TVP – Metric 46 Intellectual Property Management

Resource Type
Tool
Authors
Alan Fusfeld, Innovation Research Interchange
Topics
Innovation Metrics, Stage-Gate, Tools and Techniques
Associated Event
Publication

Background | User Guide | Program Contents | Stakeholders | List of Metrics

1. Metric Definition

An evaluation of the intellectual property management within an organization via a four-stage interval rating scale.

This metric uses a four stage interval rating scale to assess the state or stage of intellectual property management within an organization. (ref. 1) In level one intellectual property is ignored; and level two offers rewards for patents, but leaves the issues to legal. Level three of this metric allows for selective patenting based on the evaluation of pros and cons of the disclosure; in-licensing and out-licensing are sought if needed and asked; and trade secrets are defended in court. Level four accounts for active involvement of intellectual property as part of the business strategy, project selection, and project management criteria. In-licensing is conducted to maintain focus, speed external comparisons, and for learning opportunities; while out-licensing is based on business and technical assessments. Technical personnel rotate through intellectual property assignments, and comprehensive trade-secret policies are in place.

2. Advantages and Limitations

The advantages and limitations are the same for the use of any quality transformation grid.

3. How to use the metric

The grid descriptions should be tailored to the particular organization; then members of the organization make the assessment to find areas where improvements are needed.

4. Options and Variations

5. Champions and Contacts

6. References

Adler, P.S. McDonald, D. William, MacDonald, F. 1992. Strategic Management of Technical Functions, Sloan Management Review, Winter, pp.19-37.

Griliches, Z. 1990. Patent Statistics as Economic Indicators: A Survey. Journal of Economic Literature, XXVIII, December, 1161-1707.

Narin, F. 1992. Technology Indicators in Strategic Planning. Science and Public Policy, December, 369.