Creation and implementation of a customized patent information training program for chemists in a global company

Abstract

To address a broad company wide education initiative to train non-patent associates on intellectual property related issues, a customized patent information training program targeting discovery chemists was created and implemented. An electronic survey was designed to identify training needs for specific skills pertaining to patents and the patenting process, searching and retrieving patent information, and interpreting search results. From the results of the survey, a training program consisting of several modules was developed and marketed globally through the corporate intranet and by using targeted emails. The modules were a series of classroom based training classes that covered the topics of most interest: a) understanding patent families and legal status, b) differences between different types of patent searches, and c) strengths and attributes of different patent databases. The success of the program was clearly evident based on the high response rate, the positive feedback received and by it stimulating communication and collaboration between patent analysts and discovery chemists. Key determining factors in ensuring the success of the program were the support of the training effort by management, face-to-face communication and making the attendees feel that they were contributing to the long term success of the training program.