World Trademark Review (WTR) magazine has undertaken extensive research to compile exhaustive rankings of the leading law firms, attorney firms and individual practitioners offering high-level advice on issues relating to trademarks. As businesses race to enhance their global competitiveness, a strong brand is a vital prerequisite for success in the market. Lawyers and trademark attorneys in private practice play a significant role in developing and implementing brand strategies for clients in both global and local markets, as well as acting to protect their clients’ trademark rights in the event of infringement. This guide puts the spotlight on those firms and individuals that are deemed outstanding in this critical area of practice.

The WTR 1000 is the first and only standalone ranking publication to focus exclusively on trademark practices and practitioners. Our research covers more than 50 key jurisdictions and identifies the leading practitioners and their firms in both contentious and non-contentious work. Over three months, we conducted telephone interviews and exchanged correspondence with hundreds of lawyers, attorneys and their clients involved with trademarks. Individuals qualify for a ranking in the WTR 1000 upon receiving sufficient positive feedback from market sources with knowledge of their practice and the market within which they operate. We have also identified the leading law firms and attorney firms in the market, as the depth of expertise that a firm can offer beyond and in support of its star partners is an important factor for potential clients. Firms qualify for a listing on the basis of their depth of expertise, market presence and the level of work on which they are typically instructed.

Complementing the main rankings and editorial, we have also included listings of the top trademark filers in many jurisdictions. These were provided by CT Corsearch (for a full explanation of how the filer rankings were compiled, please click here). The guide is truly comprehensive, and we believe that it will be a valuable tool for brand owners to use in considering their choice of external counsel.

Our aim is to ensure that the WTR 1000 is as accurate as possible. We have strived to produce the most comprehensive and definitive list of the world’s leading private practice trademark experts on the basis of subjective feedback received from those operating in the market. If you disagree with the opinions we have presented, we would very much like to hear from you. We guarantee to further research your input, so as to improve the list in the future.

All names and individual positions at firms are correct to the best of our knowledge as of February 7 2011. In instances where a firm has subsequently dissolved, as is the case with Howrey LLP, or individuals have moved, these market changes will be reflected in the second annual WTR 1000.

If you would like to participate in the research process for next year’s edition of the WTR 1000, please contact Alastair Mitchell, head of research, on amitchell@theipmediagroup.com.

Alastair Mitchell
Head of Research
WTR 1000