Firm Philosophy
This document is intended to briefly reflect the philosophy under which the personnel of the IPLO® Intellectual Property Law Offices practice law. It is provided with the intent of eliminating confusion, to clarify our priorities and to set forth the manner in which we provide services to our clients. We believe that we have an unusual approach to the practice of law which is of great benefit to many types of clients.
We take pride in our skills and in the quality of the work which we do. We keep up with the developments in the law, continually strive to improve our knowledge and capabilities, and take advantage of relevant technological advances. We discuss matters among ourselves and do not hesitate to seek the advice of outside experts when we are in doubt. We try to take the time to do the job right, without engaging in overkill tactics.
We consider it to be extremely important to be good lawyers and professionals. However, we consider it more important to be good human beings. To this end, we will do our best to provide the highest level of service possible for the client and to represent the client with all appropriate zeal. However, we will not do this to the exclusion of our families or our duties to others. We will not compromise our own integrity, even if it is deemed necessary to further the interest of the client. For example, we will not participate in actions to back-date documents or to submit documents which are executed in blank with the details filled in later. Additionally, we will not take positions which are knowingly false or unsupported in the record and will request to be released from representation in the event that demands which we deem to be unethical are made upon us.
We believe in candor. To this end, if we are asked for our opinion we will give our actual opinion, even if we believe this is not what the client wants to hear. We will attempt to deal with everyone, even opponents, in an even handed manner and will always pursue a reasonable and "just" result. We view litigation as a last resort to be undertaken only upon the failure of all reasonable efforts to avoid such a result.
We believe in personal service and personal responsibility. We are, and intend to remain, a small firm which takes its relationship with its clients very seriously. We believe that the client is always entitled to know the identity of the person in the firm who has responsibility for the particular matter. If matters are to be delegated to an associate or paralegal, we will make an effort to make the client aware of this delegation and will also make certain that this is reflected in the billing statements. We ask for, and when feasible, demand, the same in others. For example, over the past thirty years, we have established a network of local associates in more than a hundred countries around the world. Whenever feasible, we have selected smaller and more responsive firms, with identified individuals with whom we may deal, as opposed to larger and impersonal operations. We have found that the concept of "accountability" is the key to obtaining the best results for our clients. We demand this accountability from those whom we select to act on behalf of our clients and we accept the same responsibility ourselves.
We take a "long view" whenever possible. We cherish long term relationships with our clients and associates and attempt to nurture these by earning and maintaining trust. To this end, we will always attempt to provide the client with information as to the extent of exposure in a particular action or project. We will often advocate a position which will generate fewer short term benefits (and fees) in favor of a position which we believe will lead to the long term benefit of the client. Our associates and employees have no minimal billing requirements and our concern is to "get the job done" in the best and most efficient manner possible, regardless of the profit to the firm. We will also limit the amount of stones which are turned, when we and the client believe this to be appropriate.
We strive to be human beings, not robots. Accordingly, we do not have a dress code and we do not have a time clock. Although we will participate in formality where it is required, we will strive to avoid such and will attempt to deal on a personal human level whenever possible. We believe in the power of a sense of humor. We believe that each individual is entitled to be treated as an individual human being, both as deserving of respect and equitable treatment and also as someone who should not be taken unduly seriously. We tailor our behavior to be appropriate in the circumstances, and will avoid pomposity and formality wherever feasible.
We recognize and accept that we can not please everyone. Our practice is very restricted in the areas of law which we address, in order that we may be comfortable with our expertise. So too, our philosophy is aimed at a limited audience. We believe that our approach is very successful in providing a high level of service at reasonable cost to our clients. Since several of our earliest clients are still with us after many years, and often recommend us to others, we believe that we are taking the right approach. However, we do recognize that there are those who prefer a different level of formality and perhaps a more painstaking and detailed approach to all issues. For those clients, it is better for us to let them know at the beginning so they may find a law firm which more closely fits their personality.
In summary, our firm philosophy is to maintain our integrity, do our level best for the client and to attempt to enjoy life and have some fun in the process. We believe that this is the sort of service which clients desire and deserve.