Is your firm active in IP—whether contentious or non-contentious—and does it submit annually to IP STARS? If so, you’ll want to know about their latest Q&A webinar.
The webinar, hosted by Chris Adams (US Editor) and Kingsley Egbuonu (Research Editor) last month, offered valuable insights and practical tips. Our team tuned in—so you don’t have to—and we’ve summarised the key points below.
Key research dates:
- September 1, 2025: Research Launch
- October 31, 2025: Firm submission deadline
- December 2025: Market feedback survey begins
- January 2026: End of research interviews
- February 2026: Start of results publication
- July 2026: End of research
Tips and key insights about the research
- Research for 2026 began in September, and interviews will follow shortly.
- The practice areas assessed include: patent, trademark, copyright, design, IP transactions, domain names and IP tax advice.
- There are no major changes to the research methodology. However, some new questions have been added to the questionnaire – highlighted in green in the online form.
- No timeline changes are expected. While publication dates remain subjects to changes, they are likely to follow the usual schedule. Updates can be found on the IP Stars live page.
- The research process – and being ranked – is free. IP Stars and Managing IP’s research is impartial: all firms are assessed using the same criteria.
- Firms are encouraged to add as much information as possible, including feedback on other firms in their submissions.
Key principles guiding the research:
- Transparency – The more information you provide in submission – about your own firm or other – the better.
- Honesty – IP Stars expects accurate information, provided to the best of your knowledge.
- Timeliness – Firms must meet submissions deadlines, although extension requests may be granted. Early engagement is prioritised.
- Impact – Showcase how your work has made a difference to clients, your firm, or the industry.
- Details – Supplying detailed information improves your chances, especially for award consideration.
Additional information on research
1. Overview of the Research Process
Research includes interviews with firms, surveys/interviews with referees, and analysis of historical data and firm websites. Rankings prepared by researchers are reviewed by editors.
2. Firm Interviews
Interviews with firms are used to gather feedback on current rankings—not to evaluate the firm’s own capabilities. All essential information should be included in the written submission.
3. Client and Referee Feedback:
Clients are typically asked how they found the firm, whom they would recommend, and whether they have worked with other firms. They are not asked to verify specific work types. While client interviews may occur, feedback is usually submitted in writing. It is important to ask your referees if they give consent to be contacted. IP Stars will reach out to them by email.
4. Evaluation Criteria
Researchers assess a firm’s track record, stability, consistency, and team/industry strengths. Bench strength—who is on your team and their expertise—is key. Market feedback from other firms is also highly important.
5. Work Highlights Guidance:
It is recommended to keep work highlights under 300 words, though firms won’t be penalised descriptions are longer or shorter.
6. Referee Spreadsheet
No changes were made to the excel spreadsheet. Firms should use the pre-formatted document without altering it. Each row should include the firm’s name under “Your firm’s name” for all referees; failing to do so may jeopardise the referee pool.
7. Submission of Final Documents
When it comes to submitting final documents, firms are encouraged to wait and submit their finals documents only, as IP Stars does not allow documents update by email. Firms should ideally avoid submitting temporary drafts on the portal. Same applies to referees: submit only your final list. for the referees; only submit your final list.
8. Submission Format
One document per jurisdiction is expected.
Managing IP Awards
The awards recognise exceptional work and achievement of IP professionals, both in recent years and historically.
Three ceremonies take place – Americas, Asia Pacific and EMEA – attended by firms, in-house counsel and IP services providers and public officials.
As with the rankings, firms do not pay to win or be shortlisted. The awards cover multiple practice areas and categories. Submissions should highlight interesting case studies—whether recent or from past years. Previous years’ details add weight.
Strong first examples capture researchers’ attention, so firms are advised to present matters in order of importance. The matters submitted form the core of the assessment. There is no set number of matters to put forward, but the more case studies in the submission, the stronger the submission.
Other aspects are important in the submission: can you show that you have retained clients? Have you launched a new tool? Have you opened a new office?
Q&A:
At the end of the session, attendees were invited to ask questions, and we’ve included the transcribed a couple below.
Q: Our firm operates globally. How do we choose where to submit?
A: Submit in jurisdictions where your lawyers are qualified to practise. For instance, if your firm is based in the US and all your lawyers are US-qualified, you should submit in the US—even if you handle international work.
Q: How do you treat negative feedback?
A: We take negative feedback seriously and address it thoughtfully. If a comment is particularly concerning, we contact the firm to give them the opportunity to respond.
Q: Does not being invited to a lawyer call impact the rankings?
A: No. Participation in lawyer calls does not affect your ranking.
Q: Is there an ideal number of referees to include for partners?
A: Simply complete the form; listing partner names for each client is unnecessary. We will ask referees directly who they have worked with. Include at least five referees who are likely to respond.
Q: Do you want to see updates on associate hires?
A: Yes, you may include more information than what appears in the form. Any relevant information—such as associate hires—is welcome.
Q: Can we add more than 15 matters in the submission?
A: Yes, you may include more than 15 matters in one practice area. The more examples you provide, the better—start with your strongest ones. Some firms include far more, and all are reviewed. If you have an update, you can email the researcher, explain why it wasn’t included, and provide the new information.
Q: How many people can join the call?
A: We prefer to speak with at least two representatives from each firm. If possible, include professionals from two practice areas. Senior associates are welcome, and anyone with relevant knowledge may join.
Q: Who do we contact if we have a question about the research?
A: Any enquiries should be sent to research@managingip.com.
We hope you have found this article helpful! Click here to watch the full webinar, and let us know if you have any questions!
