After 120 years Plasseraud opens door to investor

Plasseraud is not the first patent firm to respond to current challenges with an expansion strategy. Upcoming investments in AI-powered tools, as well as the expansion of existing offices and teams, require capital.

IP network Rouse is carrying out its expansion with the support of MML Capital. French-based IP firm Ipsilon has brought Waterland on board. However, a similarly rapid acquisition of other firms, as seen in these examples, does not appear to be Plasseraud’s objective. The firm places particular emphasis on integrating acquisitions effectively and continuing to position itself strongly as an employer brand.

“Remaining true to its independence and unwavering commitment to excellence, the Group continues to pursue its ambition of delivering ever more effective, differentiated and premium services to its clients, whilst reinforcing its commitment to being a great place to work for all its people,” said a statement from Plasseraud.

Looking to the future

Two years ago, Plasseraud had already initiated an internal phase during which both management and the partners examined the direction the firm should take in the future. A visible sign of this transformation was last year’s reorganisation of the management structure.

As a further part of this transformation, the firm opened an office in Amsterdam in January 2025 and made significant investments in artificial intelligence. Plasseraud has a total of 15 offices across Europe and in Shanghai.

The firm also has one of the largest teams of patent attorneys in Europe. For several years now it has also been increasingly handling litigation with its own lawyers.

The investor, Andera Acto, is a French investment firm supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. Andera Partners is a good 100 years younger than Plasseraud and currently has nearly €5.1 billion in assets under management and employs 130 professionals.