The Nagel Group is a technology-driven company specializing in precision manufacturing. Based in Germany, they develop advanced machining solutions for industries like automotive, aerospace, and hydraulics, helping improve engine efficiency and electric motor production.

In this customer story, we talked with Dr. Katalin Sólyom, IP Manager, who oversees the group’s extensive IP portfolio spread across three companies (Gehring Technologies, Nagel Technologies, Elgan Diamantwerkzeuge). The three companies are part of the Nagel Group, which specializes in precision machining and e-mobility solutions, along with its sister companies, all focused on high-precision industrial manufacturing.

Challenges

Previously, Gehring, Nagel, and Elgan Group handled their IP renewals using partially external law firms and IP renewal providers for patents and trademarks, combined with in-house efforts. 

The law firms played an essential role in ensuring low-risk renewals and offering legal expertise during the early stages of IP management. However, as the Group’s portfolio grew, reliance on law firms became increasingly expensive and cumbersome for administrative tasks and decision-making.

This decentralized setup led to inefficiencies and rising costs as each of the three companies in the group handled renewals through different processes. Katalin faced several critical pain points:

  • High costs: Renewals through traditional providers were expensive, with no transparent fee breakdowns.
  • Administrative complexity: Each company operated independently, making synchronization a daunting task.‍
  • Transparency issues: They had to collect data from various sources since no system before provided a centralized overview, creating inefficiencies in presenting clear information to decision-makers in the company.

"After having to deal with different processes with each of the three companies, I realized that synchronizing processes became essential to improving efficiency and reducing costs. Managing renewals through law firms felt secure but lacked cost-efficiency and transparency." 

Why PatentRenewal.com

Katalin began her search for a solution that could streamline processes across the three companies. She explored recommendations, focusing on IP renewal providers who could address cost challenges and simplify workflows. 

Some factors that influenced their decision included:

  • Cost efficiency: Competitive pricing compared to law firms and other IP renewal providers.
  • Streamlined processes: The ability to centralize and synchronize IP renewal across multiple companies.
  • Data integration and verification: Assurance that critical data would be handled accurately, reducing errors in the process. 

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Undisrupted‍ relationship with the law firm
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Having collaborated for decades, the law firms had been a key partner in securing the companies’ IP rights, so there was initial concern about how the change might affect their long-standing relationship. 

They wanted to ensure that optimizing the renewal process wouldn’t be seen as undermining the firm’s role or creating unnecessary complications. However, their attorneys understood the decision, acknowledging that many companies are now handling renewals through IP management companies.

“It was not unknown for our attorneys or for the law firm that many companies are doing it on their own, so they were really supportive, and there was no problem.”‍

Katalin shared that their relationship with their IP law firm remained unchanged and they were relieved to see that it did not disrupt their collaboration. Their legal partners continued to provide valuable expertise for more complex IP matters while the company gained greater efficiency and control over their renewals with PatentRenewal.com.

"And this was where I found a really good fit with PatentRenewal.com. It provided the balance I needed, allowing me to streamline the renewal processes across all three companies, reduce costs, and minimize administrative burdens without disrupting our existing legal relationships."

The solution

Since partnering with PatentRenewal.com, Nagel Group has successfully transformed their IP renewal processes:

  • Centralized management:
    The PatentRenewal.com software unified their workflows across three companies, reducing administrative burden and creating consistency for their team.
“We still have to send in the data sheets we get from the law firm, but the data integration is completely handled by PatentRenewal.com. It really reduced the risk and responsibility on our side, which was a huge help for me.”‍
  • Enhanced reporting and forecasting:
    Tools like patent family tracking and cost forecasting empowered their team with strategic, data-driven financial decisions. 
  • Improved transparency:
    The real-time tracking feature and the clear data visualization provide the company’s decision-makers with a comprehensive view of their IP renewals.
“The system makes it easier to present the numbers clearly to stakeholders, helping them understand the process and costs.”‍
  • Dedicated support:
    Fast and helpful support made a real difference, with clear answers and easy-to-follow resources like instructional videos that provided practical solutions.
“The support team responds within a couple of hours, and the instructional videos answer my questions immediately.”‍
  • Significant cost savings:
    Achieved approximately 40% savings compared to their previous setup.

“I like the platform. I think it's really up-to-date and modern. But what I really appreciated was that if I had the question, in one minute I have the answer without asking it again. This is something that I really, really appreciate how you provide information to the customers about the portfolio.”

Conclusion

Nagel Group’s journey with PatentRenewal.com highlights the importance of efficient, transparent, and cost-effective IP management. Their centralized system not only improved administrative efficiency but also empowered strategic decision-making with advanced tools like forecasting and real-time tracking.

If your company is grappling with IP renewal challenges, consider Nagel Group’s success story. Join the growing number of 2500+ IP owners who have entrusted their IP renewal to PatentRenewal.com.

Contact us today for a free price comparison, or book a meeting with one of our experts to learn more about our solution and platform’s main features.