Fenwick Named a ‘Go-To’ Firm for Trademark Law in WTR 1000 for 14th Consecutive Year
Fenwick once again received top honors in the World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000, being named a “gold-tier” firm nationwide in the 2024 edition of the prestigious directory. The firm also took home two gold-tier designations in California, one for enforcement and litigation, and another for prosecution and strategy.
WTR 1000 lauded Fenwick as “the firm to turn to for cutting-edge and innovative work at the intersection of technology and intellectual property,” with one client telling the publication that “there is always someone [at Fenwick] who is a clear expert in their field who can assist. I would recommend them to any business without hesitation.”
Seven Fenwick lawyers were also individually recognized for their robust performance in prosecution and strategy, and litigation and enforcement, with partners Connie Ellerbach, Jedediah Wakefield, and Karen Webb each earning additional distinction in WTR’s 2024 Global Leaders: Private Practice guide, which identifies the “best of the best” in trademark law based on market-leading research from WTR 1000 and WTR 300.
Eric Ball, head of the trademark litigation practice, ranked for his eighth consecutive time on WTR 1000’s list of leading individuals in California for enforcement and litigation. His “steady counsel and clear guidance” proved invaluable throughout the litigation process according to one client, who added “no doubt we will return to him for all of our trademark needs.”
Andrew Bridges, Fenwick’s “deeply experienced” litigation partner emeritus, once again earned a gold-tier ranking nationwide for enforcement and litigation and was recognized in California as a trademark luminary “who continues to dish out high-level strategic advice to patrons across a range of sectors,” according to WTR 1000.
Connie Ellerbach, chair of the trademark group, earned her 14th consecutive gold-tier ranking for prosecution and strategy in California, as well as high marks nationally, with WTR 1000 noting her trademark prosecution work for Treeline Biosciences and assistance in Clif Bar’s acquisition by Mondelēz International as examples of why she is “go-to prosecution counsellor for some of the world’s best-known brands.” Connie was also recognized in WTR’s Global Leaders guide.
Kathryn Fritz was once again ranked in WTR 1000’s California enforcement and litigation category. Noted for her long prior tenure as Fenwick’s managing partner, Kate’s practice concentrates on business and IP litigation, with an emphasis on trademark, right of publicity and copyright, especially as applied to new technology areas.
Mark Jansen, co-lead of the firm’s games and blockchain & cryptocurrency industry groups, earned high rankings in New York for both prosecution and strategy, and enforcement and litigation—recognizing his contributions to what WTR 1000 called Fenwick’s “coast to coast” reach. Mark works with some of the world’s best-known tech brands to develop worldwide branding strategies, including helping his clients select, develop, expand, and protect their valuable IP assets.
Jedediah Wakefield, litigation chair, was awarded gold-tier rankings for enforcement and litigation both nationwide and in California, and received additional distinction in WTR’s Global Leaders guide. WTR 1000 heralded him as “a port of call for technology and life sciences companies seeking experienced, high-stakes counsel.”
Karen Webb, intellectual property partner, was again awarded high national ranking—and she was one of just three lawyers to receive gold-tier rankings in California for enforcement and litigation, as well as prosecution and strategy. It’s her seventh year achieving top marks in both categories. WTR 1000 called Karen “a formidable brand strategist in her element helping global brands navigate the nuances of consumer tech” while noting her work assisting cutting-edge clients with international filings and UDRP proceedings. In further recognition of her influence, Karen was also named to WTR’s 2024 Global Leaders guide.
World Trademark Review 1000 – The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals is an annual guide published by World Trademark Review honoring the top law firms and lawyers working on trademark prosecution and enforcement matters. In compiling the rankings, WTR 1000 researchers consider information provided from law firms on their work over the past year, insight from other legal professionals, and client input. The full rankings are available here. For more information on the methodology behind WTR 1000, see the World Trademark Review website.
About Fenwick
Fenwick is a leading law firm, purpose-built to guide visionary tech and life sciences companies and their investors through every stage of growth, from startups securing their first round of funding to leading publicly-traded global enterprises. As one of Silicon Valley’s original legal practices, today we have over 500 lawyers, patent agents, engineers and scientists serving clients from seven offices located in innovation hubs across the United States and China. Named 2023 Life Sciences Practice Group of the Year by Law360, we are consistently ranked a Chambers first-tier firm for delivering the deep experience and technical skill that help innovators at the forefront of their industries redefine what’s possible. Visit www.fenwick.com to learn more.