The move to spin off its patent prosecution practice represents a major change in strategy for Ropes & Gray which acquired IP boutique Fish & Neave in 2004. Whilst Ropes & Gray says it will retain ‘other IP rights management capabilities, such as trademark prosecution and patent analysis, strategy and counseling,' most of the lawyers departing hail from the IP boutique.  Ex-Fish & Neave lawyer Joseph Guiliano has been appointed to lead the new firm but details about who will be part of the new firm are not yet confirmed. 

Cheaper and faster

The move comes after the Patent Trial and Appeal Board streamlined the patent dispute process which meant patent disputes were moved into a less costly litigation venue. In an interview with the American Lawyer, Ropes & Gray chairman Bradford Malt said that Ropes & Gray would no longer do patent prosecution work and may have an exclusive arrangement with the new boutique. He said that law firms had to find ways of innovating and delivering work 'cheaper and faster' for their clients and that clients had been consulted about the plan,