Alt Legal IP Docketing Blog has a nice post on The Ethics of IP Docketing Software (found here). While I am not advocating for Alt Legal’s docketing software products–there are many customized and off-the-shelf software product vendors who pitch such solutions to IP lawyers–the point of the post is well taken.
As the author correctly points out, missing a deadline can mean lost customers, business reputation risks, malpractice claims, and professional discipline by the USPTO. Moreover, the duty of technical competence, which has been adopted by almost half the states, requires lawyers to obtain proficiency with developments in technology.
Running an IP firm without suitable docketing software is a bit like playing Russian roulette with your law license. It is just plain dumb.
