Legal process IP outsourcing company  CPA Global is joining forces with Wayne Law Group, a Detroit-based non-profit law firm which is part of Wayne Law School,  in a move to provide entrepreneurs with  IP services as they seek to establish and grow their businesses.  CPA Global will provide its IP management software solution, FoundationIP, at no cost to WLG for the next five years. The deal includes installation, maintenance, and updates to the system. The firm's associates offer advice on patent prosecution and other IP-related issues at a fraction of the rate of most local law firms.

Establish locally

FoundationIP is a hosted solution that allows users to seamlessly manage IP portfolios and stores all their IP matters in one centralised database. The software removes time-consuming administrative tasks, while allowing instant access to all IP matters, including related documents and e-mails. WLG associates and their clients can log into FoundationIP, share information, and collaborate in real-time. The partnership between WLG and CPA Global comes as Detroit takes steps to encourage entrepreneurs and start-ups to establish themselves locally rather than in traditional innovation hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City.

Pro bono

Toni Nijm, Chief Technology Officer at CPA Global, said: 'The Wayne Law Group does great work in encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in a part of the US that is reinventing itself from an economic, business, and community perspective. We are proud to be supporting the firm and its clients by providing FoundationIP on a pro bono basis.' Elisabeth Sussex, Supervising Attorney for WLG, added: 'We are deeply grateful to CPA Global for their generous support in donating FoundationIP. With this world-class hosted IP solution, we will be able to manage key intellectual property information, maximise efficiencies in our work, and streamline interaction with our clients. This will reduce the time and cost burden for our associates as well as the busy entrepreneurs and start-ups they are assisting.'

Economic comeback

Wayne Law Group is an independent, non-profit law firm that assists Detroit entrepreneurs with growing their businesses and being part of the city’s economic comeback. The firm offers local start-up companies and entrepreneurs affordable legal advice on intellectual property, patent laws and rights, planning and other business issues. Part of Wayne Law School’s Programme for Entrepreneurship and Business Law, WLG works closely with local law firms, area incubators, and other members of Detroit’s entrepreneurial infrastructure.