Canadian Lawyer

BY JASON LEUNG TECH SUPPORT Making a list, checking it twice Instituting checklists should ensure critical steps in the patent process aren't missed through human error. my firm's patent operations and to take advantage of the document manage- ment system that was recently imple- mented. I am currently managing a project T to implement electronic checklists in our patent prosecution practice. Our firm already has some checklist systems in place, but we are looking to imple- ment more of them. Patent prosecution involves dozens of critical steps. Missing his article is a continua- tion of my series on pro- ject management. This article will look at the upgrades being made to one can result in abandonment of the patent application. Our professionals and staff are well trained to ensure no critical steps are missed, however people are not infallible and sometimes make mistakes. Checklists have been used in many different environments, including hospi- tal operating rooms and airplane cock- pits. These checklists have significantly reduced the likelihood of people missing critical steps and we expect electronic checklists will provide a similar benefit to our patent prosecution practice. This project includes development, testing, and implementation of check- lists for several different phases during 24 FEBRUA R Y 2012 www. CANADIAN Lawyermag.com the patent prosecution process, such as reporting office actions, responding to office actions, and paying final fees. Each checklist is divided into separate sec- tions for each firm member who will be involved. For example, a checklist can have separate sections for: the docketing clerk; the patent lawyer; and the assist- ant. Each section includes checks for the critical steps to be performed by that person. Ideally, each section should be limited to six to eight check boxes. People may be reluctant to use a checklist that has more than 10 boxes for them to fill in. The checklists work in conjunc- tion with the DMS that was recently

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