Based on peer-surveys from UK-based Law Business Research and its flagship IP publication, the World Trademark Review, the firm received especially high praise for its California and UK teams, as well as partners in its Silicon Valley, San Francisco, London, and Paris offices.

United States

The WTR 1000 ranked Reed Smith’s California Trademark team for its achievements in both “enforcement and litigation” and “prosecution and strategy.” As the 2021 WTR 1000 notes: “Reed Smith has a supremely capable line-up of trademark practitioners in its Silicon Valley and San Francisco offices, whose collective know-how spans the brand spectrum.”

Additionally, three California partners in Reed Smith’s global Intellectual Property group were again named among the world’s best trademark professionals: Silicon Valley partners Katherine Basile and Jason Garcia, and San Francisco partner Robert Phillips. As highlighted in the 2021 WTR 1000:

Katherine Basile is hailed as a “phenomenal prosecution lawyer,” who “leverages deep private practice and in-house experience to give a made-to-measure service.”

Jason Garcia, who is also highlighted for his work in-house and as a USPTO trademark examiner, is likewise named “first class in prosecution,” and greatly appreciated for his “level-headed, strategic approach to managing large portfolios.”

Robert Phillips is again cited by peers as “one of the best IP advocates on the market,” who “cuts a dash in contentious scenarios.”

Europe

The firm’s London- and Paris-based Trademark teams were also highlighted, with Reed Smith listed among the best solicitors in rankings for the “United Kingdom: England.” Reed Smith’s London trademarks team is praised for its “abundant insight across trademarks, patents and copyright,” and for handling “complex, high-value actions… swiftly and effectively, thanks to the experience and knowledge of the lawyers on deck.”

Additionally, three London partners were top ranked: Carolyn Pepper, Jonathan Radcliffe and Michael Skrein; and partner Marianne Schaffner was top ranked in France. As highlighted in the 2021 WTR 1000:

Jonathan Radcliffe is named, “an IP litigator who sets his sights on highly technological cases,” and one of only two English solicitors to have taken both patent and trademark appeals to the UK Supreme Court.”

Carolyn Pepper is highlighted as a combined IP and media specialist, who “has been litigating and negotiating related contracts for two decades now.”

Michael Skrein is also highlighted for his work in IP and media and on UK and international legislative reforms, noting his “broad multinational practice supported by ancillaryknow-how in advertising and insurance.”

Marianne Schaffner in Paris is likewise praised for being “business oriented and skilled at handling complex, high-stakes disputes.”