AI patent drafting platform DeepIP has announced its acquisition of PatentMaker, a notable patent workflow tool specifically designed for European intellectual property practitioners. This strategic acquisition is aimed at establishing a stronger foothold in the European market for patent drafting and prosecution, effectively positioning the combined entities as a significant player in this domain.
DeepIP, since its inception in 2024 by founders François-Xavier Leduc and Edouard d’Archimbaud, has experienced rapid growth. The company’s platform is widely utilized by over 400 law firms and corporate intellectual property teams across 25 different jurisdictions. Notably, a remarkable achievement by DeepIP has been the drafting of more than 25,000 patent applications, with a client base that includes over half of the top 50 North American IP law firms.
PatentMaker, on the other hand, has its roots in Germany. It was developed by Dr. Matthias Hofmann, a reputed German and European patent attorney and equity partner at Boehmert & Boehmert. Hofmann designed PatentMaker to address practical challenges faced by patent practitioners, thereby streamlining the routine yet time-intensive tasks associated with patent workflows. The tool has been well-received by nearly half of Germany’s top IP law firms, in addition to being employed by corporate IP teams at companies like Infineon Technologies and Siemens AG.
The integration of DeepIP and PatentMaker’s capabilities promises a comprehensive solution for the entire patent lifecycle. This includes invention capture, prior art search, drafting, filing, prosecution, and post-grant processes, all within a unified environment. The objective is to provide faster turnaround times, improved quality output, and enhanced collaboration across various teams and jurisdictions.
Following this acquisition, DeepIP is set to establish a German office at Boehmert & Boehmert’s Munich location. Dr. Matthias Hofmann will take on a cofounder role focusing on German operations, while PatentMaker’s Managing Director, Celia Wei, will lead the German operations for DeepIP. Despite these expansions, DeepIP will maintain its existing European headquarters in Paris and its North American base in New York.