Certified Licensing Professionals, Inc. (CLP):

An Interview With Tanya Moore, CLP Board Of Governors, President And Chair  

By Cynthia Allen

The Certified Licensing Professional (CLP) program is a professional designation intended to distinguish those who have demonstrated experience, proficiency, knowledge and exposure to licensing and commercialization of intellectual property through active involvement in patenting, marketing, valuation, IP law, negotiation, business development and intellectual asset management. The program began in 2008, and more than 800 individuals from the United States, Canada, and countries throughout the world currently hold the CLP credential, which is earned by meeting established eligibility requirements and passing the CLP exam, which is offered throughout April and October each year.

Tanya Moore

Tanya Moore is serving as Chair of the CLP Board of Governors in 2019. She is also Past-President of LES (U.S.A. and Canada). Below, Tanya shares her thoughts and experiences regarding the CLP program, as well as her goals for her tenure as Chair.

What is your licensing/IP background?

I've spent half of my high tech career in IP and licensing. I'd like to think the most interesting and exciting half.

I joined the IBM corporate IP group in early 1997 after many years in software development and OEM sales at the company. It was the year our organization achieved $1B in IP income for the first time. IBM was the gold standard for IP licensing at the time, and it was an exhilarating time to be a part of the journey. I had amazing opportunities to work on all sorts of deals, including multi-billion and extremely complex transactions. There simply wasn't a better or a more fun place to learn from the most experienced team in the IP tech world. We moved mountains for the company. Truly.

By 2004, I left to join the Microsoft corporate IP licensing team just six months after it was created. Our charter was to define and build a multi-faceted, strategic IP licensing organization by partnering with key executives and organizations across the company and to create a proactive licensing practice. It took nine years to rival my IBM experience, but we did that and more. In 2013, I left to lead the Microsoft Dynamics business development team focusing on strategic partnerships and growing business app platforms through IP asset acquisitions and in-licensing.

Upon leaving Microsoft, I was pleased to be able to share my expertise with a number of smaller clients and companies.

What unique professional experiences do you bring to the CLP Board of Governors?

I have been very fortunate in my career to be at the center of a lot of pioneering in IP and licensing. I've worked with and learned from some extremely talented individuals. Additionally, I've worked with and on a number of Boards for many years. I hope to be able to continue sharing my experience and, more importantly, my enthusiasm for our profession with my Board colleagues.

You initially earned the CLP credential in 2008. What first prompted you to earn the credential, and what motivates you to maintain it through recertification?

I was a charter member of CLP when it was first created. Having met the experience requirements, I was "grandfathered in" with the initial wave of LES colleagues. CLP is a valuable credential which establishes IP licensing as a serious, professional practice.

By being associated with CLP, as a senior member of this community, I hope to act as a mentor and role model for those starting in their career in this profession. Industry heavyweights continuing to seek the certification lends it more credibility in supporting the community that supported us as we learned the ropes.

Tell us about a time you have had the opportunity to market your CLP credential.

I'm happy and proud to have the CLP certification. I would have welcomed CLP being available to me at an early stage in my career. Had I worked for companies lesser known for their IP licensing practices, once again, CLP would have been invaluable in establishing my credibility and breadth of knowledge among peers and with clients.

What has your time on the Board meant to you so far?

It has given me the opportunity to work alongside amazing people with fascinating backgrounds. I've learned so much from their different viewpoints. Our work is all about elevating and giving back to our profession, and that's incredibly rewarding.

What are some of the projects or goals you would like to complete during your tenure as Chair?

Our Board and its leadership has been working for some time on ways to strengthen the CLP credential and broaden its value to a wider audience. I will continue to build and expand on that work. Watch the space for announcements in the coming year.

Read LES Viewpoints December 2018 Edition here