Methodology

As businesses race to enhance their global competitiveness in a challenging economic climate, a strong brand is a vital prerequisite for success. 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 clients’ trademark rights in the event of infringement.

The WTR 1000 shines a spotlight on the firms and individuals that are deemed outstanding in this critical area of practice. The WTR 1000 remains the only standalone publication to recommend individual practitioners and their firms exclusively in the trademark field, and identifies the leading players in over 80 key jurisdictions globally. In those markets in which practitioners have narrowed the focus of their work, we have presented tables highlighting the leaders in the respective areas of prosecution and strategy, enforcement and litigation, and anti-counterfeiting. Where appropriate, we have also recognised the particular strengths of firms, similarly listing them in prosecution and strategy and enforcement and litigation tables. Where the work of trademark attorneys is clearly distinct from that of attorneys at law, and where attorney firms received particularly strong feedback for the quality of their services, we have recognised those practices on separate tables.

To research the market, we conducted face-to-face and telephone interviews and exchanged correspondence over a four-month period with hundreds of lawyers, attorneys and their clients involved with trademarks; we also gathered a record number of written submissions from firms detailing their recent activity in the field. Individuals qualify for inclusion in the WTR 1000 upon receiving sufficient positive feedback from market sources with knowledge of their practice and the market in which they operate. We have also identified the leading law firms and agencies 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.

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 that we have presented, we would very much like to hear from you. We guarantee to research your input further 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 30 November 2023. In instances where a firm has subsequently dissolved or individuals have moved, these market changes will be reflected in the next edition of the WTR 1000.

If you would like to participate in the research process for next year’s edition of the WTR 1000, please contact Sophie Storrs at [email protected].