World Trademark Review (WTR) has again recognized Knobbe Martens as a leader in trademark law, ranking it a “gold tier” firm nationally and regionally in the 2020 edition of World Trademark Review 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals. In addition, nine attorneys were individually recognized for their excellence. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the guide’s publication – and the 10th time the firm and its partners have been honored.
WTR lauded Knobbe Martens’ prowess in enforcement and litigation as well as prosecution and strategy, and noted that the firm delivers “broad and consistent protection internationally.”
“The team has been hammering it this past year, handling a significantly increased clearance and filing workload while maintaining its customary top standards in terms of quality and efficiency,” the WTR report reads, highlighting the firm’s work with start-ups and cannabis enterprises. “All the Knobbe lawyers are incredibly intelligent and bring to the table innovative thoughts and ideas that help you move your business forward.”
WTR’s rankings identify top-level trademark firms and individuals in more than 80 key global jurisdictions, based on interviews, written submissions, client feedback and recommendations from market sources. The firm’s “gold tier” ranking indicates that it has outperformed competitors in terms of reputation, high-profile clients and outsider recognition.
Six Knobbe Martens partners were identified as forming an “exceptionally strong core of prosecutors and strategists” including:
Jonathan Hyman, recognized for his “clear and concise counsel that informs business decision-making” and popularity with established and fast-growing food and beverage companies, including BAI Brands and Jelly Belly Candy Company.
Susan Natland, Co-Chair of the firm’s Trademark Protection Group, honored for providing brand owners with “tremendous value” through her communication skills and expertise in trademark law, advertising, unfair competition and data privacy.
Jeff Van Hoosear, Co-Chair of the Trademark Practice Group, named an “international trademark maven” in key industries including fashion, food and beverages.
Diane Reed, celebrated as a “standout transactional lawyer” and “experienced portfolio manager” with big-name clients including Monster Energy.
Catherine Holland, described as a “very capable and persistent lawyer, and an excellent writer who is able to synthesize complex information well,” while noting her success in cosmetics and nutraceuticals, including the global protection of clients Nutrishop and Face Haus.
Stacey Halpern, honored as an attorney who “excels not only in worldwide portfolio management but as a counsellor who can address all manner of enforcement concerns.”
Three other Knobbe Martens partners were recognized for their specialized trademark expertise, including:
Michael Friedland, described as a “thoughtful professional who understands how to get things done” and has been on the “cutting-edge of enforcement for three decades.”
Ali Razai, named to the list for the first time, was honored as an “excellent” and “proactive” attorney who “knows his way around the courtroom” and “understands what the company objectives are and focuses his litigation strategies on attaining them.”
Lynda Zadra-Symes, recognized for her talent and experience “identifying clear paths forward early in a case and accurately assessing chances of success,” as well as for her case and team management skills.
