WTR 1000: The Definitive Guide to Trademark Legal Services
World Trademark Review (WTR) magazine published its inaugural ranking of the leading law firms and individual practitioners offering high-level advice on issues relating to trademarks. The guide covers more than 50 key jurisdictions and identifies the leading practitioners and firms in contentious and non-contentious work. Over three months, WTR conducted telephone interviews with hundreds of lawyers, attorneys and their clients involved with trademarks.
Kirkland & Ellis was named to the WTR's list of the world's top trademark law firms.
Illinois Ranking: Tier 2
Kirkland & Ellis is a "general IP powerhouse" in Chicago, across the United States and internationally; while perhaps best known for its patent litigation expertise, it also works for major clients on a range of trademark issues. Its position at the top of the market means that it is frequently instructed on challenging and high-value matters, recently representing Apple in a suit filed by Man & Machines and Discover Financial Services in an action brought by ING Direct Bancorp. Trial lawyer Paul R Garcia, who led the team in both cases, can draw on his background in the Chicago US Attorney's Office and his extensive experience of litigation in all courts. He has become "one of the first people we'd refer a difficult case to", say clients, and is a "very talented rising star".
New York Ranking: Tier 2
While Kirkland & Ellis services all areas of trademark law, its core expertise is in IP litigation and it is home to a team of "very experienced trial lawyers". Leading light Dale Cendali focuses her practice on worldwide IP enforcement on behalf of household-name clients such as Warner Bros, Tetris Company and Victoria's Secret. She is "a terrific and highly successful trademark litigator". Working closely with her is Claudia Ray, who handles copyright, trademark and internet-related litigation. She represents a variety of clients from the entertainment, fashion, consumer products and financial services fields.
