On 30 September, IP STARS hosted a webinar outlining the key updates for the 2027 research cycle, including changes to the submission form, research process and publication timeline.
Key changes to the research timeline
One of the biggest changes for 2027 is the move away from publishing rankings by practice area at different points in the year. Instead, all rankings, lawyer ratings and editorial reviews for each region will now be published together.
This means firms will be able to see their full regional results at the same time, rather than waiting for separate Patent, Trademark and General IP releases.
How does IP STARS conduct its research?
IP STARS has been researching and ranking IP firms since 1990 and now covers more than 80 jurisdictions.
Its research draws on several key sources:
- Firm submissions – providing information on the practice, team and recent work.
- Peer interviews – giving researchers insight into firms and practitioners across the market.
- Client feedback – offering a client perspective on firms and individual lawyers.
- Industry surveys and independent research – providing additional market context.
During the Q&A, IP STARS confirmed that no single research pillar carries greater weight. Submissions, peer feedback and client feedback are all considered important, with researchers using these different perspectives collectively to build consensus.
Consistency also matters. Researchers look at a firm’s track record and participation over multiple research cycles rather than making decisions based on a single year.
Moving up the rankings
For firms looking to move up the rankings, IP STARS stressed the importance of consistent participation and detailed submissions that clearly demonstrate the full strengths of the practice.
Changes at the top of the rankings are approached particularly carefully. Researchers want sufficient evidence across submissions, peer feedback and client feedback before making a significant change.
Individual lawyer rankings
Individual lawyers can come onto the researchers’ radar through all aspects of the research process. Firms can support individual ranking consideration by clearly highlighting lawyers’ involvement in significant matters within the submission, while peer interviews and client feedback also play an important role.
Key developments for 2027
IP STARS has introduced a new website, bringing its editorial content and rankings together in one place and updating the presentation of its ranking tables.
There are also several important changes to this year’s submission form.
New firm profile and statistics section
Section 1F now asks firms for additional information about the practice, including headcount, revenue and growth strategy.
IP STARS confirmed that these fields are not mandatory and leaving them blank will not make a firm ineligible for rankings or awards. The information is intended to help researchers build a broader picture of the IP market and the structure of participating firms.
Changes to practice areas
Trade Secrets now has its own dedicated case-study section.
The separate sections for Domain Names and IP Tax have been removed, but this work can still be included where relevant. Domain name work can be covered under Trademark, while IP tax-related work may be included within relevant transactional matters.
AI and innovation
The form also includes new questions about firms’ use of AI, with the focus primarily on how AI is being used internally within the practice.
IP STARS indicated that this information could potentially contribute to future recognition around innovation and technology.
Submitting through the platform
Submissions must be made through the online submission platform and will not be accepted by email.
The platform allows firms to access their submission history across IP STARS and its sister brands and organise submissions by jurisdiction, brand and practice area.
Interviews
Research interviews provide an opportunity for firms to discuss the market and their peers with the IP STARS research team.
Typically, firms are offered one or two interviews, lasting around 30–60 minutes. These discussions are conducted off the record and form part of the wider peer-review process.
Key dates
- Submissions opened: 1 September 2026
- Submission deadline: 2 November 2026
- Market surveys: Expected to launch by December
- Research interviews: October 2026–January 2027
- Results publication: Expected to begin from May 2027
The important change for 2027 is that results will now be published together by region, rather than practice areas being released separately across different months.
Final thoughts
The 2027 cycle reflects a broader effort by IP STARS to streamline both the submission and publication process while maintaining a research methodology based on multiple perspectives.
For firms, the key message is clear: consistent participation, a thorough submission and strong engagement from peers and clients all contribute to building the evidence researchers use when making ranking decisions.