Because of Subramanian's experience at DuPont, he recognized the compound's potential use as a blue pigment and together they filed a patent disclosure covering the invention. After publishing their results, Shepherd Color Company successfully contacted Subramanian for possible collaboration in commercialization efforts. In 2010, Smith successfully defended his Ph.D thesis and was hired by Shepherd Color Company to develop novel materials and continue his work on YInMn Blue's commercialization[26][27]