Working with Five Zero
Frequently asked questions for IP professionals and firms
Five Zero brings together experienced IP professionals within a modern, supportive and well-managed operating environment. We provide the expertise, infrastructure and commercial opportunities to deliver excellent client services and build sustainable professional careers.
Our collaborative model gives attorneys, consultants and specialist firms access to additional expertise, administrative support and opportunities to work together, without necessarily changing their existing business arrangements.
Why work with Five Zero?
Working with Five Zero provides access to a wider professional network, additional client and project opportunities, and established operational support.
You can maintain your professional independence and existing client relationships while drawing on the expertise, systems and resources of the wider Five Zero team. It also provides flexibility to manage changing workloads, access specialist support and take on work that might otherwise be difficult to accommodate.
We also work with law firms and other professional advisers that need access to patent and trade mark expertise, additional IP capacity or specialist administrative support for their clients.
Who can participate?
We welcome interest from:
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Qualified patent and trade mark attorneys.
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Part-qualified and trainee attorneys, working with appropriate supervision.
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IP managers and IP management consultants.
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IP licensing and commercialisation specialists.
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Independent professionals and established IP firms.
The emphasis is on professional expertise, good client service and a willingness to work collaboratively.
What types of work and support are available?
The model supports a range of working arrangements, including:
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Client referrals and introductions.
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Subcontracted work, on an individual or ongoing basis.
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Additional attorney or specialist capacity.
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Formalities, filing and IP administration.
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Portfolio management and project support.
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Cover and continuity during periods of absence.
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Assistance with proposals, quotations and client development.
The precise arrangement depends on the work, the professionals involved and the client's requirements.
Can I retain my own clients and business?
Yes. The intention is to support your existing business, not replace it.
You can continue to operate through your own business and retain your direct client relationships. Where you introduce or undertake work through Five Zero, the respective responsibilities, client arrangements and commercial terms are agreed in advance.
This allows you to access additional resources and opportunities while retaining control over your own professional practice.
How are client relationships managed?
Client responsibility is agreed for each engagement.
Where you retain the client relationship, you remain the principal point of contact and are responsible for the work undertaken through your firm. Five Zero can provide background support, additional expertise and administration.
Where Five Zero introduces a new client or engagement, the appropriate client-facing and professional responsibilities are agreed at the outset.
The aim is to make responsibilities clear and protect the interests of both the client and the professionals involved.
What administrative and operational support does Five Zero provide?
Five Zero provides access to established IP administration, formalities and accounting support, including:
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IP record-keeping and deadline management.
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Filing and formalities services.
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Portfolio and matter administration.
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Correspondence with IP offices and overseas agents, where agreed.
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Use of EQUINOX IP management software.
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Standard processes, templates and supporting documentation.
This is intended to reduce the administrative burden on professionals and provide reliable support for the work they undertake.
These services can be provided individually or as part of a wider outsourced IP administration and portfolio management arrangement.
How is work allocated?
Work is matched to the relevant expertise, experience, availability and client requirements.
Professionals can make their expertise and availability known to the wider network. Five Zero can also identify suitable individuals or firms when new instructions or additional capacity are required.
The objective is to allocate work appropriately, rather than simply distribute it according to availability.
How are quality and professional standards maintained?
The arrangements are supported by Five Zero's quality management processes and operating procedures.
These provide a framework for understanding client requirements, agreeing the scope of work, monitoring progress and managing changes or issues as they arise.
Professional judgement and responsibility remain with the appropriately qualified individuals. The systems are there to support consistent delivery, communication and administration, not to replace professional independence.
How do the commercial arrangements work?
Commercial terms are agreed for each type of engagement, taking account of the work involved, the responsibilities undertaken and the resources provided.
Arrangements may include referral fees, subcontracting fees, fees for administrative support or agreed sharing of fees between professionals contributing to an engagement.
The intention is to provide a fair and transparent basis for collaboration, recognising the contribution of the individuals and businesses involved.
What contractual arrangements are required?
The working relationship is documented through an appropriate collaboration or services agreement.
This sets out the respective responsibilities, working arrangements, confidentiality requirements, professional obligations and commercial terms.
The agreement is designed to provide clarity while allowing professionals and firms to retain their own business structures and independence.
How do I find out more?
We are interested in hearing from experienced IP professionals and firms who would like to explore opportunities to work with Five Zero.
Whether you are looking for additional capacity, administrative support, access to specialist expertise or a wider range of professional opportunities, we would be pleased to discuss how the arrangements might work.