Choosing the right IP software provider: Key considerations beyond the technology
You’ve selected an IP management system (IPMS) that surpasses your current provider, but you’re uncertain about the migration process. While finding the best IPMS for your requirements is a crucial first step, it’s only the beginning. A smooth and successful implementation is often overlooked in the procurement process. In this blog, we explore key considerations to ensure a seamless transition.
Data migration: Ensuring a smooth transition
The cornerstone of transitioning to a new IPMS lies in the seamless migration of data, such as patents, trademarks and designs, as well as the associated company and individual names. The experience of the IP software provider’s implementation team in handling this crucial step cannot be overstated. They should be able to extract the data from its current database, whether it’s an IPMS from another vendor or a solution built in-house, and skillfully transfer it into the new system. Moreover, the new IPMS should provide functionality to refine and enhance the data, elevating its accuracy and efficacy in the process.
Meeting the implementation team
Just as important as the technology itself is the implementation team you will work with. To assess the skills and quality of the implementation team, it’s important to research the vendor in detail by asking:
- How long have they been in the market?
- What is the tenure of their teams?
- Do they speak local languages?
- Do they know the local IP law requirements?
- Where is the team located?
Safeguarding sensitive data is imperative with data regulations like GDPR tightening requirements and data breaches becoming more common.
The location of the implementation team is also a crucial consideration. Ensuring data stays within your shores is often a non-negotiable for IP teams and law firms. Some IPMS vendors will openly share information on the whereabouts of their implementation teams, while others may be less forthcoming. A lack of transparency not only raises red flags but also potentially puts organizations at odds with privacy laws and export control regulations.
Understanding and enhancing current processes
Transitioning to a new IPMS is an opportunity for optimizing your IP processes. Organizations should look for a provider with a robust implementation team that understands your current workflows and can seamlessly migrate them to your new solution. The implementation team should proactively identify areas for improvement and recommend enhancements, ensuring that the transition is smooth and transformative.
The Country Law engine: Distinguishing quality
It’s worth noting that not all Country Law engines are created equal. For this reason, it’s important to discern the true quality of the Country Law rules and deadline calculations. Are they comprehensive, robust, and capable of meeting your requirements? Careful attention to these factors will help ensure a seamless and successful transition to a new IPMS.
Choose Clarivate for reliable implementation and expert support
Get up and running smoothly and rapidly, with expert technical services from Clarivate™ that minimize disruption and maximize productivity. Our local implementation teams ensure a successful system migration and deployment through extensive pre-planning, with transparency and diligence at every step. When you need help, our regional service teams are available to provide responsive support and expert guidance on IP business operations and portfolio management to help you achieve the full value of your IP software.
Why choose Clarivate?
- Our customer support teams have deep subject matter expertise in IP business operations and portfolio management
- Detailed project reviews to set expectations and inform planning, ensuring a smooth implementation
- Implementations are compliant with key data privacy laws, including GDPR and Export Control
- Fixed-price projects with no hidden fees
- Our 160+ in-house experts have a combined 1,400+ years’ experience supporting IP management software implementations globally
To find out more about our IPMS implementation processes, please contact us today.
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