In effect from 1 February 2026
Unless otherwise has been agreed and documented in writing between Patrade and the client, the following terms and conditions apply to any case/assignment that is carried out by Patrade per the client’s instructions.
Receiving the case
Upon receiving the case, we examine whether a conflict of interest exists. If this turns out the be the case, we will assist you in finding another patent/trade mark attorney.
We expect to receive all relevant and necessary material from the client in order to optimise our service. In most cases, we require a signed power of attorney from the client, which is attached to the order confirmation, before the work is initiated. By signature of the power of attorney, the client confirms to be informed of our terms of payment.
Confidentiality
Patrade is under the obligation to treat all information received from the client or about the client strictly confidential. Furthermore, all work carried out on behalf of the client is strictly confidential. The duty of confidentiality applies without any time limit.
Handling and closing/completion of the case, etc.
All assistance is provided in accordance with good business practices. The nature and the extent of the service provided by Patrade are partly agreed initially with the client and partly on a regular basis.
Patrade enters all deadlines received from national and international authorities (in our surveillance system) in all pending cases. If deemed necessary, we will apply for an extension of time as far as possible. It is, however, often required that the client provide us with the information necessary in order for us to observe the time limits given. Therefore, we ask the client for the necessary information in reasonable time. In the event this information fails to appear, we shall undertake no liability for loss of rights.
The client is obliged to inform Patrade of changes in the client’s conditions including changes of address, changes to company law, or changes relating to Patrade’s contact person at the company in question. If these requirements are not complied with, Patrade shall not be held liable in case the client is not informed in due course, which may result in loss of rights.
Patrade shall keep all documents of a case for at least six years from the date of completion of the case. Original documents shall be returned upon completion of the case at the latest.
Fees
Patrade fixes the fee taking into account the extent of the work to be carried out. Furthermore, the responsibility required in connection with the work in question is taken into consideration, the complexity of the case and the degree of specialist knowledge which the work requires.
Disbursement is paid by the client as a part of the fee. As examples of such fees, public registration and annuity fees can be mentioned.
Entering into agreement with the client about the service rendered, Patrade shall at the request of the client, provide the client with information about the most important tasks and the size of the estimated fee. Very often it will not be possible to inform the client of a fixed fee, however, in such cases, we shall inform the client how the fee is calculated or provide the client with a well-founded estimate. Furthermore, upon request, the client will be informed of any disbursement we expect to pay in connection with the case.
In the event objections from the authority or a third party shall appear in connection with an application, Patrade carries out the work necessary in order to ensure the client’s right. The client is obliged to pay Patrade for this work. The fee payable is according to the service rendered.
Agent disbursements in foreign currency
Patrade protects itself against the liquidity risk and risk of currency fluctuations related to the disbursements we pay on behalf of our clients.
Agent disbursements are registered on the client’s case immediately upon receipt, however, not before undergoing internal approval. An additional charge of currently 3% is added to invoices in DKK or EUR as we usually receive these invoices significantly sooner than we invoice our clients. A charge of additional 5% for protection against currency fluctuations is currently added to invoices issued in currencies other than DKK or EUR. As we use the absolute rate of exchange of Nationalbanken, the central bank of Denmark, the additional charge also covers the fact that neither we nor our customers can acquire currency at this rate. *)
Patrade is at any time allowed to adjust the abovementioned charges without prior notice to our clients. Upon request, Patrade shall provide information on the current rates.
*) The rates are adjusted every Monday such that they correspond with quotations from the preceding Friday.
Settlement of accounts etc.
Patrade usually forwards an on-account invoice which is payable with two days before the work is carried out. The on-account invoice will usually be 70% of the estimated costs in connection with the handling of the application, official fees included. Hereafter, on account settlements are made each quarter. In individual cases, e.g. in cases which “have been shelved” for a longer period of time, this condition can be deviated from thus a settlement is made after a longer period of time, e.g. six months. In cases which have a shorter sequence of time, settlement is normally made by the completion of the case.
As a rule, costs related to a case and disbursement shall be settled in connection with on account invoices and final invoice, respectively.
The terms of payment of ordinary invoices are net 20 days from date of invoice. In case of late payment, interest of 3% per month shall be payable on the amount overdue.
In case the client does not settle the account, we reserve the right to suspend the work. Patrade will inform the client accordingly in writing.
Liability, limitation of liability and insurance
Patrade is held liable for the service rendered in accordance with rules governed by Danish law and has taken out a professional liability insurance with an acknowledged insurance company. The insurance policy can be presented upon request.
Patrade, its shareholders or employees shall not be held liable for indirect loss or consequential damages, including loss of profits, loss of data, loss of profits, goodwill, image, etc.
Patrade cooperates with a number of colleagues in international cases; colleagues which represent the client before the authority in the country in question. We consider all our colleagues as professional partners. Patrade, its shareholders or employees shall not be held liable for any faults committed by advisers, to which Patrade has referred the client. Patrade, its shareholders, employees shall not be held liable to any faults committed by other advisers to whom Patrade has handed over part of the task solution according to prior agreement with the client.
Governing law and jurisdiction
All disputes arising out of Patrade’s consultancy including disputes relation to the interpretation of these business terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Any disputes shall be brought before a Danish court only.