In an article published on December 7, 2023, Harness IP Principal Chris K. Miller provides guidance to legal departments that are responsible for maintaining a global patent portfolio.

Summarized in five tips for in-house counsel, Miller looks at ways to maximize patent filings to save time and money. It begins with “universal” patent application disclosures.

“Patents are tied to specific national jurisdictions and their rules, so prepare a ‘universal’ application that addresses considerations of all jurisdictions where a company intends to file,” Miller writes. “Information prepared for this internal-use only application can then be massaged for national filings and will clarify what is important.”

Miller’s other advice focuses on taking advantage of the patent cooperation treaty, tracking national entry rules and fees, strategizing around jurisdictional rules for continued applications, and keeping a close eye on annuity and maintenance fees.

The full article may be accessed here.