Overview

A matter type is the template that every matter of that type inherits. It defines the fields a matter tracks, the workflow steps it moves through, the roles involved, the automations that run, the email, SMS, invoice and document templates it uses, and the knowledge your AI assistant draws on. Configure the type once and every matter you open from it starts fully set up.

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Why matter types matter

Rather than configuring each matter by hand, you build a reusable blueprint. A "PCT Patent Application" type carries its own deadlines, parties, letters and reminders; a "Trade Mark" type carries a different set. When a fee-earner creates a new matter, all of that structure is already in place — the right fields to fill in, the correct workflow, and the reminders that will fire automatically as dates approach.

Reaching this screen

Open Settings → Matter Types and click the matter type you want to configure. Each type opens in its own workspace with a persistent menu down the left and one section shown at a time in the main panel.

The configuration sections

The left menu is grouped so you can move through a type in a logical order:

• Settings — the type's name, description and page-level display options (this page).
• Steps — the stages a matter passes through and the transitions allowed between them.
• Fields — the data captured on every matter, organised into categories.
• Roles — the parties a matter can have, such as applicant, attorney or inventor.
• Automation — rules that react to events or dates and perform actions for you.
• Related Matters — links to other matter types, so data carries across.
• AI — the Knowledge Base and named Guidance blocks that steer the assistant.
• Templates — reusable invoice, document, email and SMS templates.
• Integrations — the IP Renewal Desk connection.

General settings

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The Settings section holds the type's core identity and a few display choices that apply to every matter of the type:

• Name and Description — how the type is labelled throughout the app.
• Header Display — show computed values beside the matter type badge on the matter screen. Next Deadline displays the soonest upcoming date from any field marked as a deadline, and Next Task Due displays the soonest task due date.
• Overdue Invoices — when enabled, Cadence IP automatically checks your accounting system for overdue invoices whenever a matter of this type is opened, so a fee-earner sees at a glance if the client is behind.

Make your changes and click Save Changes.