FAQs

1.      What are these claims about?

We are seeking justice and compensation for all affected who have suffered serious financial loss and who never gave their fully informed consent to payments made to their lawyers by CPA Global.

2.      Who are CPA Global/Clarivate?

CPA Global is an international IP management firm serving law firms and corporate customers. It was acquired by NYSE-listed Clarivate in 2020 and now trades under the name Clarivate.

3.      What is the relationship between these IP law firms and CPA Global/Clarivate?

There are some IP firms who act for clients in relation to their IP rights but choose not to provide a renewals service and instead refer clients to CPA Global. The evidence we have shows that these firms received payments from CPA Global for passing on IP renewals and that amounts paid, which have been substantial, have never been fully disclosed to their clients.

4.      What is allegedly unlawful about this?

Law firms owe fiduciary duties to their clients. Payments made to firms by CPA Global are only permissible if they are fully disclosed to clients, i.e. clients are told exactly how much is being paid for each renewal. CPA Global as payer is the primary wrongdoer and may be sued for common law bribery.

5.      For how long have affected businesses been overcharged?

We understand that in 1969, partners from several IP law firms came together to form a company, based in Jersey, which has since become CPA Global. The creation of CPA Global allowed the founder firms to transfer away the risks and costs associated with IP renewal services, by referring their clients’ IP rights renewal work to CPA Global.

The founder firms wanted, however, to continue making a profit from IP renewal work, despite transferring away the work and risk, and so instituted a system of payments every time a renewal was carried out.

6.      If this began in 1969, how far back can claims go?
The basic rule of limitation restricts claims to up to 6 years before a claim is filed. There are, however, circumstances in which this time period can be extended.

7.      How many law firms are involved?

There are more than 12 firms we know of so far and there are likely to be more scattered across Europe. If you have been a client of a firm whose name is not listed here, and had your renewals passed on to CPA Global, then we would like to hear from you.

8. How long can claims take?

The length of time that legal proceedings take varies depending on the procedural steps required and the Court timetable. Defendants can be expected to do everything possible to derail proceedings, or if that fails, delay trial for as long as possible. That said, claims can settle as happened with Marks & Clerk LLP - Read More

9.      What do affected businesses have to do to join future claims?

Claims will be brought by at least one client of each firm who will act as representative claimants on behalf of all other affected clients of the same firm. If you would be interested in being a representative then please get in touch by registering with us.

10.      What will it cost affected businesses to join a claim?

Nothing. Claims against CPA Global will need to be funded by third party litigation funders. Litigation funding provides access to justice for claims like this, where affected businesses often cannot afford to bring legal action individually.

11.      If I register with Commission Recovery Limited, does this void my contract with either my IP law firm or CPA Global?

Registering with Commission Recovery Limited should not affect your existing contracts with your IP law firm or CPA Global/Clarivate, and you are of course free to continue to use their services if you so wish.

12.      Why is there a particular focus on SMEs?

The payments scheme that was put in place particularly exploits the vulnerabilities of SMEs, who so depend on their trusted advisors to act in their best interests. Further, SMEs would simply not have the means to pursue legal recourse against such large organisations.

13.      Why is it important to bring this issue to light?

Cash flow has always been a common problem for SMEs. Being overcharged and paying inflated fees endangers the survival of affected SMEs.

It is important to bring this issue to light not only to seek redress on behalf of affected SMEs, but to prevent the future exploitation of vulnerable businesses by CPA Global and the law firms involved.

14.      What is a representative action?

Please refer to our Legal Action page.