This article series is focusing on subject matter conflict of interest issues that are a significant concern for attorneys. Patent practitioners have an additional layer of concern with respect to subject matter conflicts of interest. This type of additional conflict search is not related to the inventors, assignee or research team, but is directly related to the patent application disclosure.

The first article introduced the topic and discussed generally why it is an important consideration. The second article reviewed in depth a recent case brought by a former client against a firm that involved this type of conflict, how it developed and the complications that exist in this area of conflicts. The next two articles followed by discussing how to work the problem from both the law firm side and the inside counsel side. This article is going to focus on practical steps to train your team, and by “your team”, we are referring to both your company's team (legal, technology, sales, management) and your outside legal team.

As mentioned in earlier articles, you must train your company-side team to recognize and document competitors and potential competitors, along with ensuring that information gets to you. The first step to this process is to train key members of management and employees as to why this is important, and it isn't just about subject matter conflicts of interest.