Newly transformed WIPR Leaders 2025 places quality over quantity

WIPR launches new, improved 2025 edition | New approach marks beginning of a more selective, research-driven era | Directory contains carefully vetted cohort of 1,000 leading IP practitioners from 80 countries.

WIPR Rankings has unveiled its WIPR Leaders 2025, offering a comprehensive repository of the world’s foremost intellectual property (IP) practitioners.

Now in its 10th year, WIPR Leaders continues to evolve with a commitment to showcasing excellence in IP practice across practice areas and jurisdictions.

The 2025 directory marks a significant shift: the research and curation methodology has been overhauled to prioritise quality over quantity.

This latest edition is the product of a more selective and rigorous process, incorporating in-depth surveys, firm submissions, referee feedback, and interviews.

The outcome is a carefully vetted cohort of legal professionals recognised not only for their technical expertise, but also for peer-endorsed credibility, adaptability, and meaningful contributions to the global IP landscape.

Snapshot of global representation

This 2025 edition features more than 1,000 leading IP practitioners from 80 countries, with strong representation across Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, MENA, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Oceania.

Notable figures include the US at the top with 329 leaders; China at 93; Canada at 62; India with 51; Brazil with 44; Australia with 42; and both Israel and Germany represented by 33 practitioners each.

"This level of global coverage makes the WIPR Leaders directory a vital resource for locating trusted IP counsel, whether within major economic centres or niche jurisdictions," said rankings editor Baron Armah-Kwantreng.

He added that this "global spread affirms WIPR's commitment to inclusive, regionally diverse representation, while spotlighting emerging and established IP hubs."

Elevated standards, expanded focus

Marking a new approach for the directory, nomination is no longer guaranteed by submission alone. Each listed lawyer has been endorsed by peers, substantiated through client work, and selected based on evidence of a verifiable and proven track record.

In contrast to previous editions, the 2025 directory is informed by a more stringent research process, including comprehensive surveying, peer submissions, independent referee feedback, and in-depth interviews.

The outcome is a curated roster that celebrates legal professionals not merely for their firm affiliations, but for a proven, peer-endorsed track record of excellence, adaptability, and thought leadership in IP law.

WIPR's refined focus on quality over quantity ensures that only standout lawyers are nominated and selected, based on the strength of their peer and client feedback, regional reputation, and demonstrated impact on the IP landscape.

The 2025 directory catalogues each professional’s specialisms across copyright, design, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, and also notes whether their expertise lies in contentious or non-contentious matters.

Profiles feature individuals from multinational powerhouses, specialist boutiques, and leading in-house counsel at major global brands.

These IP leaders have earned high trust among clients as practitioners and advisors who—in the words of a recently interviewed IP leader—“will deliver the extra amount” and do all they can for the client.

Another interviewee said of a nominated leader: “There is no one in the world I would rather move mountains with than you!”

Additionally, prior recognitions on WIPR lists and rankings are also included, namely the most recent WIPR UK Trademarks rankings and WIPR Diversity & Inclusion Top 100.

Importantly, this edition debuts at a time of accelerated evolution in IP law practice.

As the directory continues to grow in scope and precision, WIPR invites collaboration from regional IP champions and stakeholders to review and refine the 2025 edition.

WIPR will launch a second edition in December 2025, which will include deeper insights into sector-specific expertise and direct quotes from peer and client reviews.

Explore the full WIPR Leaders 2025 directory.

For more information on WIPR Leaders, contact Baron Armah-Kwantreng at barmah-kwantreng@worldipreview.com