Move for Stockholm-based IPQ an “exciting, yet natural” development for Rouse
We are delighted to announce Rouse has acquired Swedish IP firm, IPQ.
The move further enhances Rouse’ IP consultancy offering and helps cement the company’s position as a preeminent provider of commercial IP strategy advisory services globally.
It also represents our first continental European acquisition; the company having built a long track record as the leading IP specialist in emerging markets, not least in China, South East Asia and the Middle East.
Based in Stockholm, IPQ’s 17-strong business will operate under the name Rouse AB. Partners Thomas Randes, Michael Kitzler and Erik Oskarsson will become Rouse Principals, the company’s partner-equivalent.
In addition to its work with high profile brands such as H&M, IPQ advises a wide range of fast growth companies working in fields where converging technologies are radically disrupting established business models. Together, Rouse will bring IPQ’s innovative IP consultancy experience to clients across the company’s global network of offices in (now) 14 countries.
Rouse and IPQ already enjoy a strong working relationship. The two companies have collaborated extensively in the provision of IP consultancy services, as well as in Rouse’ trademark, patent and legal services.
Luke Minford, Chief Executive, Rouse, commented:
“The move is an exciting yet natural next step in Rouse’ ongoing growth. IPQ has well established specialist skills in helping companies to maximise the exploitation and management of their IP. There is enormous opportunity for us to bring that expertise to Rouse’ global client base, not least in China and other emerging markets where there is an increasing demand from domestic clients for IP consulting support.
“The nature of IP services is changing: clients in these markets are seeking new avenues to growth and increasingly coming to understand how intelligent IP strategy can unlock untapped value lying dormant across an enterprise. The IPQ team will be instrumental in further strengthening Rouse’ ability to help clients on that journey.”
Thomas Randes, Managing Partner, IPQ, commented:
“We’re delighted to be joining with Rouse. Beyond our cultural and commercial compatibility, we share a fundamental vision of the role IP can and should play in helping our clients achieve new growth, not least in sectors where established thinking is being radically disrupted by new technologies.”
The announcement follows three years of strong organic growth and increased profitability for Rouse. The firm also recently took a strategic stake in Inngot, the innovative web-based platform specialising in the identification and valuation of intangible assets, through which Rouse UAE has already launched a new online IP valuation tool targeted at SMEs in the region.
