International law firm Kobre & Kim, along with leading Jersey law firm Baker & Partners, announced today that they have entered into a funding arrangement with Bentham IMF to investigate and possibly sue CPA Global, alleging systematic and widespread overcharging of clients for patent renewal services. The firms are also working with the patent renewals consulting business Patent Annuity Costs Limited, headed by Peter Rouse.
CPA Global is one of the world’s largest patent renewal companies, reportedly processing more than two million patent renewals per year.
The potential actions will allege that CPA Global breached standard service contracts with what may be tens of thousands of clients through concealed mark-ups, in at least one case estimated to exceed 90 percent.
The proposed legal proceedings would be commenced in Jersey, one of the UK’s Channel Islands, where CPA Global is incorporated, on behalf of CPA Global clients whose agreements select Jersey as the forum for any disputes. Bentham IMF will provide non-recourse funding to CPA Global customers who wish to pursue claims against CPA Global.
James Corbett QC of Kobre & Kim, who is leading the investigation and proposed action, said the following:
"Based on the investigation so far, the overcharging could be shocking. Based on models, the aggregate over-charges could total hundreds of millions of dollars over a ten-year claim period."
Baker & Partners’ Senior Partner Stephen Baker said:
"We engaged with Bentham IMF to help clients enforce their rights on a risk-free basis without the need to secure representation. Given the international nature of CPA Global’s business, we have partnered with a global firm to work with our experienced Jersey team to seek effective redress for claimants from around the world."
Bentham IMF Investment Manager Matthew Harrison said:
"Patent holders worldwide contract with CPA Global for the renewal of rights associated with their most valued assets. CPA Global appears to have breached those contracts. Bentham IMF’s funding will enable Kobre & Kim and Baker & Partners to rectify CPA Global’s treatment of its customers while sparing the patent holders from incurring any fees and costs to participate in the litigation."
The potential litigation is funded by Bentham IMF. Participants will not be required to pay any fees unless their claim is successfully resolved, and then only from sums awarded by the Court.
CPA Global customers, past and present, can register for the potential action without charge or obligation at www.cpaglobal-litigation.com. To find out more about the investigation, please contact info@cpaglobal-litigation.com or call global toll free number +1 833 204 1724.
Read the original press release on the Business Wire website