Gowling WLG

Silver - Firms: enforcement and litigation

Bronze - Firms: prosecution and strategy

With over 200 dedicated IP professionals across 19 offices worldwide, Gowling’s international reach is scarcely rivalled, making the firm a top choice for cross-border instructions. The team’s sector-focused approach is another selling point, with its practitioners bringing a deep level of industry expertise to each mandate. Aston Martin, Major League Baseball and Weetabix are just a few of the top companies that the team works with. Co-head of global intellectual property Kate Swaine is responsible for advising these patrons. “Kate is such an approachable and knowledgeable lawyer with a super international outlook. She is also a fabulous person within a very reputable team.” Another top performer is John Coldham, who recently advised Team England on the protection of the Bring It Home brand in preparation for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Coldham also advised major food and beverage brand Oatly on a range of enforcement measures. “John is a very experienced and knowledgeable litigator. He is a clear communicator, knows his clients’ businesses well and always adopts a commercial and strategic approach.” Also receiving praise is Alexandra Brodie, who founded the firm’s global technology sector group. “Alexandra is a fantastic lawyer. Clients know they can trust her and that she really cares about their brands.” Her colleague Dan Smith excels at the intersection of advertising and intellectual property. He has recently been supporting Hovis and Volkswagen. Also recommended are Gordon Harris and Huw Evans. Harris has over 35 years of experience in intellectual property and has worked on cases involving multinational brands, including Volvo, O2 and British Airways. Evans heads the patent litigation department but is also an expert on trademarks. The life sciences, healthcare and technology sectors are his main specialities.

Gold - Firms

“The lawyers at Gowling WLG are simply brilliant. Their ability, responsiveness and affordability are second to none.” The Dubai branch of Gowling WLG is one of the brightest stars in the Emirati trademark firmament. The outfit’s dynamically growing IP practice is an amalgamation seasoned, internationally-minded experts who possess an in-depth understanding of local legal intricacies. With over three decades of experience, UK-registered Jon Parker is held in high esteem by peers and clients alike: a former UK IP Office expert who has over 15 years of experience in the Middle East, he has developed a sophisticated skill set that enables him to devise ingenious strategies, manage IP portfolios, and succeed in contentious matters on behalf of his prestigious clientele. “Jon has exceptional knowledge and experience in working throughout the Middle East. His turnaround time and conciseness of reporting are fantastic.” Parker’s right-hand woman, UK-chartered principal associate Sau Lin Wan has experience across a variety of fields, and is best known for her skills in brand protection and enforcement. “She’s a good practitioner, and a very active presence on the local trademark scene,” is high praise from a member of another ranked firm

Highly-recommended - Firms

The lauded China IP practice at Gowling WLG enjoys a stellar reputation as an all-rounded trademark service provider – a mix of domestic and world-leading multinational players profit from its vast brand protection offering. Along with its domestic network branches in Chongqing, Beijing and Guangzhou, the formidable force provides the practice with direct and seamless access to the Chinese court system. Ex-Clyde & Co IP head Elliot Papageorgiou has spent almost two decades in the country racking up wins in complex trademark disputes of every flavour – his track record on handling IP litigation matters before the Supreme People’s Court is also impeccable. A shrewd practitioner who is full of character and energy, Papageorgiou has a watertight understanding of Chinese IP law and is equipped with top-notch technical proficiency. Many European and US players return to him for his highly sophisticated and intelligent IP counsel. Based in Beijing, head of IP prosecution Jian Xu is a veritable encyclopaedia of China IP law, with Morgan Stanley, Michael Page, Chelsea Football Club and Royal Bank of Canada instructing him for trademark prosecution work. Previously a presiding judge in the Chinese court, WTR 1000 debutante Ivy Liang has very extensive and practical experience of all aspects of the judicial system in mainland China, with a particular focus on contentious IP matters.

Recommended - Firms

Silver - Firms: anti-counterfeiting

Gold - Firms

“Gowling WLG is a sophisticated firm with an outstanding full-service trademark team that manages to be cost efficient in a large firm setting. The elite group is made up entirely of professionals who are authorities in their field and who stay current on all trademark legislation. Their knowledgeable, reliable and detail-oriented approach has earned them the work of some of the most well-known brands in the world.” Leading the charge in Canada is Martha Savoy, a “seasoned and skilled” practitioner who thrives in protecting and enforcing some of the most valuable brands across the globe. She has recently been defending CCM Hockey in a passing off and infringement case against Bauer Hockey. By her side is Monique Couture, “an excellent litigator who also offers sound advice that is tailored for each client. She possesses a unique set of complementing skills, as her contentious experience informs her non-contentious practice, and vice versa”. Looking further into the enforcement team James Buchan, Kevin Sartorio and Kelly Gill can be found. Buchan is co-managing partner and “an outstanding IP litigator”; “Kevin’s well-structured approach to trademarks and great depth of experience” are a boon to his clients in the retail and transport sectors; and Gill is a “remarkable strategic thinker”. Laurent Massam, James Green, and Nelson Godfrey have also received positive reviews from brand owners: “Laurent provides the finest calibre of services. He develops strategies that not only protect businesses but help them grow because he is mindful, brilliant and business focused.” “James is a personable and knowledgeable attorney whose IP expertise is invaluable. I always feel as if my interests are well taken care of, and I wholeheartedly recommend him.” WTR 1000 newcomer Godfrey “provides invaluable direction on contentious trademark matters. The level of support he offers is phenomenal and he never compromises quality with speed.” Also making her debut in the guide this year is prosecution ace Marion Bailey-Canham, “a veteran practitioner and highly knowledgeable leader who is well known in the Canadian IP community”. On the non-contentious front, Lori Hall, Paula Clancy, Jodi English, Shelagh Carnegie, Jennifer Morton, Susannah Rolston, and Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel all reside. “Lori’s extensive experience in complex, national and international trademark matters enables her to dispense practical and actionable advice, and her in-depth business understanding supports her ability to strategically execute trademark prosecution in a way that is timely and thorough.” “Paula has a formidable presence in IP circles around the world. From strategy to execution, she is flawless.” “Jodi is a fantastic trademark practitioner, who always finds a way to achieve her clients’ goals on a cost-effective basis.” “With a well-structured approach to trademarks, great depth of experience, and management of significant portfolios, Shelagh is an expert at providing business-friendly advice and a reliable partner when it comes to navigating sensitive situations.” “Incredibly well connected to CIPO, Jennifer is extremely generous when it comes to sharing knowledge with the IP community, and her insight allows her to get to the meat of an issue very quickly.” “Susannah is very experienced and instrumental in the success of her clients’ businesses.” “Natalie’s integrity is above reproach, and her guidance is nothing short of fantastic. She is, in essence, conscientious, competent and courteous.” Alongside Rizkalla-Kamel, Eric Macramalla has been managing the global trademark portfolio for the Royal Bank of Canada, which consists of approximately 2000 trademarks and is one of the top 10 largest portfolios in Canada. For those in the media and entertainment industry Stuart Ash and Frank Mulock are on hand, while in the energy space, Douglas Fyfe is responsible for the entire trademark portfolio of chemical energy company Linde GmbH. Luminary and guiding light Ronald Dimock has been kept occupied with an infringement matter in the Federal Court on behalf of TD Bank.