The PDMA Handbook of New Product Development

19.3. The "Getting to the Best First" Methodology

This approach to patent portfolio screening involves five steps: (1) establish evaluation criteria, (2) organize the portfolio, (3) select reviewer(s), (4) evaluate the patents, and (5) rate the patents. Experience has shown that this five-step process is a fast, effective way to make an informed decision about pursuing in-depth assessment for each patent (or invention disclosure) in the portfolio.

19.3.1. Step 1: Establish Evaluation Criteria

Develop a set of evaluation criteria to use in determining the potential value of each patent consistently and according to sound economic (or other) principles (see Chapter 29). The criteria should relate directly to the company's goals. For example, if the main goal is to generate royalty revenue, then the evaluation criteria will weigh heavily the technology's potential applications/ markets. If the goal is to reduce the tax burden and/or increase goodwill, then inventions with value for not-for-profit organizations should be identified for possible donation. Table 19.1 presents other samples of company goals and the related criteria.

The company determines which goals are of greatest importance and sets the threshold limits for each criterion appropriately. These criteria will help reviewers evaluate the technologies in a consistent, objective manner. By focusing on the company's goals, the criteria prevent other factors from swaying the reviewers' judgment. The screening process should ...