Posted by Jerry Lamigo on Mon, Mar 01, 2010
Intellectual Asset Management is not only a technical project but more importantly a business project. In fact, Intellectual Asset Management is a mindset on managing your IP and the real work starts once the technology is deployed.
New technology brings change and change in any organization inevitably attracts resistance. This is especially true when the change has to do with the implementation of a new intellectual property (IP) management software solution.
The challenge is getting inventors to accept new applications and processes, in spite of feeling uncomfortable with the prospect of having to change their habits and conform to an unfamiliar system.
Here are five proven tips to overcome the user adoption conundrum:
Demonstrate Value:
You should be able to demonstrate clearly the value proposition of your new IP management system. Inventors get direct benefits from IP management software such as: effortless submission of new ideas, visibility into their past submissions, real-time status of their awards, access to corporate knowledgebase and much more. By communicating direct benefits, it is easier to get them onboard.
Keep it Simple:
With exception to prolific inventors, most inventors are most likely to visit your IP management portal a few times a month. Create an interface that is simple and easy to use.
Avoid multiple clicks. If it's practical, get them the necessary information and actions within 2 clicks. The most common actions include the ability to submit a new invention disclosure or check on the status of previously submitted ideas or patent applications.
Start Off Small:
Rollout the IP management software in bite-sized chunks. Start with invention disclosure submission and review process. Once they are familiar with this process, introduce them to patent management. Keep adding more features such as open source, NDA, licensing, and other features until they have gradually begin using all major functions of the software in their normal routine.
Work the Way They Work:
Most inventors and patent committee members are used to a certain system. This may not be a technology based system, but it is still a functional system. While deploying, you should look at improving existing processes, but equally balance it by adapting the new IP management system to their own working style.
Use Incentives:
Incentives are a tool for proactively shaping growth. Your incentive program should tie their benefits to a well-considered strategic development plan.
For example, if your award program pays some amount for each disclosure approval, make a clear declaration that the amount will be paid only for electronically submitted disclosures.
Lecorpio IP management software applications are very intuitive and easy to understand. The "à la carte" model allows IP departments to implement a practical phased implementation of each application. Lecorpio IP management implementation methodology focuses on enabling the end user, this approach provides faster ROI.
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