Rob is an intellectual property partner at Reed Smith. Our clients rely on Rob to handle their high stakes disputes and most important business issues. Whether prosecuting or defending against infringement actions or providing strategic counsel on their valuable intellectual property assets, Rob brings in depth experience, judgment, and skill to the matter, and achieves our client’s goals.
Credentials
Awards & Recognition
- World Trademark Review 1000, 2024 (Gold Band)
“On the enforcement front, the name to know is Robert Phillips. Rob provides top-notch and tireless legal counsel. He is a source of deep knowledge, providing mentorship and advice, often with short notice. An outstanding lawyer, he has a clear understanding of the law, has a keen intellect, understands business needs, is strategic and is a strong advocate for his clients’ interests.” - Named a “Global Leader” in Private Practice by The World Trademark Review, 2024
- World Trademark Review 1000, 2023 (Gold Band)
“Reed Smith understands the business criticality of strong trademarks and distinctive brands and combines deep domain expertise in trademark, trade dress, dilution, cybersquatting and unfair competition law with commercial acumen.” - World Trademark Review 1000, 2022 (Gold Band)
“Robert Phillips is truly a master when it comes to adversarial matters.” - Selected through peer review for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© for Trademark Law, 2023-2025
- Selected through peer review for inclusion on the Northern California Super Lawyers list for IP Litigation, 2014-2020
- World Trademark Review Global Leaders, 2021
“WTR Global Leaders draws on our market leading research projects – the WTR 1000 and the WTR 300 – to identify the best of the best in trademark practice.” - World Trademark Review 1000, 2021 (Gold Band)
“Cited as ‘one of the best IP advocates on the market’, Robert Phillips cuts a dash in contentious scenarios.” - World Trademark Review 1000, 2020 (Gold Band)
“Reed Smith’s trademark lawyers are ‘thoughtful problem solvers’ with well-rounded brands practices and an innovative streak when it comes to process and workflow streamlining and enhancement. Litigation is the metier of Phillips, who has abundant experience in patent, trademark, trade dress, copyright and unfair competition cases.” - World Trademark Review 1000, 2019 (Gold Band)
“Phillips shines brightest in make-or-break disputes.” - World Trademark Review 1000, 2018 (Gold Band)
“Gold-tier litigator puts the firm’s trademark practice on the map. He is practical, personable and offers extremely helpful advice that enables your business to focus on its primary objectives.” One peer raves: “Phillips is a master strategist who is insanely dedicated to his clients and their causes. He can absorb a truckload of information and filter it down to the most salient points.” - World Trademark Review 1000, 2017 (Bronze Band)
“Super-bright and talented, he takes a very nice approach to litigation, being tough when he needs to be while being likeable and charming at the same time.” -
World Trademark Review 1000, 2015 (Recommended Expert)
“One of the most honest, hardworking and detail-oriented professionals in any industry. He constantly inspires us to work even harder at what we do and it is an honour to work with him.” -
World Trademark Review 1000, 2014 (Recommended Expert)
“Tried and tested disputes specialist is retained by some of the world’s best-known brand owners to resolve lengthy and demanding matters.” -
World Trademark Review 1000, 2013 (Recommended Expert)
“An authority on contentious matters.” -
World Trademark Review 1000, 2012 (Recommended Expert)
“Seasoned trademark attorney.” -
World Trademark Review 1000, 2011 (Gold Band)
“A smart, successful trademark specialist, he has particular expertise in trade dress infringement cases.” - Legal 500, 2008
- Bay Area Lawyer