(March 30, 2012, HONG KONG, LONDON, PARIS, SAN FRANCISCO) – Four partners in four offices at international law firm Reed Smith LLP have placed on the WTR 1000, an annual listing of the “World’s Leading Trademark Professionals.” They are Stephen J. Birt in Hong Kong, Marina Cousté in Paris, Robert N. Phillips in San Francisco, and Michael Skrein in London.
Additionally, in the United Kingdom, Reed Smith is ranked among the top 25 trademark law firms in the region. Gleaned from interviews with clients and peers, WTR 1000 says this of the firm’s London-based UK TM team:
"Reed Smith has a broad roster of clients, some of which are drawn from the pharmaceutical and travel industries. The ensemble is also developing “an excellent name” for its work in the media sector, where it represents heavyweights in film, music and publishing, among others. It provides “efficient, cohesive services”, with a particular emphasis on litigation, clearance, strategic advice and licensing."
WTR 1000, published by World Trademark Review magazine, compiles listings of leading attorneys and firms offering high-level advice on issues relating to trademarks in different global jurisdictions through extensive research. (More information on its methodology can be found here.)
WTR 1000 lists all four Reed Smith partners as recommended experts in their regions, while noting the following comments from clients and peers:
Steven J. Birt, Hong Kong: “Doing an excellent job,” Steven Birt at Reed Smith Richards Butler deals with a range of IP matters, including trademark litigation and enforcement.
Marina Cousté, France: Marina Cousté is a recent arrival at Reed Smith following her departure from Howrey. While best known for her patent litigation work, she is also well versed in trademark disputes; she is hailed as “an outstanding practitioner that we rely upon greatly.”
Robert N. Phillips, United States - California: Formerly at Howrey, “seasoned trademark attorney” Rob Phillips joined Reed Smith’s IP team in March 2011. He specializes in trademark and trade dress litigation as part of a broad contentious IP practice. One longstanding client is the Coca-Cola Company, which he has represented in several recent federal court actions; he also receives instructions from companies in the IT, mechanical engineering and hospitality industries, among others.
Michael Skrein, United Kingdom: Michael Skrein is “an extremely capable and knowledgeable practitioner, whose court performances are always impressive.”
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with nearly 1,700 lawyers in 23 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, technology and media, shipping, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
U.S.: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Princeton, Northern Virginia, Wilmington, Silicon Valley, Century City, Richmond
Europe: London, Paris, Munich, Greece
Middle East: Abu Dhabi, Dubai
Asia: Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai