Earning Criteria

• The criteria for Master Inventor varies between IBM Divisions, due to the varying nature of business needs of each division; however, nominees to the Master Inventor program must have contributed to IBM patent process through invention participation and least two of the remaining three areas:
• Demonstrate mastery of the process through active invention participation with a significant number of patent filed and issued with the USPTO
• Leverage their mastery of patent knowledge as a role model by:  Mentoring new inventors who have ideas, but who are unfamiliar with the process; Helping educate inexperienced inventors in understanding the IP process and how to effectively document and submit inventions; Pro-actively arranging and leading patent mining sessions; Being a catalyst for innovation and invention
• Actively contribute in the IP creation process by participation in Invention Development Teams (IDTs) and identification of technology areas and projects that are strategic for IBM’s patent portfolio
• Serve as a resource for IP Law in areas of patent prosecution & patent licensing
• Identify themselves as an IBM Master Inventor when working with clients and external organizations to serve as a: reminder of our innovation heritage; conversation starter on IBM’s innovation practices
• Be nominated a Master Inventor by the Business Unit and the IBM Patent & Invention Program