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 - Agencies
Opened in 2009, the Malaysian outpost of Marks & Clerk has made a name for itself as one of the country’s foremost IP agencies with an excellent track record, especially regarding oppositions and overcoming office actions. As a part of the Marks & Clerk network, it blends international outlook and standards with local expertise. The agency is adept at overcoming objections on behalf of renowned international companies, such as CJ CheilJedang and Young Living Essential Oils. It also handles registration for Grammy Award-winner Jackson Browne, and opposition on behalf of Rihanna's company, Roraj Trade LLC. With over two decades of experience, Malaysia and Singapore-qualified advocate and solicitor Gerald Samuel has cut his teeth on major IP cases in the Malaysian High Court. His expertise extends to non-contentious matters, where he is known for his deft handling of transactions, and practical, sharp strategic advice. “Mr Samuel is head and shoulders above other IP lawyers. His clarity of thought and tremendous knowledge are nothing short of impressive, and he also possesses impeccable and persuasive manners. Within a matter of days, he can come up with a perfect solution to complex IP issues.”
Silver - Firms: prosecution and strategy
Bronze - Firms: enforcement and litigation
Marks & Clerk boasts one of the largest IP practices in the United Kingdom, with offices in all of the major UK hotspots as well as nine international outposts that cover the European Union, Canada and Asia. The scientific and industry expertise of its practitioners allows for a sector-focused approach to brand protection and enforcement, which is carried out by an integrated team of attorneys and litigators. A key highlight from the past 12 months was a high-profile passing-off dispute involving rugby stars Mike Tindall, James Haskell and Alex Payne. Kirsten Gilbert took the lead on this matter. Gilbert chairs the brand protection department and represents a number of household brands such as Next Retail. Also on the contentious team is Gina Lodge. Lodge has vast litigation experience and is also a shrewd strategist in the pre-action stage. Heading the trademark group and leading the prosecution efforts is Tom Farrand. He is a commercial operator who brings first-hand business experience to the table, having spent many years developing teams within a private equity owned company. Farrand is supported by Claire Keating, Esther Gottschalk and John Ferdinand. “Claire is extremely responsive and knowledgeable. Her advice is superb and you can place your complete faith in her. Critically, Claire explains things in a way that business people can understand, rather than in legal jargon.” Birmingham-based Gottschalk is an expert on the US trademark scene and a highly astute portfolio manager. “Esther is strategic, creative and knows exactly what risks to take and how aggressive to act.” “John is an extension of his clients’ in-house teams. He is quick to respond to any concerns and is able to clearly explain potential options and outcomes. John is consistent, supportive, knowledgeable and is always on hand to help.”
Gold - Firms: trademark attorneys
With one of the largest IP practices in the United Kingdom, Marks & Clerk boasts a full-service trademark offering that is scarcely rivalled. Its Scottish outposts in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen work closely with the group’s other six UK offices to support a long list of high-profile patrons. Leading the team in Scotland is Jason Chester, who has built a robust client base of Scottish and Japanese companies. “Jason’s advice on UK and EU matters is excellent. He is always clear, helpful and gets great results.” Also receiving praise is Janice Morrison. “Janice is fantastic at handling complex multi-jurisdictional cases. She provides sound, succinct advice and is always available, friendly and approachable.”
Recommended - Firms
Silver - Firms: prosecution and strategy
For over three decades, Marks & Clerk has been a fixture on Hong Kong’s IP scene. It has become one of the most successful IP practices in the city, managing a hefty stack of marks and portfolios. WTR 1000 debutante Lily Pun has an in-depth understanding of the nuances of trademark law in both Hong Kong and China. Besides her, managing partner Simon Speeks is equipped with unparalleled China experience. Stationed in Hong Kong since 1991, he has guided many international players in fields as diverse as entertainment, food and beverages and mineral exploration to navigate the Greater China trademark scene.
Bronze - Firms: prosecution and strategy
Despite its recent personnel loss, the Singapore contingent at Marks & Clerk has its flag firmly planted in the market. It prides itself on its substantial IP knowledge and prosecution skills. The set often goes above and beyond for its illustrious list of clientele, ranging from rapidly expanding national businesses to foreign brand owners.
Recommended - Firms
Backed by the resources of an international firm, Marks & Clerk’s Luxembourg outpost has access to an impressive IP toolkit, which it readily deploys when devising effective cross-border filing strategies and filing marks on a worldwide scale. Senior associate Martin Gutwillinger is a smooth operator who assists a diverse clientele in safeguarding their assets locally and further afield. He is also the resident domain name guru and steps in when conflicts arise in cyberspace.
Bronze - Firms
“Marks & Clerk has long been one of my go-to trademark firms. It consistently provides excellent counsel, extremely efficient services and is an invaluable resource as we navigate many complex and high-profile IP challenges”, states one patron. Jonathan Colombo, the managing partner of the Canadian branch, is widely regarded as an expert in trademark disputes and has a plethora of experience. He works closely with Amrita V Singh, and they are both lauded for their “shrewd handling of cases that result in favourable outcomes”. “Jonathan and Amrita are both thorough, practical and effective lawyers. They have excellent strategic insights and really understand how to implement approaches that fulfil a client’s needs.” Rounding off the team is Catherine Lovrics, who “provides top-notch advice that is attuned to the client’s needs. She presents in-depth and insightful analyses of infringement concerns, and has a strong grasp of both practical and policy issues.”
Jurisdiction