Intellectual Property docketing is an essential operation in the IP management process. It refers to a method or system of managing the IP application cycle. IP attorneys and law firms that have to organize the application process for hundreds of patents require the docketing system for effective management. In the patent application process, attorneys must actively track various deadlines for patent prosecution, and keep a heads up for multiple documents, forms, drawings, and statements. With the help of the right docketing approach, the management of deadlines, documents, forms, and statements becomes streamlined and easy.
IP docketing processes help to meet stringent deadlines, and the system keeps the documents labeled for easy retrieval. Since IP deadlines are frequent and numerous, without a proactive approach one can easily miss the deadline because of the which the client can indefinitely lose the right to their patents. Mitigating such risks is imperative for law firms to keep themselves in business, and to keep the whole process streamlined, IP docketing is important. It will enable them to save time and frustration in the day-to-day IP practice, and keep the administrative and repetitive tasks well managed.
Patent attorneys and law firms can outsource the docketing solution to the right IP docketing company. They provide services to keep the patent application properly docketed so that one does not miss any deadline. They keep track of all the pre-filing, post-filing, and post-grant dates and deadlines associated with the client’s IP. With this, law firms and attorneys can remain on top of their business and processes and reduce the risks of costly errors and missed deadlines.
The docketing system and software have advanced significantly in recent times. Most law firms are now integrating sophisticated docketing solutions that help them to track and prioritize legal matters. Previously, patent attorneys typically used wall calendars or large ledgers for recording patent application dates. Now, to meet the pressure of managing rapidly expanding IP portfolios and improve the efficiency of IP process management, advanced docketing systems have emerged. It has automated capabilities to carry out administrative and repetitive tasks for managing deadlines. It can automatically identify and update filings and deadlines, instantly prepare customized and detailed reports, and keep the stakeholders informed about the filing statuses and deadlines. Here are few reasons why IP docketing is important.
Stay Organized
The deadlines and statuses of patent applications change frequently. Attorneys need to stay organized and informed. With an IP docketing method or system, they can actively record and track action items and key deadlines and respond to them appropriately.
Avoid Errors