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Most companies lack a deliberate strategy for their external patent firm network, treating foundational inventions the same as routine cases. Leading IP functions segment firms into strategic tiers, manage relationships as partnerships across full lifecycles, and leverage joint planning and AI to transform how external counsel delivers value.

The UK Government has announced revised implementation timelines for key provisions of the Employment Rights Act 2025, pushing back several major workplace reforms. New requirements around union membership notifications, bereavement leave, and flexible working procedures will now take effect between late 2026 and autumn 2027, with detailed guidance on compliance obligations and procedural requirements for employers.

From 1 October 2026, UK right to work obligations will extend far beyond traditional employment relationships to include worker contracts, subcontracting chains, online matching services, and substitution arrangements. With civil penalties reaching £60,000 per illegal worker, organisations across all sectors must now review their contractual supply chains and implement comprehensive compliance frameworks to avoid extended liability for illegal working.