Published by World Trademark Review – the world’s only independent multimedia publication dedicated exclusively to reporting on trademark issues – the WTR 1000 is comprised of in-depth jurisdiction-specific chapters which analyse the local market and identify the leading practitioners and firms in both the contentious and non-contentious spheres. The latter are presented in comprehensive listings, with separate tables of trademark attorneys included in specific jurisdictions. New for this year, the research team has also extended the coverage to include more trademark agencies and, where applicable, barristers, recommending individual silks, juniors and, in certain instances, sets.

Access to research of this depth is critical in the current business environment, where brand and trademark protection has never been more crucial. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, high levels of service, strategic thinking and value from all legal partners have become ‘must-haves’.

To assist trademark professionals in their search for such expertise, the WTR 1000 is designed to serve as a user-friendly, one-stop source of reference. The full methodology for the research project is outlined on here, but in essence WTR embarked on an exhaustive qualitative research project. Over a four-month period, our team of highly qualified, full-time analysts conducted more than 1,300 interviews with trademark specialists, both in private practice and in-house, in more than 60 key jurisdictions. Interviewees’ opinions were specifically sought on the firms and practitioners that are leading the field in terms of their work, their skills and their levels of client service. Work examples submitted by firms and the views of foreign practitioners referring work to firms in other countries were also taken into account.

All of the individuals identified in this publication have been included because we received substantial positive feedback about them. In addition, when identifying the leading firms, factors such as depth of expertise, market presence and the level of work on which they are typically instructed were all taken into account.

Alongside the editorial, you will find profiles of some of the firms and individuals featured in the WTR 1000 listings. All those who were selected for listing in the WTR 1000 were offered the opportunity to publish a profile for a fee – some decided that they wished to do so, while others declined. It is important to stress that inclusion in the editorial is not linked to this – the research was conducted entirely independently of any commercial considerations.

The WTR 1000 is the only standalone directory to focus exclusively on trademark practices and practitioners, and the research is a continual process. If you have any feedback on this year’s findings or wish to participate in the research for the 2014 publication, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Trevor Little
Managing editor