Staying on TOP of your IP Asset Management Database System Project: Part I – Introduction

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a four-part series examining our lessons learned from managing IP Asset Management database system migration projects. This overview will be followed by posts that focus on the three critical elements of a successful systems implementation. Visit our blog each Monday to follow this series.

Making a decision to investigate and evaluate alternatives to your IP Asset Management (IPAM) database system is a very challenging and often underestimated endeavor. In my previous posting on Utilizing an IP Management Database to Enhance Your Marketing Efforts, I provided the business case for utilizing a robust IPAM solution for your Technology Transfer Office (TTO). There are a number of drivers that might prompt your organization to consider migrating to a new solution at this time including:

• Migrating to a Web-based IPAM solution that is more intuitive, is easier to access, maintain, and enhanceI
• Migrating to a new IPAM solution that provides higher reliability, improved customer service, and/or is more cost effective
• Migrating to a more robust IPAM solution that will scale to meet the increased volume of transactions that your office is managing and provide you with comprehensive reporting and management capabilities
• Migrating to a more comprehensive IPAM solution that provides support across your entire Intellectual Property life cycle

When initiating a project to implement a new IPAM database solution, it is essential to stay on TOP of your mission by carefully planning for the following three critical areas to position you for success:

• Technology – Selecting the right technology and technology solution partners.
• Organization – Anticipating the impact to your organization and proactively developing and implementing a successful change management program.
• Process – Assembling the right project team and developing a practical project plan to position your organization for a successful implementation.

In subsequent blog postings, I will elaborate on the key elements of Technology, Organization, and Process to consider prior to initiating the evaluation, selection, and implementation process of your new IPAM solution.

What challenges have you faced while migrating to a new IPAM solution?