Spencer Fane LLP, a Kansas City-based law firm, has announced its merger with Washington, D.C.-based intellectual property boutique Global IP Counselors LLP, effective January 5, 2026. This strategic move brings over a dozen patent and trademark attorneys and patent agents into Spencer Fane’s intellectual property practice, expanding the firm’s capabilities to meet the increasingly complex and global needs of its clients. ([spencerfane.com](https://www.spencerfane.com/insight/spencer-fane-combines-with-global-ip-counselors-expanding-ip-capabilities-from-washington-d-c/?utm_source=openai))
Global IP Counselors has been recognized for filing more than 1,000 patent applications annually in the U.S. and abroad across diverse technical fields. The team includes former USPTO patent examiners and trademark examining attorneys, with several members fluent in Japanese, reflecting strong ties to international clients. ([spencerfane.com](https://www.spencerfane.com/insight/spencer-fane-combines-with-global-ip-counselors-expanding-ip-capabilities-from-washington-d-c/?utm_source=openai))
Michael Murphy, Managing Partner of Global IP Counselors, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating, “We are excited to join Spencer Fane and become part of a platform that shares our commitment to client service and innovation both in terms of practicing law as well as creating a collaborative environment that leads to creative outcomes for clients.” ([spencerfane.com](https://www.spencerfane.com/insight/spencer-fane-combines-with-global-ip-counselors-expanding-ip-capabilities-from-washington-d-c/?utm_source=openai))
This merger is part of Spencer Fane’s broader strategy to enhance its intellectual property practice. In October 2025, the firm welcomed Ya-Chiao Chang as a partner in its Dallas office. Chang brings extensive experience in international intellectual property law, particularly in U.S. and Chinese patent systems, and has deep roots in Beijing and Shanghai. ([spencerfane.com](https://www.spencerfane.com/insight/spencer-fane-welcomes-international-ip-partner-with-beijing-shanghai-background-in-dallas/?utm_source=openai))
Additionally, in December 2025, Spencer Fane announced a combination with New York City-based Golenbock Eiseman Assor Bell & Peskoe, a full-service 50-attorney law firm. This merger, effective February 2, 2026, provides Spencer Fane entry into the largest legal market in the world and expands its national presence. ([spencerfane.com](https://www.spencerfane.com/insight/spencer-fane-to-combine-with-golenbock-eiseman-elite-new-york-city-firm/?utm_source=openai))
Spencer Fane’s recent mergers and strategic hires underscore its commitment to expanding its intellectual property capabilities and geographic reach to better serve its clients’ evolving needs.