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IMF Bentham teams with Boies Schiller Flexner to provide US$30M capital and legal representation to parties with Vietnamese cross-border disputes

16 APRIL 2019:  Leading international dispute financier, IMF Bentham Limited (ASX:IMF) and renowned global litigation and arbitration firm Boies Schiller Flexner LLP (BSF) announce a collaboration to provide up to US$30 million in funding capital for cross-border disputes with a Vietnamese connection. This world-first collaboration combines IMF Bentham’s financial support with BSF’s unmatched legal and Vietnam expertise to benefit foreign investors or Vietnamese businesses in Vietnam-related disputes, including international arbitration or US/UK litigation.

Why Vietnam?

Vietnam is poised to become Asia’s next economic powerhouse. It has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and a population approaching 100 million. It is also attracting record foreign investments in major infrastructure, manufacturing, real estate, and energy projects. Leading local businesses are also beginning to expand their operations abroad. When disputes arise, they typically involve multi-national parties and multi-jurisdictional proceedings. These disputes are complex and costly, and they require legal representation with a mix of local, regional and international expertise. Very few international players offer such expertise or the flexible sources of dispute finance that litigation funding offers.  Until now.

What does the IMF-BSF arrangement mean for clients?

Together, IMF and BSF bring the capital and know-how required to pursue complex and high stakes Vietnam related claims. The arrangement brings clients:

  • fast and streamlined funding assessment (within 4 weeks)
  • legal representation by one of the world’s leading trial and arbitration law firms with unique Vietnam expertise
  • risk-free recoveries (neither BSF nor IMF Bentham recover any costs unless the claim is successful)
How will the arrangement work?

IMF will fund preliminary investigations into potential claims and also subsidize BSF’s legal fees and external expenses (e.g., expert witnesses) for claims that proceed. Funding arrangements will be tailored for each specific case.

IMF’s Chief Investment Officer (Asia), Tom Glasgow, said: IMF and BSF have had a strong working relationship on funded matters, and our US division successfully funded a matter with Mr Tran that resolved in 2016. Our new arrangement with BSF responds to increasing demand for legal representation in cross-border disputes involving Vietnamese parties and assets. It also reflects the growing appetite for third-party finance as a tool for resolving disputes in Asia.

Luan Tran, Partner at BSF said: “I lead a unique practice which combines the Vietnamese perspective (jurisdictional know-how, local contacts and language) with BSF’s global disputes expertise.  I recently lived and worked in Vietnam and Asia and regularly travel for work there. I have an intimate knowledge of the market. This collaboration with IMF allows foreign investors doing business in Vietnam, as well as Vietnamese companies doing business internationally, to pursue cases prosecuted by a leading law firm that previously might have been beyond reach for cost reasons.” 

Quyen Ta, Partner at BSF said: “I have represented the top companies based in Asia and the United States in their highest-stakes intellectual property, class action, and trade secrets disputes—whether in state or federal courts, or in international arbitrations.  Clients appreciate that they can come to BSF for their Southeast Asian disputes, be able to retain experienced trial lawyers like me and Luan who are culturally and linguistically competent, and have access to a reputable litigation funding source.”

ABOUT IMF BENTHAM

IMF is one of the leading global litigation funders, headquartered in Australia and with offices in the US, Singapore, Canada, Hong Kong and the UK. IMF has built its reputation as a trusted provider of innovative litigation funding solutions and has established an increasingly diverse portfolio of litigation funding assets.

IMF has a highly experienced litigation funding team overseeing its investments. We have a 90% success rate over 184 completed investments and have recovered over A$1.4 billion for clients since 2001.

For further information please see Tom Glasgow and www.imf.com.au.

As Chief Investment Officer (Asia), Tom Glasgow leads the Asian investment activities and business expansion for IMF Bentham. Prior to joining IMF Bentham, Tom was a senior member of market leading international arbitration and disputes practice in Asia, where he handled complex multi-jurisdictional commercial matters for leading global businesses across a range of sectors.

ABOUT BOIES SCHILLER FLEXNER

Boies Schiller Flexner is a firm of internationally recognized trial lawyers, crisis managers and strategic advisors known for their creative, aggressive and efficient pursuit of success for the firm’s clients. The firm has an established record of taking on and winning complex, ground-breaking and cross-border matters in diverse circumstances and industries for many of the world’s most sophisticated companies. The firm has 15 offices located throughout the United States and in London. It is also the only AmLaw firm with two Vietnamese-speaking partners with extensive first-chair trial and arbitration experience.

For further information please see Luan TranQuyen Ta and Boies Schiller Flexner.

Luan Tran has more than 20 years of experience in international arbitration. He has handled, both as counsel and arbitrator, some of the most significant Vietnam-related international arbitration matters. He co-authored the Vietnam chapter for two major international publications. Prior to BSF, Luan was an international arbitration partner at a prominent Vietnam-based law firm. He was also an early member of the international arbitration practice at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan. He is currently a member of the AAA-ICDR’s Council and Asia Advisory Committee.He has three law degrees, including one from Harvard Law School.

Quyen Ta co-leads Boies Schiller Flexner’s Bay Area practice. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley School of Law and is a highly sought-after trial lawyer who has more than 15 years of experience litigating high-stakes disputes in the United States and in international arbitrations. Her practice has included representing top Asian-based companies, such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, in its most sensitive cross-border matters, and which has included litigating jurisdictional issues throughout the United States. Her current clients include top Fortune companies, as well as Asian-based companies such as VNG Corporation (Vietnam) and Rakuten (Japan).

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New Burford Capital Research Reveals Significant Opportunities for Businesses Through Patent Monetization

By Harry Moran |

Burford Capital, the leading global finance and asset management firm focused on law, today releases new research on patent monetization, a means for businesses with significant intellectual property to generate revenue from patent assets through licensing, direct enforcement and corporate divestitures. With high research and development costs, long development timelines and intense IP competition, CFOs and GCs are faced with the challenge of seeking greater value from their companies' patent portfolios without diverting capital from core business operations. Moreover, converting underutilized intellectual property into liquid assets enables companies to fuel ongoing innovation and drive future growth.

Despite substantial investments in securing and maintaining patents, many companies fall short in leveraging their intellectual property—resulting in missed financial opportunities and ongoing costs that could otherwise be offset through monetization. This research shows companies shifting to a more proactive stance toward patent monetization as they face mounting economic pressures, rising costs of maintaining large patent portfolios and headline-generating enforcements and divestitures by major brands that increase acceptance. Nearly 70% of in-house lawyers say their organizations are more likely to monetize patents today than a decade ago, and 73% report that patent monetization revenue has grown over the last 10 years.

"Patent monetization remains a significantly underutilized asset for many businesses," said Christopher Bogart, CEO of Burford Capital. "Companies frequently hold valuable patents that require substantial investment to enforce, incurring significant expense—risk we routinely finance for clients. In today's climate of intensifying global competition and rapidly evolving IP enforcement landscapes, legal finance empowers companies to strengthen their patent monetization strategies and take a more proactive, value-driven approach to IP management."

"Companies have a significant opportunity to unlock value from their intellectual property," said Katharine Wolanyk, Managing Director at Burford Capital and head of its intellectual property and patent litigation finance division. "In conversations with CFOs and general counsel across industries, we frequently hear that patent portfolios are viewed as cost centers rather than assets, and this research substantiates that assertion. Legal finance offers a powerful solution by transforming underutilized IP assets into a source of liquidity that can fuel business priorities and allow companies to continue the essential cycle of innovation."

Key findings from the study include:

  • Companies are missing revenue opportunities: Even as patent monetization is increasing, 79% of in-house lawyers say that more than a quarter of their patent portfolio is underutilized. The costs of maintaining patents without monetization include lost revenue, delayed market entry and reduced market share.
  • Revenue generated by patent monetization is growing: 73% of in-house lawyers report that revenue from patent monetization has increased over the last 10 years and 69% of in-house lawyers say their organizations have become more likely to monetize patents in the past decade.
  • Divestiture is a fast-growing monetization strategy: 71% of in-house lawyers have already divested patents or are actively exploring divestiture options.
  • Clients can de-risk direct enforcement with finance: 72% of law firm lawyers cite the high cost of litigation as a deterrent to clients pursuing meritorious patent claims.
  • Legal finance plays a growing role in patent monetization: 59% of law firm lawyers say clients use legal finance for patent monetization; 51% of in-house lawyers say they are actively planning or exploring the use of legal finance to support patent enforcement and monetization going forward.
  • Global patent monetization is active: The US remains the top market for patent monetization due to strong enforcement mechanisms. The Unified Patent Court (UPC) is driving change in Europe, with 74% of in-house lawyers expecting increased enforcement in the region.

This research, commissioned by Burford and conducted by GLG, captures insights from 300 in-house IP counsel and law firm partners involved in patent litigation in North America, Europe and Asia.

The research report can be downloaded on Burford's website.

About Burford Capital

Burford Capital is the leading global finance and asset management firm focused on law. Its businesses include litigation finance and risk management, asset recovery, and a wide range of legal finance and advisory activities. Burford is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BUR) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: BUR), and works with companies and law firms around the world from its global network of offices.

For more information, please visit www.burfordcapital.com.

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any ordinary shares or other securities of Burford.

Court House Capital Appoints New CEO as Michelle Silvers Moves into Chairman Role

By Harry Moran |

Court House Capital is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Hourn as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 14 April 2025. This strategic leadership transition marks an exciting new chapter for the company as Michelle Silvers, who has served as CEO since 2020, steps into the role of Chairman of the Board. 

Michelle Silvers has been instrumental in Court House Capital’s growth, innovation, and performance since its inception. Her move into the Chairman position reflects the company's ongoing commitment to visionary leadership and long-term success. 

"Leading Court House Capital has been an incredible journey, and I am proud of what we've built. I look forward to continuing to support the company's future in a strategic capacity as Chairman." Michelle Silvers, Chairman, Court House Capital 

Incoming CEO Matt Hourn brings over 25 years of experience in commercial litigation and is cofounder of Court House Capital. His strong commercial insight and legal expertise, leadership capabilities, and innovative vision make him well-suited to drive the next phase of growth. 

"I am honoured to step into the role of CEO and build on the strong foundation Michelle has established," Matt Hourn, Chief Executive Officer, Court House Capital. 

This transition underscores the firm’s commitment to continuity and strategic evolution, positioning Court House Capital for sustained success. 

ABOUT COURT HOUSE CAPITAL 

Court House Capital is a leading litigation funder focused on cases in Australia and New Zealand. Led by industry founders, with Australian based capital, the team is renowned for expertise, agility and collaboration. courthousecapital.com.au 

IQuote Limited Strengthens Senior Leadership Team with New Director Appointment

By Harry Moran |

Manchester-based litigation finance firm IQuote Limited has bolstered its senior leadership team with the appointment of a new Director of Campaigns, reinforcing its commitment to expansion and innovation in the sector.

Stepping into the role is Katie Doherty, an experienced litigation finance specialist with a track record of driving growth and operational success. 

She has held senior positions at various law firms prior and has worked alongside IQuote CEO Craig Cornick for over 15 years across multiple roles.

Katie said she was both delighted and grateful for the opportunity and expressed a keen desire to get started as soon as possible. 

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for IQuote as we continue expanding our legal tech partnerships and investing in new opportunities,” Katie said.  “This is a fast-moving industry, and I’m looking forward to leading campaigns that will drive the firm’s next stage of growth.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in. IQuote has evolved massively in respect of its business offerings, the firms we are investing in, and the different campaigns we are now exploring. You have to be constantly thinking on your feet; there’s never a dull moment.”

Originally aspiring to become a solicitor, Doherty began her career in legal administration before transitioning into finance and business strategy.  She first collaborated with Craig in 2010, playing a key role in business operations, asset management, and claims handling. 

Katie thanked her team at IQuote for all their help and support.

“They have all been fantastic, and I have so much admiration for Craig,” she said.

“For him nothing is impossible; if you say, ‘it can’t be done,’ he will immediately tell you that it can and how you can make it happen.”

Craig Cornick, CEO of IQuote Limited, said: “Katie has been instrumental in the success of multiple businesses I’ve led, and her ability to think strategically while keeping operations running smoothly is unmatched.

“She knows how to build and execute campaigns that deliver real results, and that’s exactly what we need as we continue to scale. Her expertise in litigation finance, combined with her hands-on leadership style, makes her a perfect fit for this role.

“She’s got an incredible work ethic also. From the very start, Katie has always been willing to roll up her sleeves and do whatever it takes to get the job done. 

“Whether it was managing complex operations or jumping in to solve unexpected challenges, she’s always been a problem-solver. That kind of determination is what sets her apart and why I’m confident she’ll drive real impact in this position.”