Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP

If trademark law is your passion, Kilpatrick Townsend is the undisputed champion, named Law Firm of the Year for Trademark Law for the third time and earning Gold-level recognition from the World Trademark Review for over a decade. The firm ranks number one in the U.S. for most attorneys recognized in the WTR 1000, and its 2025 Best Law Firms results included 21 national Tier 1 rankings and 140 total Tier 1 practice rankings. With approximately 590 attorneys headquartered in Atlanta, Kilpatrick has offices across the U.S., Tokyo, Shanghai, and other international markets.

Kilpatrick's trademark and brand protection practice is the firm's signature strength, representing some of the world's most valuable brands in prosecution, enforcement, and litigation matters globally. The firm's broader IP practice includes patent litigation, trade secret, and design patent work, and Kilpatrick also maintains strong practices in corporate transactions, construction, real estate, and environmental law. The firm's international IP work is a genuine differentiator, it is the only Gold-level U.S. firm ranked in the WTR's China market.

The culture at Kilpatrick is collegial, creative, and distinctly Southern in its hospitality. The firm uses a free-market system, and summer associates benefit from the firm's deep IP bench alongside opportunities in general litigation and corporate work. Associates describe an environment where quality work and genuine relationships are equally valued.

For recruiting, demonstrate specific interest in trademark or IP law, and be prepared to discuss brand protection trends and recent developments. Kilpatrick looks for candidates who combine strong analytical skills with the creativity that brand work demands. International interest and language skills are valued given the firm's global trademark practice.