What are year-end reflection for IP managers? As the year winds down, intellectual property managers have a unique opportunity to reflect on accomplishments and set the stage for success in the coming year. Inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas, here are twelve (12) meaningful tasks to consider as you wrap up the year.
One in twelve
The earliest known publication of the words to “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was an illustrated children’s book, Mirth Without Mischie, published in 1780. Twelve days of Christmas is a bit extravagant. We hope just one of these tasks or ideas helps you.
1. Take care of yourself
Your role is demanding and often high-pressure. Use this time to recharge – whether that means taking a break, doing something fun, or simply getting enough rest. Remember, IP management is a marathon, not a sprint.
2. Take care of your family
Family – kin or ken – by blood or by choice – anchors you. Make time for them this season. Shop for gifts, share meals, or simply be present. A balanced life makes you a better leader.
3. Send thank you notes
Gratitude builds relationships. Write to inventors, colleagues, and partners who contributed to your IP successes this year. A simple thank-you, even by email, can strengthen your network and foster community.
4. Define the change
Pick one professional development goal. Maybe it’s learning Python to automate workflows or exploring AI tools. Small, intentional changes compound over time.
5. Write down five wins
Celebrate your five golden wins! Did you secure a key trademark? Draft a stellar claim set? Launch an IP education program? Document these achievements – they’ll boost morale and help with performance reviews.
6. Read
Read a book. Reading broadens perspective and sparks ideas. It doesn’t need to an industry report, IP law updates, or case law. It can be novel or non-fiction on something irrelevant. Just invest in your intellectual growth.
7. Punt the unimportant tasks
Identify tasks that don’t add value and let them go. Clearing clutter frees you. You are making time. Better yet, kill off any task that you’ve been putting off for now. If you can’t cancel the task put on a realistic schedule. Remapping your prortfolio clearly isn’t going to happen this year and the guilt is weighing you down.
8. Take the time
Choose one challenging file or project and tackle it head-on. Year-end is a great time to resolve lingering issues.
9. Get some exercise
Not quite “ten lords a-leaping” but movement matters. Sweating outside in daylight can boost energy and creativity – two things every IP manager needs. Assume the victory pose to trick your brain into thinking you are winning (and maybe onlookers too).
10. Ask for praise
Be overt. Request your boss to highlight you or your team’s achievements in a meeting or note. Recognition motivates and validates your hard work.
11. Be grateful
Your role is complex and never dull. IP managers often rank high on the “interesting careers” scale – right up there with astronauts. Appreciate the impact you make on innovation.
12. Plan for the future
Set goals for next year: portfolio audits, new filings, process improvements. A clear roadmap ensures you start strong and stay ahead.
Closing thought
Year-end isn’t just about closing files – it’s about reflection, gratitude, and preparation.
Aside on why LLMs can’t be trusted
We asked our favourite LLM for suggestions for 12 days of Christmas for an IP manager. The response is depressing. Seriously, only a computer thinks we have twelve days available for work and these tasks get done alone in a day.
- Day 1: Conduct an Audit of all IP Assets
- Day 2: Review Patent Portfolios
- Day 3: Check Renewal Deadlines
- Day 4: Update IP Ownership Records
- Day 5: Review Licensing Agreements
- Day 6: Strengthen Trade Secret Protection
- Day 7: Align IP Strategy with Business Goals
- Day 8: Monitor Competitor Activity
- Day 9: Prepare for Due Diligence
- Day 10: Review Branding and Trademarks
- Day 11: Update Compliance and Policies
- Day 12: Plan for the Future
Like if you haven’t done Day 7 you are trouble. And Day 8 seems like the last thing to do on a winter’s day unless you are in the ski business.
But this LLM wasn’t finished, adding “These 12 steps will help IP managers close the year strong and start the new one with confidence. Think of it as your holiday gift to your company’s innovation engine”.
On a positive note the LLM found a fun emoji 🎄 – Christmas Tree was introduced in Unicode 6.0 in 2010.
Conclusion
We normally end with a statement like contact us or a call to action for our services. That is not what this post is about. To each reader, we say thank you. And if this post helped you then please contact us.
