What Does An IP Consultant Do?

An intellectual property (IP) consultant helps law firms, companies, and individuals develop and implement strategies to maximize profits and business impacts in the domain of IP.

The role varies based on the consultant’s expertise and client needs but often encompasses consulting, advisory, training, or coaching services related to (1) protecting, managing, and monetizing intellectual property assets, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and (2) the management of law firm practice groups and in-house corporate IP departments to maximize group and individual potential.

More specifically, IP consultants may assist with:

1. IP Strategy Development

• Advising companies on how to build and protect their IP portfolios

• Aligning IP strategy with business goals

• Conducting competitive IP analyses to assess risks and opportunities

  
  

2. Business Development & Relationship Building

• Assisting law firms, vendors, and solutions providers in growing their IP practice

• Connecting companies with investors, collaborators, or legal experts

• Providing guidance on client development and strategic partnerships

  
  

3. Operations & Strategic Planning / IP Software Implementation

• Helping law firms and companies design and implement robust plans to organize, optimize, and grow their practice

• Assisting enterprises with the selection and implementation of IP and legal operations software, such as intellectual property management systems (IPMSs)

  
  

4. Talent & Leadership Development / Training & Coaching

• Conducting workshops on IP best practices

• Training teams on patent, trademark, and copyright strategies

• Providing group and executive coaching sessions on topics such as collaborating with clients and external providers, leading and managing personnel, and communicating value to the C-suite

  
  

5. Monetization & Commercialization

• Helping clients license, sell, or otherwise monetize their IP

• Identifying potential partnerships and licensing opportunities

• Assessing the value of IP assets for business transactions

  
  

6. Litigation & Risk Management Support

• Advising on IP enforcement strategies

• Helping companies mitigate IP-related risks

• Assisting with IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, or investments

  
  

Some consultants focus on legal aspects, while others specialize in business strategy, innovation management, or market positioning.

Choosing the Right IP Consultant

A highly effective IP consultant has firsthand knowledge of the kinds of complex issues you and your clients face, and has a proven track record of success solving them collaboratively. He or she is conversant with the ecosystem in which you practice, can think holistically and creatively, and brings strengths that complement your own, such as related to big-picture strategy, relationship building, and leadership development.

• If you’re a partner in a law firm who’s trying to elevate performance to benefit your firm and its clients, consider retaining an IP consultant with extensive prior experience as both a law firm partner and a corporate attorney and legal executive.

• If you’re an in-house practitioner or corporate business executive who’s trying to drive higher team and individual performance, consider engaging an IP consultant with extensive prior experience as a corporate attorney, legal executive, and law firm partner.

If you can find such a consultant, you’ll be able to channel precious time and resources into actually solving problems and achieving material impacts.

Quartal IP's Principal IP Consultant

Quartal IP is led by Carlo Cotrone, a highly strategic and collaborative IP attorney with extensive firsthand knowledge and experience as both a law firm partner and a chief IP counsel.

Unlike many of his peers who’ve elected to focus primarily on tactical legal matters for the entirety of their careers, Carlo evolved his practice as he gained insights over 24+ years. He brings a keen capacity as a strategist, collaborator, and developer of team and individual talent.

Please reach out if you’d like to explore how Quartal IP can help you achieve even greater success.