Intellectual Property Practice

Why should a lawyer, law firm or other legal service provider use intellectual property practice software?

Lawyers who specialize in intellectual property law require software that can handle tasks unique to their practices, such as docketing and monitoring IP assets.

With intellectual property practice software, law firms and other legal service providers can help clients create, manage, and protect intellectual property assets, comply with regulations, and enable innovators to be more productive and make informed decisions on existing and new product offerings. Software products for IP lawyers include patent and trademark search software to identify infringement and protect brands and prosecution tools to enforce rights and reduce risk. Data analytics software assesses competition and identifies relevant IP assets to buy or license.

Advanced visual search and analysis products can find copyright and trademark violations and document the evidence for legal proceedings. AI-driven search technology like Huski.ai can scan e-commerce sites and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) applications to identify visual and textual threats to clients' trademarks.

IP docketing products focus on regulatory compliance and drive automation to maintain patent and trademark lifecycles. Many products support direct connections to the USPTO and Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) and may integrate with Clarivate Analytics CompuMark to access brand information in international jurisdictions.

What features do intellectual property practice software include?

Features of intellectual property practice software include search technology for graphics and text to monitor the global digital landscape for IP patent and trademark violations. Search features may also include compliance with section 2(d) of the Lanham Act, which states that a trademark application will be denied if another trademark registration is already registered for related goods or services that are confusingly like the applicant's trademark. See In re Thor Tech, Inc., 113 U.S.P.Q.2d 1546 (T.T.A.B. 2015).

IP law practice software includes docketing software to integrate and comply with USPTO regulations to maintain patents and trademarks and document management and drafting software to streamline and automate patent applications. Some products facilitate patent and trademark enforcement in courts by tracking litigation and helping you develop claim charts and marshal evidence gathered from the USPTO and websites using exhibit and PDF management.

Should I choose cloud-based intellectual property practice software or an on-premises software deployment?

Most intellectual property practice offerings are cloud-based and accessed via web browser, with some providers supporting mobile and desktop access to the resources. For example, ImageRights for Law Firms platform searches images and acquires evidence with mobile, desktop, and web browser tools designed to find image use of counterfeit and grey market products. It aims to simplify and increase copyright and trademark claims for inventors and law firms.

IP docketing software is deployed in the cloud and connects to the USPTO, CIPO, and other resources to report docket information. Still, providers like Alt Legal can synchronize docket information with law office calendars, send email updates, and integrate with practice management software like Clio.

IP practice software for drafting, document management, and prosecution is deployed in the cloud and on-premises to integrate with and automate authoring software. Drafting software streamlines patent applications and can aid in prosecuting patent infringements. Software like Rowan Patents drafts patent applications and prosecutes infringement with desktop applications.

Software for trademark professionals is primarily cloud-based. These tools analyze trademark registrations and assess risk based on search results of similar trademark data. For example, TM TKO provides a graphical analysis of mark strength and key registration risks of existing trademark registrations and common-law search results. The company offers to find complex trademark fact patterns, new issues, and prosecutions to address and overcome USPTO refusals.

Should I select an all-in-one, or an a-la-carte intellectual property practice software?

Generally, intellectual property practice software addresses point solutions for IP practice areas. Approach the market from a specific practice or case types, such as patent, trademark, or copyright. Then look to address a particular issue, whether it's drafting patent applications or monitoring and enforcing trademark infringement. Often, you may need more than one point solution to address pain points and support client objectives. If that's the case, look for one provider, such as LexisNexis, that can resolve various issues.

LexisNexis IP practice software offerings support workflow and analytics solutions deployed in the cloud and on-premises. LexisNexis PatentOptimizer makes patent drafting more efficient using automation and workflow. LexisNexis PatentSight helps law firms, in-house counsel, and other legal service providers manage patent portfolios and identify patent and technology trends. And LexisNexis PatentAdvisor facilitates patent prosecution.

What should I expect to pay for intellectual property practice software?

Software designed to address specific problems in practice areas, such as intellectual property, can be more costly than general application software, such as document and practice management software.

IP practice software costs more when it manages, protects, and sells high-value client assets. Still, pricing is generally based on volumes, such as the number of matters docketed or clients' patents and trademarks monitored, such as ImageRights for Law Firms.

ImageRights for Law Firms starts at $195 per client per month. You can monitor up to 25 client images to find counterfeit and infringement uses. Still, you get time-and-date stamped screenshots to use as evidence that can save you time and expense in stopping abuse.

The Tradespace IP Platform starts at $500 per month to access a software suite to search patents and analyze IP portfolios for possible sale or license. The site scales up when used to monetize IP licensing and scout IP to acquire or license.

Providers of drafting automation software to create patent applications and perform other tedious tasks in creating IP have the best deals in the IP practice software space. The customizable tools to reduce human errors and speed the patent application process are invaluable for patent practitioners. For example, Patent Bots start at $45 per month for individuals, supporting patent proofreading, drafting automation, and other utilities.