Where Small IP Firms Lose Time
01.Double entry
Clients and matters are typed into practice management, docketing software and a spreadsheet, and the conflict record ends up split across them.
02.Manual foreign reports
Reports from China and other foreign associates arrive as email and PDF and are keyed in by hand.
03.No portfolio view
Clients ask for status, deadlines and costs across countries, and the firm assembles a spreadsheet each time.
04.Hidden costs
It is hard to see which flat-fee filings and responses actually make money, and USPTO or CNIPA procedure changes have to be reflected in deadline calculations by hand.