​ATMI’s “Smart IP Portfolio” utilizes the Ipendo Platform™

Addressing Ipendo users at the recent User Forum, ATMI Chief Intellectual Property Counsel David Shofi discussed how the Ipendo Platform™ has helped him develop a “Smart IP Portfolio,” which he defines as one which aligns with the company’s business strategy in real time.

Before Ipendo, understanding your company’s portfolio meant “getting a handle on it.” Now, using the Ipendo Platform™, Mr. Shofi observes, “We are able to generate a report that shows the executives the information they need, in real time, based on characteristics that drive business decisions. Accurate, real time decision-making data is what it is all about.”

Mr. Shofi explains that in the past understanding the portfolio was a batch-oriented, big project. The project might be completed over a period of time, allowing the data to be outdated—in a month it can change and a year later it can change even more. With a portfolio management system as a part of everyday work, the company can keep up with data: the data is real time, answers are real time and a snapshot of the portfolio is real time. The yield is an accurate picture of the company’s portfolio and the options available. A feature of the Ipendo Platform™ that helps keep the IP portfolio “smart” is the use of Categorizations. When running queries on their data, ATMI uses Categories such as (but not limited to) Product, Product Line, Technology Product Marking, and Rating. Each of these categories helps to keep the portfolio aligned with corporate strategy.

How ATMI Incorporates the Ipendo Platform™

Ipendo US Counsel and Senior Sales Executive Susan Krelitz recently spoke with Mr. Shofi about his philosophy for managing an IP portfolio and how the Ipendo Platform™ helps him achieve company goals. The Ipendo Platform™ includes both tactical and strategic elements for managing a portfolio. Mr. Shofi’s approach is to address the relevant steps in turn:

1: Identify and document innovation using the Ipendo Invention Disclosure Module

2: Determine how to protect the innovation via application of Invention Matter Management, Portfolio Relations and Events including actions and workflows.

3: Understand where the innovation fits into the company’s overall business strategy, utilizing Categorizations and Portfolio Structure.

 4: Manage the IP portfolio management process, applying the Patent and Trademark Module, Matter Management, Case Management and Actions and Workflows.

5: Determine how the IP Portfolio is working for the business via application of Categorizations, Matter Management and Quick Search.

Less Need for Docketing

The tactical elements of portfolio management include the day-to-day “to do” and docketing. Docketing is, without a doubt, an important part of managing an IP portfolio. It is noteworthy that docketing isn’t mentioned as a part of Mr. Shofi’s management philosophy. Why?

“Once determined that we will file, the luxury of having outside counsel linked in to facilitate filing helps keep us aware of the process but able to delegate the docketing,” Mr. Shofi comments. “The constant flurry of e-mail actions comes in reminding us of what is due.” Mr. Shofi further elaborates on what he appreciates about the Ipendo Platform™:“At the end of the day, all of the information is stored in Ipendo and this eliminates the necessity of having internal docketing people. It has freed the time for our IP paralegal to do much more than docketing. Ipendo allows that person to analyze and report on the portfolio and to monitor and manage the processes and workflows. The communication aspect of the Ipendo Platform™ plays a significant role because the docketing isn’t even a consideration and the focus remains on what is truly important to the company—the strategy."

 In the future, ATMI is looking forward to taking advantage of the communication aspects of the Platform that open up the IP process to a broader audience in the company. Mr. Shofi notes that it’s important to educate the business team about IP – the greater the access given to non-IP folks, the better. He believes that, one day, this will allow company leaders to access the portfolio and get answers independently without the need to go through the IP group. While they are “not there yet, it will happen."'

Outside of the IP world, Mr. Shofi enjoys spending time with his wife, 13-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter. One can often find the family playing music together—David’s wife plays the violin, his daughter sings and plays the violin and drums, and his son sings and plays the guitar and violin. David plays saxophone and envisions taking up the bass to build a complete rhythm section for family jam sessions.

 Perhaps music plays a role in Mr. Shofi’s appreciation for the power of the Ipendo Platform™. Much like an orchestra, all of the players involved in the IP process must be in sync with each other. The Ipendo Platform™ is a tool that allows creative minds to harmonize their efforts, maximizing productivity and efficiency.

Whether it is a finely tuned orchestra delivering a virtuoso performance or a global IP team maximizing the value of their portfolio, the sound of collaboration is beautiful music.

About ATMI

ATMI is a publicly traded company enabling process materials and process technology for semiconductor, display and life sciences industries. The Danbury CT–based company is a leader in creating materials and materials packaging that meet the specific needs of semiconductor and flat panel manufacturers worldwide. ATMI employs more than 800 scientists, technologists, engineers and other professionals in offices and research labs in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Learn more about ATMI at: www.atmi.com