For the sixth year in a row, Gowlings has been recognized as one of the world's leading trademark firms by the World Trademark Review (WTR) in its annual guide, WTR 1000.

The firm once again achieved gold-level status in both Canada and Russia, and was highlighted as one of the top 17 firms operating internationally. In addition, the guide recognized 20 Gowlings trademark professionals from both countries - more than any other firm in either jurisdiction - across 28 listings. Meanwhile, Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co. (with whom Gowlings will combine this year to form Gowling WLG) has three professionals ranked in the U.K. and two in China.

Describing Gowlings' trademark practice in Canada, WTR 1000 lauded the team's expertise, efficiency and friendly approach: "The individuals there are smart, effective, creative and focused in their advice; they are always up to speed and current on the case law, and they know how to get things done efficiently and to a high standard. Moreover, they're lovely, delightful, interesting and fun - the kind of people who also become friends."

The guide went on to praise Gowlings' trademark team in Russia for their depth and competency, especially in the global brand protection arena: "If global brand protection is what you are after, the set delivers time and again. The team combines tactical nous with a finely tuned appreciation of individual commercial objectives to provide pragmatic counsel to a slew of household names."

WTR 1000 is regarded internationally as one of the foremost legal guides, identifying the top trademark professionals practising throughout the world. Rankings are based on a comprehensive vetting process that includes feedback from professionals, clients and in-house counsel.

The following Gowlings professionals were selected for inclusion in the 2016 edition of WTR 1000:

Canada

Anti-counterfeiting

Tania D'Souza-Culora
Monique M. Couture
Christopher J. Pibus

Enforcement and Litigation

Paul Blanchard
James Buchan
Monique M. Couture
Tania D'Souza-Culora
Kelly Gill
Robert A. MacDonald
Christopher J. Pibus
Eric Macramalla
Kevin Sartorio
Jane B.H. Steinberg

Prosecution and Strategy

Stuart Ash
Paul Blanchard
Shelagh Carnegie
Monique M. Couture
Neil W. Henderson
Robert A. MacDonald
Eric Macramalla
Jennifer Morton
Frank Mulock
Jane B.H. Steinberg

Russia

Enforcement and Litigation

Alexander Christophoroff
Marina I. Drel
Julianna Tabastajewa

Individuals: Prosecution and Strategy

David Aylen
Anastassia Sinitsyna

As one of the world's pre-eminent intellectual property law firms, Gowlings boasts top practices in patents, trademarks, copyright, IP litigation, life sciences and more. With nearly 150 IP professionals in offices across Canada as well as in Russia, the firm delivers practical, cost-effective advice to help clients grow and thrive.

In 2016, the firm is combining with Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co. to create a new international law firm called Gowling WLG. At launch, Gowling WLG will have more than 1,400 professionals in 18 cities across Canada, the U.K., Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It will provide clients with world-class legal expertise and multi-jurisdictional support in key global sectors, and will be the first international legal combination to be co-led by a Canadian firm.

Gowling WLG will be an international law firm consisting of independent and autonomous entities providing services around the world. Learn more about our structure at gowlingwlg.com/legal.