This is the third set of results from the research for the 2018 edition of IP STARS. The trade mark rankings and patent rankings were published in February and March respectively. The copyright rankings over the following pages cover more than 30 jurisdictions.
IP STARS is not a directory of all firms offering IP services and therefore many firms, including those that participated in the research, have not been listed.
Congratulations to all the firms listed this year.
Methodology
IP STARS rankings are based on extensive research carried out over a six-month period, starting from September each year. Our team of research analysts in London, New York and Hong Kong seek information from firms and their clients through interviews, emails and online surveys.
For these rankings, our analysts evaluated non-contentious and contentious copyright and related rights work across all copyright-based sectors, from entertainment to computer technology. Notably, the majority of the firms listed also demonstrated that they can advise rights holders and users on digital issues.
Researchers also review publicly available information as well as existing data we hold on firms. The attributes assessed include the strength of the firm's IP team, workload and sectors covered, outcomes achieved for clients and track record. Judgements about which firms to include in the rankings, and which tier and practice area they should be in, take account of all this information. This makes IP STARS the most comprehensive and authoritative survey of the IP legal market yet published.
The research is conducted rigorously and impartially. No firm can pay to be included or to influence the results, and there is no fee to pay to participate in our research. For the avoidance of doubt, Managing IP does not recommend or endorse any particular firm for IP work.
The 2018 rankings are based on information available when the research was concluded in January 2018. Except for name changes, any subsequent developments in any of the listed firms will be considered during the research for the 2019 edition of IP STARS, which starts in September this year.
IP STARS rankings are subject to change each year. Read more about our methodology at ipstars.com.
What to expect in the coming months
The copyright rankings will be made public later in April on ipstars.com, a searchable website with news and analysis on firms and individuals practising IP. Bookmark it and check back regularly for the latest updates on the ranked firms and other research results. You will also find general information about IP STARS and answers to frequently asked questions on the site.
Three IP STARS Handbooks (including the US edition) will be published between May and July. The US edition will include the state rankings and other national rankings such as ITC litigation. The IP STARS Handbooks will also feature a list of the outstanding IP practitioners for 2018 and the latest editorial commentary on ranked firms and individuals.
Copies of the handbooks and our magazines will be made available at the IP industry events we attend such as the INTA Annual Meeting.
For more information please visit ipstars.com. If you have any feedback or questions about IP STARS please contact research@managingip.com
Update
The rankings are now available at ipstars.com
