The Embedded Patent Attorney

J. Matthew Buchanan at Promote the Progress is discussing the concept of the "EPA" Embedded Patent Attorney here, here, here, and here, including this excerpt:

Following this approach, the attorney does whatever it takes to learn about your
business . . . walking the floor, routinely meeting with employees, reading
everything he can about the business, its industry, and the competition. Over
time, the attorney develops a familiarity and, indeed expertise, in the field
that will return huge dividends. A well-educated (in your business, not a
reference to his/her pedigree) patent attorney can help the business person
steer the ship, so to speak. The patent system provides a wealth of information
about your industry, and a patent attorney that is integrated with your overall
business strategy can sort through the vast amount of information available to
provide meaningful insight on your strengths and weaknesses and to identify (and
seize!) opportunities.

"Of course, the ‘P’ from EPA could really be any specialty," writes Matthew, "I’m just partial to patent attorneys."