Computer Packages Inc. (CPI) Review
Last reviewed October 2026. This overview is based on the vendor's public materials and industry reporting, not hands-on testing of every feature. Features, ownership and pricing change often — confirm details with the vendor before buying.
Computer Packages Inc. (CPI) is a privately owned Maryland company that has built IP management software since 1968, when founder Jerry Van Winter created what CPI describes as the first patent management system. It sells patent, trademark and disclosure management software plus patent annuity payment services.
What CPI offers
According to CPI's own site (checked October 2026), the product line includes:
- Patent Management System – patent records, families and deadline docketing.
- Trademark Management System – trademark records, renewals and deadlines.
- Disclosure Management System – invention disclosure intake and review.
- General Matters System – for non-patent/trademark IP and legal matters.
- AI-assisted tools – CPI markets AI features such as a task manager, an assistant ("Ask Jerry") and AI invoice approval.
CPI also provides patent annuity payment services (offered since 1978) and patent audit services. Note: FoundationIP is a Clarivate product, not a CPI product – an earlier version of this page confused the two.
Who it suits
- Corporate IP departments and law firms that want an established, independent vendor.
- Teams that want software and annuity payments from the same provider.
Strengths
- Very long history in IP management
- Independent, privately owned vendor
- Software plus annuity and audit services
Limitations
- Smaller ecosystem than Anaqua or Clarivate
- Quote-based pricing
- Check how its AI features handle confidential invention data
Compare CPI with Anaqua and Clarivate (CPA Global), or follow our IP management software buyer's guide.
Security & Compliance
We have not verified CPI's current certifications. Ask for its latest security attestation (e.g. SOC 2), hosting options and data-retention terms. See our vendor due-diligence guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Computer Packages Inc. (CPI)?
CPI is a privately owned IP management software company in Maryland, founded in 1968. It sells patent, trademark, disclosure and general-matter management software and patent annuity payment services.
Does CPI make FoundationIP?
No. FoundationIP is an IP management product owned by Clarivate. CPI sells its own patent and trademark management systems.
How much does CPI cost?
CPI does not publish list prices; pricing is quote-based and depends on modules, users and services.
What are alternatives to CPI?
Common alternatives include Anaqua (AQX, PATTSY WAVE), Clarivate (IPfolio, FoundationIP, Inprotech) and Alt Legal.