How we work

Guiding Principles

We focus on using intellectual property strategically across the globe.

We are trusted advisors on IP strategy matters to clients all over the world. We have systems built into the fabric of our firm that ensure that we act as true trusted advisors (such as our complete guarantee, Fixed Fee Caps (below), the way we hire, etc).   Basically, this forces us to add value or disengage – consequently we work alongside our clients’ current external IP lawyers and patent attorneys and focus on the areas where we add most value.

Strategic advantage comes from brilliant execution.  Our execution is based on consistent excellence in the fundamentals and also playing to your strengths and minimizing (or making irrelevant) your weaknesses.  Brilliant execution also requires us to help you minimize internal friction as we adjust processes and ways of working – to make sure you get maximum effect from any changes we suggest.

We focus on continually proving to the world that we are thought leaders in our area – with our blog, podcasts, twitter feed, research, books, etc.

We invest unusually high resources in our own intellectual capital so that we can quickly bring the latest thinking to every client engagement.

Pricing – flexible on cost, inflexible on quality of our work:

We’re happy to be unbelievably flexible on cost- you set the price, no problem.  We promise to be unyielding on the quality of the work we do though.

So if you want a lower cost, we will spend less time but focus deeply on the most important issues – and we will make sure you’re aware of the implications.  Lower cost always comes with a greater work load for the team at the client end in order to get things done.  This works out just fine if you want us to build your internal capabilities.

All of our work is subject to the following two client-focused conditions – guarantee & Fixed Fee Caps:

1 – Client satisfaction guarantee:

If at the end of an engagement, you are unhappy with the value received, then you can decide how much to pay (if anything). There is only one condition, that in return for invoking the guarantee, we ask that we can first discuss the reasons for your decision so that we can learn from them.

2 – Fixed Fee Caps:

Before commencing work on an engagement, we will agree on a fixed fee cap that will not be exceeded without express approval. In practice, this only happens if unexpected circumstances change the scope of the engagement and is still subject to approval. The fixed fee cap is called a ‘cap’ because it is the maximum amount payable for the engagement. If it takes less time to complete the work, then the lower figure is invoiced and not the full fixed fee.