Below we highlight why it is important for firms to participate by making a submission and answer some key questions about the research and publication.
Why is it important for firms to participate each year?
In terms of participation, the minimum we require from firms each year is firm questionnaire and client referees document submission. The submission process is simple: complete the research forms and upload to our online submissions portal.
Regardless of whether your firm is ranked or not, it is important to submit because our firm rankings are subject to change each year. Annual participation demonstrates that your firm’s IP practice is credible and active, and it helps us build up reasonable research data on your firm and practitioners.
In addition to the firm rankings, we may find information in your submission that may positively influence our decision when considering other research projects including the IP stars lists and Managing IP awards.
We have other avenues for recognising unranked firms that provide good quality services.
Is there a fee to pay to participate in your research?
None at all.
Are there any major changes this year?
Our research methodology and submission process have not changed. However, each year we look to improve our research forms based on feedback. We have redesigned and updated the firm questionnaire, including very few new questions. The changes to the client referees document are insignificant.
Can you briefly explain your research methodology?
The firm rankings, IP stars lists and Managing IP awards are primarily based on an independent review of available information including firm submissions and market feedback (i.e. competitors and clients). Please read more about our methodology here.
Where can those who wish to participate find the research forms and guidelines?
The research forms, online submission portal and submission guidelines are available at www.ipstars.com/general/links
We have already sent the 2019 research announcement email to firms. If your firm has not yet received our email by September 11 then please contact research@managingip.com.
Please note that it is likely that we may have sent the email to one of the IP partners and/or the marketing/business development team at your firm so please check with them first before contacting us.
When is the firm submission deadline?
The deadline to submit your firm questionnaire and client referees documents is October 31 2018. Our key research timeline and results publication schedule are published here.
When do you start your research interviews?
We have started scheduling the first batch of interviews (September 10 to December 10). The second batch of interviews starts on December 11 and ends in February 2019. Please note that the interviews are offered on a first come, first served basis.
We interview as many firms as possible and obtain a lot of data and therefore we regret that not all firms will be interviewed for the 2019 edition. Please note that not getting an interview with us will not in any way influence our decisions on your firm.
When will you publish the results of your research?
The new firm rankings are first published in Managing IP magazine between February and April. They are made available later on ipstars.com.
The Managing IP awards shortlists are published in February and the winners are revealed in March. See the previous winners at www.managingip.com/Awards.html
The IP stars lists for 2019, including the Managing Intellectual Property Top 250 Women in IP, are announced in May.
We publish all of the above and more online and in print.
Where can we find more information about your research?
Please visit ipstars.com/general/about to learn more about IP STARS. If you still have further questions after reviewing all the information on our website or have feedback to share please send them to research@managingip.com
For the latest updates follow IP STARS on Twitter @IP_STARS and join us on LinkedIn
