Managing IP’s most-read stories in May 2019

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Managing IP’s most-read stories in May 2019

5-best-thumb

A plea from Johnson & Johnson’s chief trademark counsel to be “less lawyerly”, the latest AI patent trends and a Google counsel’s explanation of why he has had to fire attorneys were among May’s most popular stories.



5-best-main

1. INTA 2019: “Be a little less lawyerly,” says Johnson & Johnson counsel

The most popular story came from the INTA 2019 Annual Meeting and focussed on comments from Johnson & Johnson’s trademark counsel David McDonald. Talking about the need for in-house lawyers to focus on the wider needs of the business, he said: “Rarely are we performing our roles in a vacuum.”

2. Fordham Conference: Outside counsel are an “an extension of your brand”

Also popular was our report from the Fordham Conference at the start of the month. In-house counsel from Google and other companies discussed how they work internally and with external counsel.

3. From AI to visual display: report sheds light on US patent filing trends   

Third on the list was our analysis of a report by law from Harrity & Harrity which concluded that artificial intelligence and blockchain are increasingly prominent in the portfolios of the US’s top 300 patentees.

4. Survey: In-house TM counsel must embrace a more business mindset

The fourth most-read article covered the results of Managing IP’s survey of in-house trademark counsel. The survey found that counsel are increasingly expected to play the role of business partner but are largely embracing this change.

5. From Brexit to social media: six key issues affecting IP and fashion

Finally, readers enjoyed our report on the key issues affecting IP and fashion where in-house counsel at Ted Baker and specialist fashion lawyers shared their tips with us.



more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

As competing firms come under common ownership, clients may care less about formal conflicts and more about how openly firms discuss them
Facing increased lateral movement and in-house competition, firms are investing in flexible billing hours and tailored career progression to improve associate retention
As the US reflects on 250 years of independence, patent lawyers say innovation is reshaping old hiring priorities, with firms seeking broader IP expertise over specialisation
The Nokia v Acer ruling in the UK suggests arbitration is moving from the sidelines towards the mainstream of global FRAND disputes - and could reshape forum strategy in the process
The Life Sciences Awards is thrilled to present the shortlist for the 2026 Americas Awards
From Türkiye to Poland and Nigeria, firms with deep local roots continue to dominate the top tier, proving that market expertise can outweigh international scale in many CEE, Middle Eastern and African jurisdictions
Former Hoyng Rokh partner Simon Dack takes a leading PMAC role as busy firms continue to jostle for position
Franck Fougere, founder and managing partner of Ananda IP in Thailand, describes how the firm has developed a reputation for patent work and why he believes IP practice is set to change
After two decades at Kass International, Geetha Kandiah discusses the lessons that shaped her career, building an inclusive regional firm, and AI opportunities
Manisha Singh of LexOrbis discusses the need for commercial alignment with clients and why IP lawyers need to have curiosity at their core
Gift this article