The Power of Multiple Data Checks – Help Prevent Lapses with Sun IP

The Challenge

A boutique IP firm approached Sun IP with an urgent renewal issue involving multiple IP rights at risk of lapsing due to an administrative error. The client’s renewals were managed by another IP service provider using a docketing system. Despite reminders from foreign agents and patent offices, the issue was overlooked and when contacted, their service provider was unable to take action effectively due to the time-sensitive nature of the problem.

Faced with these challenges, Sun IP acted swiftly to resolve the following issues:

• The administrative error marked the current year’s renewals as completed, showing the next year’s dates, leading to several important IP rights being at risk of lapsing
• By the time Sun IP was contacted, renewal payment deadlines for Germany, France, and the UK were only hours from lapsing, leaving a very narrow window to act

Our Solution

The team at Sun IP moved quickly, ensuring no time was lost in between. Recognizing the tight deadlines for France and the UK, the team prioritized these jurisdictions to ensure their renewals were processed swiftly and without error. However, it was impossible to pay the German renewal in time, given the lead time for wiring funds internationally. Simultaneously, the team began work on restoring the lapsed patent in Germany. They conducted a thorough review of the situation, gathering detailed evidence to document the administrative error. Using this information, the German agent prepared the documents for filing restoration, while Sun IP facilitated smooth communication, ensuring the submission was filed on time with the German Patent Office.

The Sun IP team also made sure to keep the client updated throughout with consistent updates at every stage of the process.

 

 

The Result

In less than an hour, the French and UK IP renewal payments were successfully made, avoiding lapses in rights. For the German case, Sun IP’s quick and efficient action ensured the German patent was successfully restored, preventing any loss of IP. With seamless coordination between our team and all involved stakeholders, the client’s renewal issues were resolved without any hassle, and the IP rights were maintained on all fronts, also avoiding costly penalties.

• Renewal payment In less than 1 hour
• Preventing any loss of IP
• Avoiding costly penalties

Key Takeaway

This case highlights the importance of rigorous data verification, and the risks associated with relying solely on a single-layer docketing system that is directly linked to renewal payments. Using the same IP service provider for docketing linked with renewals might seem more convenient, however, it is much riskier than using a separate IP service provider. Even the slightest error in the docketing system can result in potentially devastating consequences for your IP portfolio.

At Sun IP, we believe that a separate, independent platform for renewal payments significantly reduces the risk of missed deadlines and lapses. We offer additional layers of data verification, while uploading the case data on our platform and at the time of instruction, ensuring that such discrepancies are identified and rectified early.

• Additional layers of data verification
• Ensuring discrepancies are identified
• Reducing the risk of missed deadlines

Our clients have peace of mind knowing that our strict processes, multiple manual data checks, and an experienced team ensure renewal payments are accurate and always on time.