At IP Law Experts, our mission is simple: help clients and referrers find the most capable intellectual property counsel in each jurisdiction—quickly and confidently. To do that, we combine open nominations with independent research and a rigorous evaluation framework. We look beyond reputation alone and assess demonstrable performance: recent casework, long-term track record, thought leadership, recognition by peers and institutions, client impact, and service to the wider IP community.

Our process is transparent, methodical, and designed to identify one standout IP lawyer per country. Inclusion cannot be purchased or negotiated. Every profiled lawyer has earned their place through evidence, results, and sustained excellence.

Step-By-Step Process

1. Call for Nominations

   • We invite nominations from clients, in-house counsel, law firm partners, barristers, and professional bodies. Self-nominations are accepted but carry no special weight and must be supported by objective evidence.

2. Independent Research Sweep

   • Our research team reviews public records, reported decisions, notable deals/filings, academic and industry publications, speaking engagements, rankings, awards, and verifiable media to build an initial picture of each nominee’s impact.

3. Eligibility & Conflicts Screening

   • We confirm licensing/standing, active IP practice, and jurisdictional fit. We also run a conflict-of-interest check (e.g., business ties to our platform or researchers) to preserve independence and integrity.

4. Dossier Creation

   • For each candidate, we compile a standardized dossier that includes: recent matters (with public citations where possible), sector focus, years of experience, technical credentials, publications, conference roles, awards/rankings, pro bono/community involvement, and client references.

5. Performance Indicators (Evidence-Based)

   • We evaluate dossiers against core indicators, including:

     • Recent Cases & Results (complexity, novelty, cross-border elements, precedent value)

     • Experience & Specialisation (years in practice, depth in trademarks/patents/copyright/designs, contentious vs. non-contentious balance)

     • Thought Leadership (peer-reviewed articles, practitioner texts, guidance notes)

     • Speaking Engagements (industry conferences, training for in-house teams, judicial/academic seminars)

     • Awards & Rankings (credible third-party recognition over multiple years)

     • Client Impact (references, measurable outcomes, strategic value)

     • Community & Professional Service (committee roles, mentorship, standards development)

6. Weighted Scoring & Comparative Review

   • Using a rubric, researchers assign scores to each indicator. We compare candidates relative to peers in the same jurisdiction and practice focus to avoid penalising niche experts or smaller markets.

7. Verification & Referencing

   • We verify claimed matters (public records where available) and request anonymised summaries where confidentiality applies. We also conduct discreet reference checks with clients and peers to test consistency between perception and performance.

8. Shortlist Formation

   • The top-scoring candidates are advanced to a country shortlist. We aim for diversity of practice type (prosecution, litigation, transactions) and sector coverage where relevant to the market.

9. Expert Panel Review

   • A rotating panel of senior researchers and external advisors reviews the shortlists. The panel tests the evidence, challenges assumptions, and weighs intangible factors such as judgement, leadership, and reliability under pressure.

10. Due Diligence & Integrity Check

    • We run final checks for disciplinary issues, professional conduct concerns, and any public information that could materially affect client confidence.

11. Final Selection (One Lawyer Per Country)

    • The panel confirms a single recommended lawyer for each country based on the strongest, most consistent overall record. In especially large markets, we may note key runners-up for monitoring, but only one profile is published.

12. Acceptance & Profile Creation

    • We invite the selected lawyer to confirm factual details and supply a high-quality biography and photograph. Editorial review ensures clarity, accuracy, and neutrality.

13. Publication & Guidance

    • The profile goes live on IP Law Experts with a clear rationale for selection, highlighting verified achievements and areas of focus to guide users seeking counsel.

14. Annual Review & Continuous Monitoring

    • Listings are reviewed annually. Significant developments (landmark wins, leadership changes, disciplinary findings) may trigger an interim reassessment. Prior selectees are not guaranteed renewal; performance must be maintained.

Summary

Our selection methodology blends open input from the market with disciplined, evidence-based evaluation. By scoring verifiable achievements, testing them through references, and insisting on independence and integrity, we ensure that each profiled lawyer genuinely stands out in their jurisdiction. The result is a concise, trustworthy recommendation—one IP lawyer per country—so our visitors can make informed decisions with confidence.