The activity table as an agent-based modeling approach for optimizing patent exploitation processes

The focal idea of the paper is to model the Activity table in order to increase the efficiency of the intellectual property management. The modeling is done by looking into activities of individual agents (resources or entities). The article examines - in light of the review of related research literature - how the Activity table technique can be used when focusing on IP processes, especially in smaller companies. This technique may be a useful, comprehensive, holistic, but still relatively simple way for intellectual property protection processes’ improvement; allowing to find bottle-necks and ways to avoid them as well as to include a systematic element into processes usually riddled by informality and uncertainty. We highlight the steps and considerations needed to use the Activity table in the exploitation phase and especially on facilitating patent transfers. The article provides two concrete examples, showcasing the use of the Activity table.