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The Technical Professional's Role in IP Strategy

By H. Jackson Knight
July 31, 2007

Engineers, scientists, and other technical professionals 'make or break' the development of IP strategy in industry. It is not uncommon to develop IP strategy by drawing in a number of technical experts to work with decision makers and an IP agent or attorney to develop a strategy that others will implement. For example, sometimes an IP strategy for a new invention or new technology is to be developed, or the business wishes to develop an IP strategy to support the growth of new products. In such instances, it is helpful to consider how to select the technical experts to assist this strategic effort.

Desirable Characteristics

So what are the characteristics to look for? To some degree, a technical professional who assumes responsibility and 'owns' the project, such as an independent inventor, is most desired. IP strategy development is quite different when working with an independent inventor, because the inventor is not only the chief technical expert and the decision maker, but also implements the strategy. Essentially all of the responsibility for making the strategy work is on the independent inventor's shoulders, and the best technical professionals in industry approach IP strategy with a similar attitude.

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