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, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

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

Stobbs stands accused of interfering with the administration of justice after Brandsmiths’ client was subjected to an interim injunction for unjustified threats
The firm, known for its prosecution expertise, discusses its plans following the appointment of a UK-based patent litigation head and two new partners
Ed White at Clarivate provides an exclusive insight into the innovation power clusters reshaping Europe and the Middle East’s IP landscape, and why quality is the new currency of invention
In the first in a new podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we look back at the network’s origins and discuss its mission
Rebecca Schwarz at Haynes Boone shares how her team secured victory for biopharma client RedHill in a licensing dispute involving a developmental cancer drug
News of a breakaway firm launching in Germany and a spike in vaccine-related patent applications were also among the top talking points
A flurry of hiring activity among UK firms suggests they are confident of mounting a serious challenge at the UPC
With the submission deadline approaching, we sat down with our research team to provide top tips on how to make your firm stand out
EA, owner of video games including Madden and The Sims, will be sold to a consortium including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and a firm owned by Donald Trump’s son-in-law
New arrival marks Mewburn Ellis' second partner hire in ten days as firm looks to boost patent litigation and prosecution capabilities
Gift this article