World Trademark Review magazine has ranked Womble Bond Dickinson’s Sarah Keefe, John Morrow and Randy Springer in the 2018 edition of the World Trademark Review 1000 – The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals.

The WTR 1000 research directory focuses on “identifying the trademark industry’s leading lights in 72 jurisdictions around the world.” Candidates are ranked according to market research, and are included independently of any commercial considerations.

The report states: “Business law firm Womble Bond Dickinson has had a base in North Carolina since 1876, when it was established in Winston-Salem. In the last 141 years much has changed, but the dedication of its tireless trademark pros has not – they continue to tend to clients’ every need with alacrity.

Because the firm is located in an affordable area – rather than in downtown Atlanta or anywhere in New York – there are minimal administrative overheads; and therefore, costs can be effectively contained. A sophisticated online infrastructure also means that its lawyers can work remotely, supporting brand owners attentively wherever they are based. Also au fait with all issues that can arise during a trademark’s lifecycle, the worldly wise Randy Springer has what it takes to maneuver around even the most insurmountable obstacles. John Morrow commands the firm’s IP litigation practice, having sat as first chair in state and federal courts across the country, from New York to Tennessee. His client roster includes an assortment of household names; with Morrow holding the reins on their mandates, clients are in mighty safe hands.”

“Sarah Anne Keefe exemplifies Womble Bond Dickinson’s commitment to holism: ‘She’s a brilliant litigator but also very strong on non-contentious issues.’ With 25 years in the field she understands how a portfolio can be effectively streamlined to save a client money.”

Sarah Keefe has more than 20 years experience in developing, clearing, registering and protecting trademarks and service marks. Her particular experience is in pharmaceutical trademarks and developing and efficiently maintaining worldwide intellectual property portfolios through the use of technology and web-based information tools. She is Managing Partner of Womble Bond Dickinson’s Boston office.

John Morrow currently chairs Womble Bond Dickinson’s US Intellectual Property Litigation Group. For more than two decades, Morrow’s practice has focused on complex disputes involving patent infringement, trademark and trade dress infringement, unfair competition, copyright infringement, trade secret misappropriation, false advertising, antitrust, and cybersecurity (data breaches).

For more than 25 years, Randy Springer has guided clients in selecting, clearing, registering, maintaining and defending trademarks. He acts as a trusted IP advisor to clients at all stages of the trademark life cycle, and is a North Carolina Bar Board Certified Trademark Specialist. Springer focuses on helping companies manage large trademark portfolios, including those of well-known consumer brands.