The expected merger of Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz with Novak Druce + Quigg could create one of a handful of super-intellectual property boutiques at a time when patent work is at an all-time high.

The proposed merger, which Gregory Novak, managing partner of Novak Druce, on September 19 said was “almost assured,” would form Novak Druce Connolly Bove + Quigg, with about 125 lawyers and 15 patent agents and technical specialists in seven locations.