Patent Seekers make their mark in the States
One Washington80 company that has really been making headway in the US over the last year is Patent Seekers – with new clients already established and a flow of work starting to emerge as a direct result.
The Newport-based company is one of the UK’s largest providers of detailed research for patent attorneys, as well as for businesses looking to protect their inventions – providing expert, in-depth analysis of patent and non-patent literature across some 75 countries. They regularly act as a ‘gateway’ to Europe for overseas businesses looking to protect their interests – including some of the world’s best-known pharma, medical and electronic companies.
Over the last year, Patent Seekers has been using IBW’s flagship ITO Programme - part of a range of support services available from IBW to help Wales-based companies develop and grow their business overseas. ITO stands for ‘International Trade Opportunities’ and the Programme enables eligible companies to engage the services of IBW appointed market and sector specialists based in countries within Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.
With Patent Seekers, that has meant going on tailor-made trips to the US with guidance from ITO in-market partner Bruce MacLellan, targeting specific patent attorneys in the US.
As their Business and Finance Director Tim Parry explains, “Opening doors in the US is no easy task. The patent attorneys we want to speak to are wary of people trying to sell THEM a service. Using the ITO to make introductions has made life a lot easier. Once the attorneys realise what we can offer them, especially in Europe, they can see the advantages. We can help them service their clients in over 70 countries outside of North America – and at a very competitive price. We don’t compete with them – we can complement their work and help them provide a better service.
“Already we have won two new clients in the Washington and New York areas, and we’re looking now to build on that.”
If you want to know more about what ITO can do for you, call 01443 845500 or email: ibwales@wales.gsi.gov.uk. The team of project managers is available to answer your business expansion and International trade questions. What’s more, their services are free.
