Analyzed intellectual property management of an international petrochemicals company

The CTO of a major international petrochemicals company engaged Charles River Associates to provide a diagnosis of the company’s current intellectual property management practices, particularly in the context of whether it was encouraging the kind of innovation that would meet the company’s strategic needs. The CTO’s goal was to obtain an objective, fact-based assessment of whether existing IP policies and practices were effective and whether cross-functional groups were interacting properly regarding IP issues. As part of this engagement, interview sessions were held with various research, legal, and business personnel within the company. Data was also collected on perceptions of the rewards for innovation and patenting, as well as the barriers or impediments. In addition, external research was conducted to identify examples of IP management best practices. CRA provided top management with a summary of key issues and recommendations for improving the company’s IP function.