Elkem is a global leading enterprise in advanced silicon-based materials, operating across multiple markets with a large and evolving IP portfolio. With this scale, handling patent renewals in a structured and cost-effective way is a key operational priority. 

In this customer story, we spoke with Robertha Höglund, Head of Intellectual Property at Elkem who has been managing IP since 2014, working with a holistic approach across both registered and unregistered rights.

Where IP renewal costs started to add up

Before switching to PatentRenewal.com, Elkem handled IP renewals through CPA Global, fully integrated with their IP management system. Although the setup was functional, cost-related inefficiencies became increasingly difficult to manage over time.

The main challenges included:

  • High overall IP renewal costs
  • Paying country-level fees even in jurisdictions where no agent was required
  • Accumulating hidden cost layers that weren't obvious
  • Unfavorable currency exchange rates applied to IP renewals

While invoices were segmented into categories, the underlying cost structure still raised concerns.

“The main challenge was the cost. I realized that in some countries you don't need an agent, and then I still had to pay a country fee. So these things started to add up. Also the exchange rates were quite unfavorable for us.”

Finding an IP renewal solution without changing systems

The main driver was straightforward: reduce costs without adding internal complexity.

Elkem explored other IP renewal providers, however, most alternatives required switching IP management systems, which would have meant significant internal effort and change management. Maintaining their existing system while improving IP renewal execution was an important requirement.

PatentRenewal.com stood out as a disruptor in the industry. The positioning, team, and strong focus on technology offered a clear contrast to the traditional approaches.

Seeing the setup firsthand further increased their trust, including a visit to the company’s office and a closer look at how automation works alongside human validation for 100% efficiency and compliance.

“It looked to me that it was a technological advanced company. I also appreciated that there was control and a human in the loop. They wanted to make sure everything was aligned with our needs and that gave me trust.”

How Elkem reduced costs and simplified IP renewals

Switching to PatentRenewal.com meant Elkem could keep their existing IP management setup while improving how IP renewals are handled and how costs are structured. With the change they achieved:

  • Lower IP renewal costs without inflated fees

One of the first things they saw was a clear reduction in IP renewal costs, 26% savings compared to their previous provider. Beyond the percentage itself, the change was really about how costs are structured. Instead of paying for unnecessary cost layers, (agent involvement where it is not needed or unfavorable currency exchange handling) the setup became simple and 100% cost-efficient.

“We achieved around 20% of savings.” 
  • Better financial control and internal clarity

At the same time, financial control improved in a very practical way. Any unused funds can be returned, which makes a difference when explaining decisions internally and showing clear results.

“I like the fact that I can get unused funds back because that is actually very good for my internal customers. I can tell them I changed providers to get a better deal, and here is money you get back.”
  • No added workload internally

Another important factor was keeping the workload stable. Elkem did not want a new provider to introduce more processes or require additional effort from their side. 

  • Reporting that makes things easy to track

With PatentRenewal.com, data handling, monthly reporting with all  IP renewal activity and costs in one place, making it easy to track, understand, and share internally without extra work. 

“The monthly reports are handled externally this way, and so far it has worked really well.”
  • Smooth onboarding with strong data validation

The onboarding process also went more smoothly than expected. The focus on validating all their IP portfolio data carefully helped build confidence early on.

“There were many emails to make sure I was comfortable with the process, especially when it came to making sure the data was correct. It felt like there was control, and they are quite responsive. It was much less painful than I thought it would be.”
  • Automation with a human touch

In day-to-day operations, the combination of automation and human oversight stands out. The process is largely automated, but there is always a person involved when it matters, which makes communication more reliable and responsive.

“I like the high automation in the company, but I also like the human factor. It feels good to have a person reply and not a chatbot.”
  • Works with existing systems

Finally, the integration with their existing IP management system meant they did not have to rethink their entire setup. IP renewals could be improved without introducing a large system change, which removed a major barrier to switching.

“I don’t have many internal resources, so I couldn’t take on more work, and I didn’t want to change our system because that’s a huge shift. That’s why it was so important to have a solution that worked with what we already had without adding anything on our side.”

Cost efficiency without operational disruption

In the end, the value came from making things simpler. Fewer layers, clearer costs, and a setup that works with what they already have. 

This puts Elkem in a position where IP renewals run reliably in the background as their portfolio grows.

“I'm very satisfied. I appreciate the tangible financial results and how PatentRenewal.com manages things differently as a disruptor. The automation is strong, but having a human element alongside it also matters.”

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If your current IP renewal setup is working but difficult to justify from a cost perspective, a structured comparison can provide a clearer picture.

Request a free renewal cost calculation or book a demo to explore how your current IP renewal setup compares.

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