The WTR 1000 focuses exclusively on trademark practice and has firmly established itself as the definitive 'go-to' resource for those seeking world-class legal trademark expertise.
Silver - Firms: prosecution and strategy
Recommended - Firms: transactions
Gold - Firms: enforcement and litigation
One of the most prestigious and elite law firms in the world, Allen & Overy has more than 40 dedicated IP lawyers in the United Kingdom, collectively covering all aspects of filing, disputes and commercialisation. The group is distinguished among other magic circle law firms as one of the few with an established filing practice. This team is housed in Belfast and is led by Karla Hughes, who has a wealth of experience before the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the Court of Justice in Luxembourg. The Northern Irish contingent work closely with the London office on numerous matters. Hughes regularly joins forces with Global Head of Intellectual Property David Stone in representing NBC Universal and The Coca-Cola Company. “David has an excellent command of procedure, strategy and the law. His analysis is consistently thorough and action-driven, his communications are fully informative and his style is unfailingly professional, while still pleasant and witty. When litigation is required, his ability to craft persuasive and prevailing arguments is second to none.” Stone also supplies IP support to the likes of Samsung and Virgin Media, along with Neville Cordell and WTR 1000 debutant Adrian Dykes. “Neville is an experienced and highly respected litigator”, while “Adrian is incredibly knowledgeable on litigation and portfolio management. He works incredibly hard and is a great practitioner.” The transactional IP side is led by Jim Ford and Nigel Parker, who are both working on some of the richest IP-laden deals out there. “Jim is calm, confident and detail-oriented, which allows him to secure the best possible position on every facet of a deal. His experience is a great asset and he is always a pleasure to work with.” “Nigel is calm, reassuring, easy to work with and plays a critical role in many transactional affairs.”
Recommended - Firms
Not only is Allen & Overy the only magic circle firm to have a global trademark and designs prosecution practice, it is also the sole representative on the list. As a vital cog of the outfit’s international IP offering, the contingent in mainland China offers a high level of specialisation in Chinese law and strong cross-border experience, which is brought seamlessly together by its bilingual IP advisory service. One distinguishing factor of A&O’s China practice is its joint operation with Shanghai Lang Yue Law Firm, which significantly strengthens its domestic prosecution and litigious capabilities. Shanghai-based Jill Ge is the name to note — she is equally proficient in litigation and licensing scenarios. This year, she received glowing praise from one of her patrons: “Jill always demonstrates professionalism, enthusiasm, courtesy and the ability to cooperate with different parties. I was very impressed by her efficiency and sharp perspective. While working with her team, I always feel that our case is their priority and they hold every detail in their mind.”
Silver - Firms
Distinguished as one of the only magic circle firms with a filing practice, Allen & Overy provides a full-service trademark offering to some of the world's biggest brands. The group has a strong focus on technology, but its gaming and entertainment offering has been thriving since the arrival of Alexandre Rudoni , who represents the likes of Nintendo and Epic Games. “Alexandre is an excellent, practical lawyer who takes a global approach to IP.” Focusing on life sciences is Laëtitia Bénard , who has a wealth of experience in litigating high-profile pharmaceutical matters.
Recommended - Firms
Silver - Firms
Full-service international firm Allen & Overy has a robust base in Brussels and dedicated team of 15 IP professionals on hand to provide strategic and commercial counsel. Serving as a one-stop shop for both local and international patrons, the group supports some of the most well-known global brands in addition to smaller local companies. Recent highlights include the work Edward Taelman and Geert Glas are doing for Nikon. The duo are working together to coordinate the company’s anti-counterfeiting efforts throughout Europe, which includes training customs agents and advising Nikon on its top concerns. Taelman has also been assisting one of Belgium’s largest sealant and adhesives manufacturers in several trademark disputes, while Glas teamed up with department head Peter Van Dyck to advise Syngenta on its European trademark strategy for the development and roll-out of its new digital applications.
Recommended - Firms
International full-service outfit Allen & Overy retains a solid presence in Luxembourg. The IP team approaches trademark issues holistically, utilising its readily available larger corporate and commercial expertise. The end results that it creates are always tailored to the particular client’s business needs, whether that be a leading multinational or a local SME. “The advice provided is timely, accurate and concise, yet thorough. In other terms, truly excellent service.” Promoted to partner in May 2022, Catherine Di Lorenzo is the name brand owners should have on speed dial.
Gold - Firms
International player Allen & Overy provides “essential support to businesses and brands”. Deploying an “immensely skilled” and specialised IP team, the firm offers wide-ranging legal advice to well-known companies such as Epic Games, Imperial Tobacco Ventures, the Motion Picture Association, O2 Slovakia and Unilabs. “Exceptionally experienced in complex IP matters”, Zuzana Hečko spearheads the IP and IT offering in Bratislava. She is a “thoughtful, proactive and creative lawyer”, who “focuses on the best interests of her clients without compromise, and demonstrates excellent leadership and relationship-building skills”.
Bronze - Firms
Allen & Overy’s German contingent provides a value-added service across the entire trademark lifecycle, eschewing siloed thinking in favour of a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach. Despite the modest size of the Düsseldorf group, it attracts rave reviews from colleagues across Europe: “The firm provides extremely pragmatic and straight-to-the-point solutions for clients. It is extremely responsive and sees things from a business point of view.” Running the show is Jens Matthes, whose broad legal knowledge encompasses trademarks, designs, patents and unfair competition issues. He thrives in disputes that involve interlocutory relief and is also a poised negotiator of IP-rich corporate transactions.
Jurisdiction