A Firm From the Summit Has Handled Two Cases for Us

A Marcus Evans Success Story

“We hired a service provider from the Summit to handle two cases for us. He became a trusted resource after one conversation. That wouldn’t have happened over a phone call or email. We are also planning to give work to a second firm we met at the Summit,” said David Ahlersmeyer, Intellectual Property Counsel, Franklin Electric Co., Inc., a delegate at the Marcus Evans IP Law Summit. 

Can you describe your experience at the IP Law Summit?

I met several interesting service providers. I had heard of some of them but did not know the individuals. I have now hired one firm and am continuing to correspond with another.

The individual who has already advised us on two cases was previously at a very prominent firm. At the Summit, we discussed a case we were struggling with, and he told me how he would approach it. It sounded very reasonable. He also understood that cost would be an issue. He provided the experience and resources we would get from a larger firm. We were very impressed.

With the second firm, our regular conversations have been very helpful. We are waiting for the right opportunity to come up. I anticipate the need for more service providers, so I am glad to have identified a couple of prospects.

If that law firm had reached out to you before the Summit, would you have taken their calls?

No, there are many lawyers like him from the big firms or cities. Without any prior connection, I wouldn’t have trusted my judgement based on a phone call. I wouldn’t have felt comfortable enough to discuss our issues. But when we met face-to-face, it felt very natural. He was willing to hear me out and gave some useful advice. He didn’t even need to contact me after the Summit; I reached out to him a few months later. When I had work to send over, he was top of mind.

Sometimes even if you’re not very satisfied with an existing counsel, you don’t start searching for a new one. In that kind of situation, if you haven’t had an opportunity like the Summit, you might not have anyone to call.

How would you compare the Summit with other events in the legal industry?

Other events don’t have one-on-one meetings. As much as I like meeting new people, without a scheduled time on my agenda it can be difficult. Many in-house patent attorneys are engineers so structured interactions tend to be more effective.

The venues of Marcus Evans Summits are also much better. The focus is not on fitting in as many people as possible into one banquet hall. If you want to talk further with a service provider, you can. Many meetings happen organically and are not forced. Interacting face-to-face was a welcome opportunity. We don’t get the chance to meet people that way anymore.

Find out more about the upcoming IP Law Summit.