Five Kelly IP Lawyers Recognized Again in 2020 World Trademark Review 1000

In addition to Kelly IP’s “Gold” rankings both nationally and among Washington, DC firms, the 2020 World Trademark Review 1000 (WTR 1000) has again recognized Kelly IP’s lawyers as leaders in the field. These individual recognitions demonstrate the high-caliber talent and significant expertise that defines Kelly IP.

As a firm, the WTR 1000 recognized Kelly IP as an “elite boutique” trademark firm that “garners superlative feedback from diverse stakeholders in the IP market,” with client feedback including that “Kelly IP never disappoints. It is more streamlined than big law firms and works efficiently as a team. Although compact, it has tremendous resources including UDRP specialists and amazing paralegals. It also represents exceptional value for money.”

Specifically, the WTR 1000 highlighted praise bestowed by the firm’s clients:

Dave Kelly, is described as “one of the best there is at coming up with creative solutions that precisely fit a brand’s needs. He is strategic, thoughtful and responsive, and continues to raise the bar for what it means to be an excellent external partner.” “He has an uncanny ability to immediately reach the right conclusion on something – he doesn’t need time to process things.” Moreover, “he . . . doesn’t make it all about him,” meaning that his equally brilliant colleagues thrive too. Dave was also recognized for his expertise on the intersection of trademark law and the First Amendment. Dave was named to the top “Gold” band of lawyers nationally for trademark litigation (fifth consecutive year) and trademark prosecution (third consecutive year) and in the DC metro area for both trademark enforcement (tenth consecutive year) and litigation and trademark prosecution and strategy (sixth consecutive year).

Linda McLeod, a former Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Judge “who brings immense oppositions and cancellations expertise to the team,” is described by clients as an “attorney who is always well prepared” and who is “admirably committed to educating and helping younger lawyers.” For the seventh straight year Linda achieved Gold status for prosecution and strategy and either Gold or Silver status for enforcement and litigation in the Washington, DC area. Linda was also recognized nationally in the ”Silver” band for trademark enforcement and litigation.

Rob Litowitz, was praised for his role in handling a complex U.S. litigation for Bugatchi Uomo Apparel against German company Bugatti, which involved German authorities denying service of the complaint under the Hague Convention. Kelly IP – together with German co-counsel – persuaded a German court that this was an erroneous decision, thereby allowing the US lawsuit to proceed. Rob achieved Silver status for enforcement and litigation in the Washington, DC area for the seventh year in a row. 

Stephanie Bald, was described by clients as “an invaluable part of her clients’ internal teams [who] is perfect in the trusted adviser role. Her responsiveness and professionalism are top notch and you can always count on her to deliver a great result regardless of the issue.” Stephanie, who was also recognized for her key role in the Bugatchi case discussed above, was named for the first time to the “Silver” band of lawyers nationally for trademark enforcement and litigation, and was ranked among top Washington, DC area trademark lawyers as a Silver status lawyer for trademark enforcement and litigation for the fifth year in a row. 

Lynn Jordan, was described by clients as one of the “foremost experts on the intersection of trademark law and free speech” who is “relied on by many major media and entertainment companies” because her “approach is always practical but grounded in an encyclopedic knowledge of case law and decades of on-the-ground experience.” Lynn is also recognized by clients as a “fierce and sophisticated advocate.” Lynn was named a Gold status lawyer for prosecution and strategy in the Washington, DC area for the fifth year in a row. 

The WTR 1000 is dedicated to identifying the world’s leading trademark law firms and practitioners. Through an extensive research process conducted by a team of highly qualified, full-time analysts that interview and communicate with numerous lawyers and their clients, the publication identifies the leading trademark law firms and lawyers in more than 80 key jurisdictions globally. The WTR 1000 2020 results can be found at www.worldtrademarkreview.com.