1 - How long has Strawman Limited been in operation?

Strawman Limited has now been operational for 25 years and has filed in excess of 600 oppositions.

2 - Is Strawman Limited affiliated with any European Patent firm?

Strawman Limited is an independent business and is not tied to any one firm of European Patent Attorneys; we do not therefore prosecute patent applications. This has an important advantage as the EPA or Legal Representative using Strawman Limited can challenge a European Patent without the fear of his/her argument being used against him/her on a patent or patent application he/she may be handling.

3 - Are there many EPA’s or Legal Representatives using Strawman Limited?

Yes - Strawman Limited is instructed by a large number of EPA's or Legal Representatives nationally and throughout Europe.

4 - What does Strawman Limited do?

Strawman Limited is a service company designed solely to provide complete anonymity to your client.  Currently, our services are limited to opposing patents at the European Patent Office (EPO).

5 - Who Needs Strawman Limited?

Any would-be opponent.  Numerous oppositions are filed daily – so potentially there is a need for Strawman Limited for each and every opposition. The advantages are numerous. Using Strawman Limited provides for anonymity which in turn avoids direct open conflicts with the patent holder hence reducing reputational risk. Other advantages include diversification of argumentation in separate oppositions; protection of one's own patents rights by challenging competitor's patents; influencing the market position by challenging competitors' or suppliers' patents whilst keeping one's own business research strategy hidden.

6 - Does Strawman Limited need to know the identity of the opposer wishing to use its’ name for an opposition ?

No.  Strawman Limited does not want to know nor need to know the identity of the opposer.By not knowing the name we preserve the anonymity of the opposer.

7 - What is the longevity of Strawman Limited's protection?

Strawman Limited has its own separate legal entity. Hence, it can continue trading despite death or resignation.  This, in turn, provides the ultimate protection to any “strawman” opposition that has been filed.

8 - Should we (EPA or Legal Representative) discuss the existence of Strawman Limited with our clients?

Should it be an express and/or implied term of your fiduciary relationship to discuss all avenues open to your client?  If so, this would include the feasibility of using Strawman Limited when discussing anonymity of oppositions. Are you best servicing your client needs if you do not discuss the existence of Strawman Limited with your client?  Surely your client needs to be in possession of all of the facts when considering the merits of filing an anonymous opposition.

9 - Can Strawman Limited ever refuse the use of its name?

Strawman Limited strictly operates on a first come-first served basis procedure with one name per opposition. So, yes, Strawman Limited can refuse the use of its name. In addition, currently, a patent proprietor cannot oppose its own patent and so we cannot represent the patent proprietor. In order to be first in line to use our name, time is therefore of the essence in completing and returning our online Application Form

10 - Does Strawman Limited prepare any of the opposition documentation?

No.  We are interested neither in the merits of the opposing patent nor in the merits of the opposition to be filed.  We do not prepare or take part in the preparation of any of the opposition documents or statements.

11 - How do I enlist the services of Strawman Limited?

The strategic advantages must always be considered within the legal and ethical ambit of the European Patent Convention. We only accept instructions from experienced EPA's or Legal Representatives who possess the technical, structural and procedural experience for opposition proceedings. Please read through The Agreement.  Once having read through the agreement complete the Application Form and await the response from Strawman Limited (this is almost immediate).