ClearWater Holdings Ltd., through its operating division 360 Power Group, is reinventing the architecture of electric motors and generators with over 80 global patents protecting their breakthrough 98.4% efficiency technology. This innovation promises to extend EV battery range by 10–30% and reduce energy costs for machinery at the same scale, a portfolio too important to risk on inefficient IP renewal processes.

In this customer story, we spoke with Morgan Harwith, Co-founder of ClearWater Holdings, about how switching to PatentRenewal.com transformed their IP renewal process, reduced costs, and finally gave them the clarity and control they needed.

Manual IP renewals, lack of continuity, hidden costs

Before PatentRenewal.com, ClearWater’s annuities were managed by a local patent agent, who also handled patent prosecution. This setup relied on local counsel for IP renewals, which turned out to be very costly. 

When ClearWater moved its patent prosecution to a law firm, they decided to manage patent renewals separately, first with one IP renewal provider, then another. Each of these IP patent providers had their own set of work related challenges.

Morgan described recurring issues with these previous providers:

  • Limited continuity: Frequent staff turnover meant there was no consistent point of contact.
“It was always a challenge trying to get through to somebody - they seemed to have a fair amount of turnover.”
  • Misaligned communication: Disagreements over how best to communicate and provide instructions led to delays and inefficiencies.
“We disagreed on how we best communicate and give instructions.”
  • Abandoning patents was complicated: Choosing to abandon an annuity involved unnecessary friction and follow-up.
“If we chose to abandon an annuity someplace, it was always a challenge in keeping track of what was owed and when.”
  • Hidden pricing: Invoices were presented as lump sums, with no breakdown of where the money was going.
“Providers gave us single charges with no clarity.”
  • Budgeting challenges: Lack of transparency made it hard to forecast and track IP renewal costs accurately.

“We never really knew what was paid where, and for budgeting it was frustrating.”

Choosing a transparent and cost-efficient partner

When selecting their new IP renewal provider, ClearWater compared patent renewal cost estimates from several providers. PatentRenewal.com stood out for its competitive pricing and transparency-first approach.

For the first time, Morgan could see the full breakdown of costs: official fees, service fees, and, where applicable, local agent, transaction, postal, or surcharge fees.


Why ClearWater chose PatentRenewal.com:

  • Cost savings: Lower total patent renewal fees compared to competitors.
  • Full transparency: A clear breakdown of every cost category, not a single opaque number.
  • Responsive service: Fast, professional communication and easy adjustments when strategies changed.
  • Smoother workflows: Direct IP renewals without unnecessary middle layers.
  • Better budgeting & cash flow planning: Transparent fee breakdowns now allow accurate weekly cash flow budgets and forecast IP renewals with confidence.

“You were the most transparent provider. For the first time, I knew exactly what was being paid to the patent offices and intermediaries, and what your service fee was. That gave me real confidence.”

Clear results: lower costs & admin, more control

According to Morgan, the transition from the previous provider to PatentRenewal.com was smooth, with only a couple of inputs needed to align terminology and portfolio details. 

“The onboarding was smooth. It wasn’t complicated, and the ability to export directly from the platform made it very practical.”

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Since switching, ClearWater has achieved:

  • Confidence in budgeting: With a clear breakdown of every fee, budget planning and forecasting IP renewal costs for the future has become much easier. Instead of dealing with a single opaque number, ClearWater can now see exactly what goes to service fees, intermediaries, patent offices, and exchange rates, giving them a transparent view of their budgets.
“I actually know what the real costs are for every part of the service. I know what you’re charging for your service, what’s going to the intermediaries, the patent offices, and even the foreign exchange. That level of openness makes planning much easier and gives me real confidence in budgeting.”
  • Reduced admin work: No need for back-and-forth emails, information is available instantly in the platform.
  • Flexible decision-making: Ability to adjust patent renewals up to the final decision point without friction. Unlike their previous provider, PatentRenewal.com provides a clear decision window around three months before each IP renewal, so ClearWater can confirm or decline IP renewals case by case.

“It gives us the flexibility to do what we’re going to do. The adjustments were made easily, and very professionally.”

A better way to manage patent renewals

By adopting PatentRenewal.com, ClearWater Holdings simplified patent renewal processes, reduced costs, and finally gained the transparency that had been missing for years.

“I actually know what the real costs are for every part of the service that’s being provided. That part for me is very open, transparent, and it’s appreciated.”


If your company is facing similar challenges with costly, opaque IP renewals, take the first step today. Request a free patent renewal cost audit or book a demo with our team to see how much you could save.