Speaking a common language: The changing relationship between IP law firms, in-house IP and their technology providers

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 4 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Speaking a common language: The changing relationship between IP law firms, in-house IP and their technology providers

CPA Global worked with Managing IP and Thought Leadership Consulting to compile findings on what in-house counsel look for in external IP firms, what law firms look for when co-operating with other IP firms and what firms and in-house counsel seek from technology providers

CPA Global has collaborated with Managing Intellectual Property and Thought Leadership Consulting to produce a report about the relationship between corporates and private practice practitioners and how they can work together more effectively. The report also covers law firms’ requirements when working with external IP firms. The findings are based on responses from more than 1,000 patent and trademark professionals, 603 of whom are in-house counsel and 434 of whom are based in law firms. The respondents span 80 countries.

Some of the questions asked concern the most important factors when choosing an external law firm, relationships with service providers and the main challenges that arise when managing external IP firms.

A selection of the key findings from the report are detailed below.

Loyalty

More than half (51%) of in-house respondents stated that they were “very unlikely” to change external IP firm, indicating a culture of strong loyalty to law firms.

The most important factors when choosing a law firm

Those who answered the survey were asked their three most important considerations when choosing an external firm. Practice area knowledge was cited as a key factor by 18% of respondents, followed closely by responsiveness (mentioned as the main factor by 11% of respondents). Indeed, responsiveness was repeatedly mentioned in interviews with both law firm practitioners and in-house counsel.

Challenges

Both law firm practitioners and those in-house asserted that effective communication proves to be a key challenge when liaising with external firms. Overall, 18% of respondents said that this was their biggest challenge. Among law firm practitioners, there was even greater emphasis on effective communication, with 21% citing this as the number one challenge. The findings indicated that more face-to-face contact with IP firms is required.

The 2018 and 2019 surveys

A comparison of the 2018 and 2019 surveys suggest that many of the key challenges faced by corporates remain the same. In 2018, “cost pressures and aligning IP with business strategy came out top” and in 2019, “the leading challenges are “billing within budget” and “ensuring external advisors understand IP strategy.”” Much like the 2018 interviewees, in-house respondents this year averred that the main qualities they are looking for are practice area knowledge, depth and strength of team, responsiveness and cost.

Technology and service providers

The report notes that “the findings suggest that firms are not using IP management software as wisely as they could be.” In relation to search providers, 59% of law firms said they use many search service providers. Only 18% of in-house respondents use one main search provider.

To read the full report, please click here.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

The Getty Images v Stability AI case, which will hear untested points of law, is a reminder of the importance of the legal system and the excitement it can generate
Firms explain the IP concerns that can arise amid attempts by brands to show off their ‘Canadianness’ to consumers
Counsel say they will be monitoring issues such as the placement of house marks, and how Mondelēz demonstrates a likelihood of confusion in its dispute with Aldi
The EUIPO expanding its mediation services and a new Riyadh office for Simmons & Simmons were also among the top talking points this week
David Boundy explains why Pierson Ferdinand provides a platform that will allow him to use administrative law to address IP concerns
Developments included an anti-anti-suit injunction being granted for the first time, and the court clarifying that it can adjudicate over alleged infringements that occurred before June 2023
Griffith Hack’s Amanda Stark, one of our ‘Top 250 Women in IP’, explains how peer support from male colleagues is crucial, and reveals why the life sciences sector is thriving
The case, which could offer clarity on the training of AI models within the context of copyright law, will go to trial in the UK next week
CMS IndusLaw co-founder Suneeth Katarki says he plans to hire a patent team in India and argues that IP should play a major role within full-service firms
Partners at the firm explain why they’ve seen more SEP cases at the ITC, and why they are comfortable recommending the forum to clients
Gift this article