Streamlining Global IP Renewals for Alibaba

Alibaba Group manages a vast global patent portfolio across multiple jurisdictions and legal entities. As overseas patent annuity volumes continued to grow, efficiency, responsiveness, and flexibility became critical. By partnering with RWS for IP renewals, Alibaba transformed its global annuity management process. The result was faster communication, reduced risk, and scalable support aligned to Alibaba’s growth strategy.

10-15%

more efficiency

Global patent annuity management

Real-time localized support

A partnership built on trust, flexibility, and local expertise

From the outset, Alibaba experienced strong leadership-level commitment from RWS. The professionalism of RWS’s global renewals team, combined with indispensable local China-based support, immediately differentiated the service. 

RWS tailored solutions to Alibaba’s internal requirements, including customized documentation and billing aligned to different financial systems. Quarterly reminders, automatic payment options, and proactive risk management helped further streamline operations. 

Over time, these improvements led Alibaba to transfer more renewals work from law firms and attorneys to RWS, expanding the scope of the partnership.