The 2025 World Trademark Review 1000 – The World's Leading Trademark Professionals has again awarded Cowan, Liebowitz & Latman (CLL) its highest ranking – the Gold Band – for its national and New York trademark practice in both Enforcement and Litigation, and Prosecution and Strategy. Seventeen CLL attorneys were recognized as leading trademark practitioners.
The WTR 1000 focuses exclusively on trademark practice and is widely recognized as the "definitive 'go-to' resource for those seeking world-class legal trademark expertise." About the rankings, the WTR 1000 notes:
Firms and individuals in the gold band are those that attract the most positive comments from sources and undertake the most sophisticated work. We have identified them as the crème de la crème; their success often hinges on reputations established over lengthy periods of time, something which enables them to secure the most high-profile, big-ticket work from the most prestigious of clients.
About CLL's recognized attorneys, the WTR noted:
Cowan Liebowitz & Latman is a firm with a great deal of experience in trademarks and the wider IP world. Its fast-acting, super responsive team is a necessity in today's environment. The outfit stands as a premier IP boutique that delivers a top-tier service across the United States, and its expertise shines in high-stakes instructions. Based in New York, the team thrives under the leadership of Deborah Squiers, whose "expertise, attention to detail and proactive approach have been instrumental in protecting her clients' IP rights and maintaining a strong brand presence." She is joined by senior counsel Lynn Fruchter, who has over four decades of experience in managing global IP portfolios and licensing. She is unmatched in her ability to navigate trademark law across jurisdictions.
Several members of the team are also commended by clients for their superb work: Joel Karni Schmidt is a go-to US lawyer for trademark prosecution matters. He is an expert in the law and excels in explaining complex issues in a straightforward and practical way. He has excellent ideas that make life easy. Maria Scungio is a very diligent trademark attorney. She is thoughtful and strategic in her management of trademark portfolios, and she partners with her clients in a way that is collaborative and business-focused. Jeffrey Chery is a solid trademark practitioner with substantial experience at the USPTO. He understands his clients' business needs and what is ultimately most important. He is a true talent.
A fan favorite for both new and established businesses, Robert English recently assisted Noah Clothing, a fashion and lifestyle brand founded by the former head designer of Supreme, with protecting and enforcing its trademarks both domestically and internationally. Also active in the fashion and luxury goods space is Meichelle MacGregor, who of late helped Swarovski with all aspects of its US protection, including TTAB proceedings and related negotiations.
Coming in on a wave of praise from clients is Mary Donovan: "Mary has been our company's trademark counsel for over 35 years. Her extensive knowledge of our business and insight into what is most important to us makes her an excellent partner and a trusted adviser. She is extremely responsive, resourceful and well connected with local counsel worldwide, which allows her to provide excellent customer service."
Straddling the non-contentious/contentious divide are Mary Kevlin, Adam Siegartel, and Maryann Licciardi. Kevlin has been supervising the worldwide protection of Ryder Systems' trademarks and domain names; Siegartel is a trusted player in the scene and a prominent expert who provides swift resolutions; and "Maryann is intelligent, strategic and a pleasure to work with – all excellent qualities in outside counsel."
The firm also has a standout litigation group, home to chair Kieran Doyle. "From a legal perspective, Kieran is resolute, but he also has a creative side that enables him to think of original solutions for unusual situations. With his help, clients have developed solid portfolios and achieved victory in numerous settlements. He is an invaluable person to have on your side." Eric Shimanoff has been busy of late representing Columbia University in their opposition against an application to register the trademark "COLUMBIA CARE" for a variety of products related to medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD).
Completing the stellar line-up, Joelle Milov teamed up with Richard Mandel to assist Topdon in a trade dress case, and Mandel also joined forces with Jonathan King in another trade dress dispute, this time for Promotion In Motion. Louis Ederer commands a stellar reputation, with expertise refined over four decades in the field. He is highly recommended for his encyclopedic knowledge of trademark law and his practical, business-savvy advice.
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WTR 1000 (World Trademark Review 1000: The World's Leading Trademark Professionals) is published by Law Business Research. They focus exclusively on trademark practices and practitioners. They undertake an exhaustive qualitative research project to identify the firms and individuals that are deemed outstanding in this critical area of practice. When identifying the leading firms, factors such as depth of expertise, market presence and the level of work on which they are typically instructed are all taken into account, alongside positive peer and client feedback. More information about their methodology is available here.
See more Honors & Rankings.