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This Web-based application enables inventors to create, modify, review, and submit invention disclosures electronically; and enables the legal, export and technology transfer departments to determine patentability and commercial viability. With an automated review and approval process, the idea works its way through the enterprise until it is finally advertised on the enterprise's public website as licensable technology.
IDEAs was built using .NET framework and SQL Server database engine because it needed to be highly scalable, flexible and modular. The IDEAs application runs as a stand-alone application accessible enterprise-wide, as well as a module within a larger suite of intellectual property management tools called ETMS (Electronic Technology Management System).
The IDEAs concept encompasses two main areas:
1. Customizable electronic survey generation and storage.
Inventors can log into the system, initiate an IDEA, assign delegates who have authority to modify the IDEA, assign co-inventors, and answer a data generated online survey which allows for textual answers, file uploads, and multiple choice answers in the form of drop down boxes, checkbox lists, and radio buttons. The inventor and collaborators
can finish the submission over the course of many days or multiple locations as they gather the needed information. They simply log back into the system and start the process where they left off when they signed out.
Each answer to a question on a survey can be annotated and marked public or private by the collaborators. Annotations can also be reviewed and reminders can be set up for users to be reminded of specific annotations on a specific date via email.
All changes to survey answers are logged and a complete message log is available within the application.
2. Automated review and approval processes are all accomplished online.
The review and approval process allows groups or designated individuals within the
enterprise to review the IDEA for marketability, patentability and legal issues before a decision is made to pursue a patent. The process is data driven so that it can be changed with ease.
Review and approval also contains the annotations control mentioned above, as well as the logging and review capabilities.
When the final approval is accomplished, the application copies the appropriate data into another module called Automated Invention Advertising (AIA) to automatically be formatted and published the enterprise's public technology advertising website
or other portals.
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