Brian Rupp Talks to ABA Journal About IP Practices in General Practice Firms

Chicago partner Brian Rupp discusses challenges in effectively integrating an IP practice into a general practice firm in the ABA Journal’s article “IP Does Not Mean Insane Profit.” According to the article, there is a trend of general practice firms luring IP practitioners to join them, in an effort to have the new lawyers bring profitable IP litigation to the firm. Brian warns that this “is a short sighted approach and is usually short term and unsuccessful.” He suggests general practice firms offer their clients a full-service IP practice. Of course, this is not without its problems as there could be growing pains as the cultures of the two firms (the general practice firm and IP boutique) meld. Brian notes that such integration requires reconciliation of potential clashes of personalities and practice styles.