes the following attributes:

1. Customized for the audience (inventive community up to C-level)
2. Facilitates cooperation and efficiency in the IAM process
3. Uses real life examples and stories to demonstrate points and encourages active participation
4. Shares useful frameworks and techniques that can be adopted directly
5. Connected to the recognition and reward system
6. Flexible delivery that fits the company culture - e.g. modules vs. intense training, live vs. online, internal vs. external facilitator
7. Provides ongoing learning and professional development opportunities in addition to new employee training

IP training has never been as important as it is today. In this tough economy, companies are making do with fewer resources and fewer employees, but with a greater reliance on those employees to provide innovation that drives the bottom line. Companies cannot risk missing opportunities to protect the business with IP because inventions are not captured or IP is mismanaged. Training does not have to be expensive or time-consuming, and it can help drive an overall improvement in IP management processes and efficiency.