Revenue oriented patent portfolio management

Abstract

This disclosure comprises a method and system to automatically provide important business information to a user of the system at key decision making times during the lifetime of a patent with the goal of aligning business and strategies. The system will include an interface for the client to input information regarding business strategy on a continual basis and another interface to present the compiled information to the client at a later time, or to the working attorney. That information will be automatically sent to key decisions makers throughout the lifetime of a patent. Specifically, the business strategy information will consist of a revenue contribution ranking for client products as well as the competitors' products for each geographic region for which the invention is to be made, sold or transported.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 542,545 filed Oct. 3, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made a part hereof. This application also claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 561,502 filed Nov. 18, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made a part hereof.BACKGROUND[0002]The management of a patent portfolio involves multiple stages. Initially, a decision is made as to what inventions are worth the investment of filing a patent application. Then, each filed patent application goes through prosecution with the patent office. Finally, for each patent that is allowed, maintenance fees must be paid at a variety of intervals to keep the patent in force.[0003]Throughout the multiple stages of the management of a patent portfolio the need can arise to align a client's business st...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a system and method for managing a patent portfolio. The system includes tools to help decision makers at different stages of a patent's lifetime make informed decisions. The system also allows business managers to input information about their business strategy and have it considered by key decision makers, such as patent attorneys. The business strategy information is compiled and presented to the key decision maker at each decision-making time, such as the time of invention harvest or maintenance fee payment. Overall, the system helps align the business strategy with the management strategies of the patent portfolio.

Problems solved by technology

Often times this presents a problem because the business managers who develop and understand the business strategies of the client are not in communication with those who are responsible for the management of the patent portfolio.

Indirect competitors do not compete directly with an owner of a matter or portfolio, however, an indirect competitor will nonetheless affect the scope of a matter.

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