FAQ

About Caldwell

Who is Caldwell?

Caldwell is a global law firm specializing in M&A, intellectual property (IP), and corporate legal services. With offices in the US and UK and a planned Tokyo expansion, our team includes attorneys qualified in Japan, the US, the UK, Germany, Taiwan, and New Zealand, and positioning us to serve clients across key markets and enabling seamless cross-border collaboration.

Our impressive track record speaks to our expertise and results-driven approach. We have managed M&A transactions in over 60 jurisdictions, leveraging advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to cut review times by up to 55% and enhance risk management by 50%. In IP, we boast a 96.1% USPTO patent allowance rate—far above the national average of 67%—and provide monetization strategies to maximize value. Caldwell has guided over $45 billion in IP-driven transactions and supported more than 250 VC-backed companies.

With deep expertise, innovative technology, and a global network, Caldwell delivers exceptional value and superior outcomes, making us the trusted partner for companies navigating complex legal and strategic challenges.

What is Caldwell’s core service offering?

Intellectual Property (IP)
Caldwell’s IP team helps clients—from startups to global brands—maximize their innovations through strategic patent development, prosecution, and monetization. With a 96.1% USPTO patent allowance rate (vs. a 67% national average), we ensure efficient, cost-effective protection. Our team, based in global innovation hubs, collaborates with top academic institutions and international partners for comprehensive IP protection to ensure that our clients have access to an expansive range of resources. We also advise clients on monetization strategies, guiding them from innovation to high-value outcomes through targeted brokerage and licensing programs.

Corporate
Caldwell offers comprehensive corporate services, guiding clients through fundraising, M&A, crisis management, and daily strategic needs. Our expertise spans early-stage and growth equity investments, corporate governance, and lifecycle advisory. We also provide “In-house Counsel as a Service,” offering seamless support across corporate litigation, debt and equity fundraising, M&A, and joint ventures. Additionally, we assist in establishing venture capital programs, SPVs, and fund structures, while facilitating introductions between corporate clients and startups in our portfolio. Our team prides itself on its well-rounded and expansive expertise range, which equips us to deliver targeted solutions and strategies whatever the client needs. Caldwell offers Big Law-quality services with substantial cost savings. By utilizing advanced AI tools, we reduce due diligence and document review time by over 50%, resulting in a cost structure approximately 30% lower than larger firms. We offer flexible fee arrangements, to ensures that our services are accessible and aligned with your company’s financial objectives.

Why choose Caldwell for Cross-Border Tech and Life Sciences Investments?

Caldwell is uniquely positioned to support tech-oriented and life sciences transactions through a combination of deep expertise in intellectual property (IP) law and a strong presence in the US, Japanese, and European markets. With attorneys qualified across multiple jurisdictions, we ensure seamless cross-border collaboration and effectively address complex international legal nuances.

Leveraging our experience with $45 billion in IP-driven transactions and a robust venture capital network, we integrate IP strategy with transactional support to maximize value and mitigate risks. For companies navigating cross-border investments, Caldwell delivers efficient, impactful solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.

We prioritize building long-term client relationships by consistently delivering exceptional quality, timely communication, and actionable advice. Our approach includes proactive support, free workshops, tailored updates, and tech-enabled processes to enhance efficiency and simplify decision-making. With flexible fee arrangements and a focus on capturing the details that matter, Caldwell offers cost-effective, high-value solutions that foster trust and lasting partnerships.

Geographic Coverage & Expertise

Which jurisdictions are Caldwell’s sweet spot?

Caldwell can cover -and has covered- transactions spanning multiple jurisdictions and managed local counsel and specialist teams, while still reducing overall costs.

Our team members are qualified in Japan, the US, the UK, Germany, Taiwan, and NZ.

  • A large portion or our work is European and Japanese clients investing in or acquiring companies in the US, the UK, or Europe as well as filing and defending patents for our US and international tech or life science clients across the globe.
  • Our Corporate and IP teams (the majority of which holds master’s degrees or PhDs in hard sciences) are fully integrated. Our sweet spot is tech- or IP driven transactions requiring efficient deal execution while ensuring our clients get what they are paying for.

Our diversity enables us to address the complexities of international transactions, streamlining processes, minimizing miscommunication risks, and facilitating an efficient path to achieving your investment goals.

 

 

What time zones does Caldwell cover?

Caldwell offer our clients Continuous coverage across US, Europe, and Asia. Our Flexible, round-the-clock service tailored to client schedules, ensuring seamless collaboration globally. Note our Global Office Locations:

  • Boston (US East Coast)
  • Los Angeles (US West Coast)
  • London (Europe)
  • And our expanding Presence in Asia:

    • Tokyo office – Frequent team visits to Japan to support clients and establish a strong presence in the startup and investor ecosystem
    • Solicitor currently based in Taiwan

Sector Expertise

What is Caldwell’s experience in sectors relevant to your company’s focus?

Caldwell has extensive experience in sectors such as fintech, biotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced technology—areas that may be relevant to your company’s investment focus. We have advised companies developing cutting-edge technologies and have a deep understanding of the regulatory landscapes affecting these industries. Our sector-specific expertise enables us to provide insightful advice that aligns with market trends and regulatory requirements, ensuring continuously tailored solutions.

Can Caldwell support your company in both legal and strategic aspects of investments and acquisitions?

Caldwell has extensive experience in sectors such as fintech, biotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced technology—areas that may be relevant to your company’s investment focus. We have advised companies developing cutting-edge technologies and have a deep understanding of the regulatory landscapes affecting these industries. Our sector-specific expertise enables us to provide insightful advice that aligns with market trends and regulatory requirements, ensuring continuously tailored solutions.

How does Caldwell’s expertise in intellectual property benefit your company?

IP is often a key asset in tech startups. Caldwell’s deep expertise in IP law ensures that IP assets are thoroughly evaluated, protected, and leveraged during acquisitions or investments. We conduct comprehensive IP due diligence to identify potential risks and opportunities, assist in structuring deals to maximize IP value, and provide ongoing support to manage and enforce IP rights post-transaction. Our integrated approach helps safeguard your company’s investments and enhances the long-term value of the startups. For us IP due diligence is not just a tick-the-box exercise. We do of course also confirm ownership etc. but we also confirm that the IP is aligned and sufficient for running the business.

Cross-border and Growth Support

Does Caldwell have experience with Japanese companies?

Yes, Caldwell has significant experience working with Japanese companies on cross-border transactions and IP matters. Our partner and director of the corporate practice, Marcus Wolter has held a senior position in Freshfields´ Tokyo office running cross border M&A and venture capital deals for Japanese clients for almost 8 years. Our team also includes Japanese-qualified attorneys, such as Takahiro Miyazaki, who is licensed in both Japan and New York. He brings extensive experience in corporate transactions, joint ventures, and disputes across the US, Europe, and Japan. We provide Japanese-language support and have close ties with the Japanese startup and corporate venture ecosystems. Our diverse team understands and values the cultural and business practices unique to Japan, ensuring effective communication and successful collaboration.

Highlights of Our Team’s Japanese Track Record:

Advised Japanese companies on acquisitions and sales, including fintech, food and beverage, security, shipping, manufacturing and other sectors in Australia, Netherlands, US, France, Canada, Vietnam, Singapore, and India, including:

  • Japanese Unicorn Opn Holdings on its USD120 million Series C+ round and its acquisition of MerchantE Solutions in the US and various asset sales in the US.
  • Ajinomoto, Japan’s largest food company, on its $532m acquisition of a 33.33% stake in Promasidor, a major seasonings and processed foods manufacturer that conducts business in 36 African countries and on its sale of a feed-use amino acid company in France.

Guided major Japanese financial institutions in establishing and funding projects, such as:

  • A major Japanese bank’s setup, funding and shareholder rights in a central bank-backed utility settlement coin project. Various listed Japanese companies in growth equity, venture capital investments, and corporate venture capital program setups.
    • Supported Japanese firms in establishing joint ventures and green energy initiatives in the Netherlands, England, and beyond.
    • Resolved Japanese companies’ disputes on employment, environmental claims, and product liabilities across Japan, Europe, and Australia.
    • Assisted Japanese entities with investments and dissolutions, including manufacturing in India and Sri Lanka, and joint ventures in Vietnam.

      How does Caldwell handle M&A, particularly in multiple jurisdictions?

      Caldwell provides comprehensive M&A support, managing due diligence, negotiation, regulatory compliance, and post-merger integration. We have managed M&A transactions in over 60 jurisdictions, leveraging our global network and collaborating with local counsel when necessary. Our approach integrates advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and risk management in M&A processes through bespoke implementations of cutting-edge AI and a legal project management platform. This has reduced review time by up to 55%, enabled early identification of compliance risks, and improved reliability in risk management. Our centralized dashboards provide real-time tracking, ensuring full project visibility, efficiency, and transparent delivery, resulting in superior outcomes for our clients.

      Our expertise spans various sectors, including technology and life sciences. We prioritize each deal with a dedicated team, ensuring efficient and effective management of the transaction process and maximizing success rates. Our experience with multinational clients like Microsoft and Starbucks demonstrates our ability to handle complex, cross-border M&A activities.

      Can Caldwell assist with establishing or expanding your company’s investment activities in the US and Europe?

      Yes, we can assist your company in expanding its investment activities in the US and Europe.

      Our services encompass entity formation, regulatory compliance, employment law advice, and guidance on local business practices. We simplify the legal complexities of entering new markets, enabling your company to focus on strategic growth. This includes preparing detailed memoranda on expansion tailored to the relevant jurisdiction, outlining key considerations and competitors, and providing actionable recommendations while advising on the incorporation of new entities.

      What is Caldwell’s experience supporting startup growth?

      Caldwell has a proven track record of supporting startups from early-stage financing through growth and exit phases. We have managed over 100 funding rounds, including significant Series A and B rounds and cross-border investments. Our clients include innovative companies like JetZero, BETA Technologies and Job.com. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that startups face, and we provide tailored legal and strategic support to foster their growth. This likely aligns with your company’s investment strategy by enhancing the potential for high returns and successful exits.

      Technology and Pricing

      How does Caldwell’s use of technology enhance its services and improve cost efficiency?

      Caldwell embraces technology to improve efficiency and accuracy in our legal services. We employ advanced AI tools for due diligence, document review, and IP analysis, which accelerates the transaction process and reduces costs. This technological edge allows us to focus more on strategic advisory roles, providing higher value to our clients and maximising cost efficiency.  Innovation is a core part of who we are at Caldwell and we will always be dedicated to that cause. Our smaller size allows us to implement these new structures and technologies efficiently and effectively, enabling us to stay ahead in an increasingly digital legal landscape and to consistently offer our clients the most innovative solutions.

      How competitive is Caldwell’s pricing, and what fee structures are available?

      Caldwell offers Big Law-quality services with substantial cost savings. By utilizing advanced AI tools, we reduce due diligence and document review time by over 50%, resulting in a cost structure approximately 30% lower than larger firms. We offer blended rates and flexible fee arrangements, including retainers, fixed-fee models, and success-based fees, which can be tailored to accommodate the budgets of startups and early-stage companies. This flexibility ensures that our services are accessible and aligned with your company’s financial objectives.

      Risk Management and Legal Support

      How does Caldwell approach risk management in transactions?

      Caldwell understands the importance of risk management and we adopt a proactive approach to risk management by conducting thorough due diligence and identifying potential legal and regulatory issues early in the transaction process. Our team assesses risks related to IP, compliance, contractual obligations, and market factors. We then develop strategies to mitigate these risks, protecting our clients’ interests and ensuring smoother transaction execution.

      Can Caldwell assist with post-acquisition integration and ongoing legal support?

      Yes, Caldwell provides ongoing support after the investment or acquisition is completed. We assist with integration processes, corporate governance, IP management, compliance matters, and any subsequent legal needs that may arise. Caldwell values loyalty and partnership, and our goal is to build long-term relationships with our clients, supporting their continued growth and success. For your company, this means having a trusted legal partner that can adapt to evolving business needs and contribute to sustained value creation.

      Client Collaboration

      How does Caldwell ensure effective communication and collaboration with international clients?

      As a global firm with a diverse set of members from around the world, Caldwell understands and value differences in culture and systems. We prioritize clear and effective communication by providing multilingual support and understanding cultural nuances. Our team includes attorneys fluent in Japanese, English, German, and Mandarin, facilitating direct communication without language barriers. We also accommodate time zone differences to ensure timely responses and coordination. This commitment to communication enhances collaboration and builds strong relationships with our international clients.

      How does Caldwell stay updated on legal developments that could impact your company?

      Our attorneys are committed to continuous learning and staying abreast of legal and regulatory changes in the jurisdictions we operate. We monitor developments in IP law, corporate governance, international trade, and industry-specific regulations. We do that either directly utilizing leading legal research, news and education resources, including Thomson Reuters products such as Westlaw Precision and Practical Law, LexisNexis and Law360, or indirectly through our collaborations with specialist firms, for example, when it comes to anti-trust and foreign direct investment regulations. By staying informed, we provide timely advice to our clients, helping them adapt to changes and maintain compliance especially in relation to US investments, which we understand is a crucial part of any business.

      We made a conscious decision not to develop an expensive in-house knowledge development department as in our experience (coming from big-law), they are rather costly AND have a hard time in keeping up to date themselves with the newest developments on the above-mentioned platforms, which also can easily be pulled into our tech-stack.

      By choosing Caldwell, your company gains a legal partner with the expertise, resources, and global perspective necessary to navigate the complexities of international investments and acquisitions. Most importantly, by working with Caldwell your company automatically ensures to be at the forefront of legal innovation through collaboration in Caldwell’s AI-enabled, proprietary tech-stack.