Among the top ranked firms are Adduci, Mastriani & Schaumberg and Howrey, home to highly rated ITC litigator Cecelia Gonzalez, who also co-chairs the firm's IP practice group.

The addition of the new ITC ranking to the annual survey of the leading IP firms reflects the growing importance of the quasi-judicial body as a litigation forum both for US and foreign companies, as well as the way that clients are increasingly demanding sophisticated, specialist advice from outside counsel with plenty of venue-specific experience.

Readers interested in finding out more about the ITC can join in a free web seminar, hosted by Managing IP in association with Finnegan Henderson, covering recent developments and enforcement on Wednesday March 26 at 12 noon EST (4pm GMT).

With its unique procedures and remedies, and increasingly IP-experienced Commissioners, the ITC is becoming a vital consideration in many enforcement strategies - especially in industries such as telecoms and semiconductors where fast and effective relief against infringement is required.

In this free Managing IP web seminar, a panel of IP practitioners with experience of acting before the ITC, including Hildy Bowbeer of 3M, will discuss how it can be of use to IP owners and provide strategic advice on handling disputes there. They will also address recent developments and cases.

The event will also include an interactive Q&A session between participants and our panel.

To register for free please sign up here.

The full patent survey results, including the ITC rankings, are available online to Managing IP subscribers. They are based on research conducted among practitioners and in-house counsel worldwide over the past six months.