Patent Figure Capability Maturity Assessment
Determine your firm's current patent figure capability maturity level, identify organizational gaps, and discover what is required to reach the next stage of development.
About This Assessment
The IP DaVinci Internal Patent Figure Capability Model™ defines five levels of organizational capability.
Organizations typically progress through these stages as they develop internal patent figure expertise, collaboration practices, workflow standards, and strategic capability.
Level 1 — Vendor Dependent
The firm cannot realistically create or revise figures internally.
Typical characteristics:
• Everything outsourced
• Attorneys send markups to vendors
• Paralegals coordinate emails
• No templates
• No standards
• No internal training
• Long turnaround times
Level 2 — Basic Internal Editing
Some people can make simple changes.
Typical characteristics:
• Visio installed
• One or two people know basics
• Can change reference numbers
• Can make minor edits
• Still dependent on vendors for most work
Level 3 — Collaborative Figure Development
Multiple stakeholders contribute to editable figure assets.
Typical characteristics:
• Shared Visio files
• Attorneys contribute content
• Inventors review diagrams
• Paralegals coordinate revisions
• Draftsperson creates figures
• Reviewers perform QA
• Editable source files are shared
Level 4 — Standardized Figure Workflows
The organization has documented figure processes.
Typical characteristics:
• Templates
• Stencils
• Checklists
• Review procedures
• Revision procedures
• Training programs
• Shared file structures
Level 5 — Strategic Patent Figure Capability
Patent figures become an organizational capability.
Typical characteristics:
• Internal champions
• Role-based training
• Capability assessments
• Continuous improvement
• Shared asset libraries
• Reusable figure components
• Train-the-trainer programs
• Firm-wide standards
Organizations at this level create, revise, and manage patent figures as a strategic capability rather than a support activity.
Time Required: 5-10 Minutes
What You'll Receive
Current Maturity Level
Capability Gap Analysis
Improvement Roadmap
Recommended Next Steps
Take the Assessment
Rate each statement from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree).
Level 1 — Vendor Dependency
1. Routine figure updates require outside vendors.
2. Figure revisions often depend on vendor availability.
3. Attorneys rarely modify figures internally.
4. Internal figure capability is limited.
5. Vendor delays affect prosecution timelines.
Level 2 — Basic Internal Editing
1. Staff can perform simple figure revisions.
2. Reference numbering updates can be handled internally.
3. Minor figure corrections can be completed internally.
4. Basic editing skills exist within the firm.
5. Vendor usage is decreasing for routine work.
Level 3 — Collaborative Figure Development
1. Multiple people can contribute to figure development.
2. Inventors participate in figure reviews.
3. Attorneys collaborate directly on figure content.
4. Editable source files are shared among contributors.
5. Figure collaboration improves communication.
Level 4 — Standardized Figure Workflows
1. Figure preparation follows documented procedures.
2. Templates are used consistently.
3. Review processes are standardized.
4. Training resources exist.
5. Capability does not depend on specific individuals.
Level 5 — Strategic Patent Figure Capability
1. Patent figure capability is considered a strategic asset.
2. Reusable figure libraries are maintained.
3. Role-based training exists.
4. Capability assessments are performed.
5. Figure capability contributes to competitive advantage.
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
1. Leadership actively supports capability development.
2. Workflow performance is monitored.
3. Improvement initiatives are ongoing.
4. Knowledge sharing is encouraged.
5. The organization continuously improves its figure capability.
Assessment Complete
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Organizations that improve internal patent figure capability often improve responsiveness, collaboration, consistency, scalability, and profitability.