Testimonials


Rouse is regularly ranked among the top Intellectual Property businesses in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Following are comments that have been made about us in legal directories and general publications, and details of firm rankings.
 
Legal Directories
 
China (Recommended): "Rouse is a veteran of the region and enjoys high levels of market recognition as a result.  Best known for its anti-counterfeiting work, the firm handles the full range of trademark matters.  A litigation team also deals with contentious trademark matters.  Highly recommended Linda Chang (Gold), Elliot Papageorgiou (Silver) and Rachel Tan (Silver) who leads a group of around 35 trademark attorneys and paralegals."
 
Hong Kong (ranked Bronze): "This small Hong Kong boutique acts in close cooperation with its international partner and will likely soon become the official Hong Kong branch of Rouse.  The firm's trademark offering is broad in scope, with a focus on litigation and portfolio management.  The firm recently represented fashion brand Paul Frank in a domain name dispute.  Highly recommended Adelaide Yu (Recommended, ranked Bronze) heads the office."
 
Indonesia (ranked Gold): "Suryomurcito & Co, in association with major emerging-market IP firm Rouse, is held in high esteem for the quality of its work in the trademark field.  Enforcement is a strong suit, with its ability to coordinate major anti-counterfeiting efforts a distinguishing feature of its practice.  Highly recommended Gunawan Suryomurcito (Recommended) is one of the biggest names in intellectual property in Indonesia."
 
Philippines (ranked Silver): "Ranked as a silver firm, Lisa Yong (Silver) is a Leading Individual."
 
Saudi Arabia (Recommended): "Highly regarded within the kingdom's borders, the group has fast established a rising profile and reputation in the trademark field - bringing it to the attention of IP Powerhouse Rouse, which recently formed an association with it."
 
Thailand (ranked Silver): "Rouse is an attractive option for clients with pan-Asian accounts, given its extensive geographical footprint across the region.  Although particularly adept at acting for large multinationals, Rouse also advises a significant roster of small to medium-sized local companies.  The unit is described as "responsive and dexterous," and is noted for its capacity to find practical solutions - a crucial skill in such a challenging market.  Highly recommended Lisa Yong (Silver) and Fabrice Mattei (Gold)."
 
UAE (Recommended): "At IP-centric Rouse, more than 20 professionals handle work from across the Middle East.  Recognised for its anti-counterfeiting expertise, the team also offers a wide range of services, which include trademark prosecution.  More than half of its practitioners are native Arabic speakers, so it is superbly equipped to serve both foreign and local enterprises.  Highly recommended Sara Holder (Recommended) heads the practice for the Middle East and North Africa."
 
United Kingdom (ranked Bronze): "With "a strong presence in Asia," IP specialist Rouse is particularly favoured by clients with an international presence.  Its trademark practice is admired for the high volume of instructions it attracts from the fashion, online and publishing industries, among others.  Highly recommended Karen Fong (Bronze) and Mark Foreman (Bronze)."
 
Vietnam (ranked Silver): "The firm is fantastic all round.  It operates efficiently, responds quickly and provides excellent advice.  Furthermore, the group has a real understanding of clients' needs.  Highly recommended Chris Vale (Silver) is approachable, extremely easy to deal with and effective."
 
World Trademark Review, 2012
 
China: Intellectual Property (International Firms) (Experts Based Abroad) - Karen Fong (Spotlight table), Luke Minford (Spotlight table).
 
Intellectual Property (International Firms) (Foreign Experts) - Chris Vale (Spotlight table) and Nicholas Redfearn (Spotlight table).
 
Indonesia: Corporate/M&A (Experts Based Abroad) - Nicholas Redfearn (Band 3)
 
United Kingdom: "Managing partner Karen Fong enjoys an outstanding reputation for dispute resolution across a range of soft and hard IP matters, and regularly advises high-profile clients on such issues.  Jeremy Newman continues to impress with his work on enforcement issues, he has played a key role in advising on Nokia's UK anti-counterfeiting programme.  Life sciences expert Diana Sternfeld wins instructions thanks to her track record as a successful patent litigator.  UK country manager Luke Minford handles work on behalf of major clients in Asia and interviewees agree that his presence strengthens the connection between the firm's UK and China offices.  Sources recognise Stuart Adams as "responsive and experienced, with a good feel for strategy and tactics", as well as appreciating his multi-jurisdictional expertise; he is particularly well versed in the Middle East, as well as offering experience in Africa and the Indian sub-continent."
 
Intellectual Property - Diana Sternfeld (Band 4), Jeremy Newman (Band 4), Karen Fong (Band 3) and Luke Minford (Band 4).
 
Intellectual Property (Foreign Experts) - Karen Fong (Spotlight table), Luke Minford (Spotlight table) and Stuart Adams (Spotlight table).
 
UAE: "Thanks to its experience across the world in IP, Rouse merges its market-leading enforcement practice with a wider sector capability to manage client portfolios and anti-counterfeiting programmes, and represent clients in complex disputes.  Consequently, the firm has some of the biggest brand names in its client stable."
 
Key individuals singled out for praise are Sara Holder described as 'extremely active' with one person remarking: "Quite simply, she is superb." and Chad Dowle, who one client described as "my favourite associate to work with anywhere."
 
Intellectual Property - Chad Dowle (Band W - Associates to Watch) and Sara Holder (Band 2).
 
Vietnam: Intellectual Property (Experts Based Abroad) - Chris Vale (Spotlight table).
 
Chambers & Partners Global Guide, 2012
 
China: "Market commentators highlight it as a team of knowledgeable, reliable lawyers.  The group's deep understanding of government and administrative agencies is also considered to be a significant asset.  Sources say 'The lawyers are responsive, professional, flexible, creative and client-focused.  They are always on the lookout for new solutions.'"  
 
Indonesia: "This practice is widely acknowledged as a leading IP firm in Indonesia.  Sources say 'They are impressive - they were really responsive and helped overcome all of the problems we face.'"
 
Thailand: "The Bangkok office has an extensive reach throughout South-East Asia.  The firm is sought out by global brand names protecting their IP rights in the region."
 
UAE: Enforcement has always been the feather in this group's cap and it is widely regarded as a market leader in this space.  Sources say 'Superb results, very flexible and responsive.  We've been getting really great results from the Dubai team.'"
 
UK: "Commentators note that the firm employs a talented group of associates and 'does well in pulling together information from different areas to provide consolidated advice.'"
 
 Chambers, 2012
 
China: "The China arm of global IP consultancy Rouse wins rave reviews from clients 'convinced that you'll never find more value for your money'.  The group, which has offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, is lauded for its 'very fast response times'.  The team is described as 'motivated, with great knowledge.'"
 
Philippines: "Established in 2009, Taw & Associates benefits from its association with the global IP boutique Rouse.  Edmund Jason Baranda is highly experienced in this area."
 
Thailand: "Rouse has a 'more personal touch to their approach to clients than other firms', with Fabrice Mattei singled out for his 'ability to grasp complex issues.'"
 
Indonesia: "Suryomurcito & Co. in association with Rouse has good access to international clients through its alliance partner, and is particularly strong in contentious matters."
 
Legal 500, 2012
 

A large number of individuals were recommended and recognised as being Leaders in their field by the directory, namely:

Chambers and Partners, 2012
 

Rouse are delighted with the recently published results of the Legal 500 2012 directory – not only have we maintained our position as top tier intellectual property foreign firms in China and Indonesia, we have also been ranked in new categories in the UK (TMT: Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology; and TMT: Brand management) and been upgraded in TMT: intellectual property in the UK.

Our Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam and UAE rankings have been maintained from last year, demonstrating our strength in those markets.

Testament to the team’s hard work and dedication, a large number of individuals were recommended and recognised as being Leaders in their field by the directory, namely:

Recommended

Leaders in their field

See the Legal 500 website for more information.

Legal 500, 2012
 
 
We are delighted to announce that Diana Sternfeld, Richard Willoughby and  
Elliot Papageorgiou have been recognised by IAM Patent 1000: The world's leading patent practioners as leading individuals.
 
Rouse Legal, UK is recommended a a leader in the litigation field and Rouse China are recommended as a leader in Foreign Counsel.
 
 
IAM Patent 1000: The world's leading patent practitioners, 2012
 
Rouse Legal: awarded as being a 'Top Tier' firm with the Global Leading Firms 'Top Tier Rankings' campaign.
 
Lawyers World, 2012
 
[Rouse] stands as one of the few firms in the jurisdiction to offer the full range of trademark services to clients, from filing through licensing to infringement and anti-counterfeiting litigation. It is currently handling the first case to appear before the UAE courts concerning three-dimensional marks.
 
World Trademark Review, 2011
 
China: ‘“I take my hat off to Rouse for their anti-counterfeiting work,” says one source, and this area of practice is without doubt a strong point for the well-known regional player.’ ‘...the firm can provide a comprehensive service when it comes to China-wide enforcement and anti-counterfeiting policies.’
 
'Rachel Tan...is well versed in developing strategies for trademark prosecution and protection. The practice also offers litigation services to its international and domestic clients, with highly experienced executive Elliot Papageorgiou preparing trademark infringement and counterfeit cases for trail in additional to advising on a wide range of trademark portfolios.’
 
Hong Kong: ‘...The firm’s core strengths lie in anti-counterfeiting and enforcement, with its extensive network across the Asia-Pacific region a crucial advantage.  Adelaide Yu is a seasoned trademark litigator and helps to direct anti-counterfeiting operations, including the organisation of raids on alleged infringers throughout the region.’
 
Indonesia: ‘Gunawan Suryomurcito ... is highly recommended as “a leading trademarks practitioner in Indonesia.”
 
Thailand: ‘Rouse maintains a fine reputation for enforcement work in Thailand. ...The practice also has a noteworthy presence in the courtrooms and has worked on some interesting and high-profile trademark cases...Fabrice Mattei enjoys a “tremendous reputation” in trademark work, with particular personal expertise in enforcement.  The firm’s longstanding practice in Thailand also means that it is well placed to assist clients with matters relating to prosecution.’
 
UAE: Rouse is an ‘international IP powerhouse. It stands as one of the few firms in the jurisdiction to offer the full range of trademark services to clients, from filing through licensing to infringement and anti-counterfeiting litigation. It is currently handling the first case to appear before the UAE courts concerning three-dimensional marks.’
 
United Kingdom: ‘International IP specialist Rouse comes highly recommended for its expertise on the full range of trademark matters...Anti-counterfeiting is a key focus, especially given the firms’ presence in Asia, and “the firm really uses its international footprint to the advantage of clients”. While the group is considered to be “incredibly experienced” in all areas, trademark prosecution work is a highlight. Special praise is bestowed on Jeremy Newman, a “charming and effective lawyer”, and consultant Tony Willoughby, a leading anti-counterfeiting and domain name lawyer with a “terrific feel for trademarks.”’
 
Vietnam: ‘Rouse maintains offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, and liaises with local partners to provide effective trademark prosecution services to its clients.  As in the Asia-Pacific region in general, core practice areas include enforcement and anti-counterfeiting work.’
 
WTR 1000, 2011
 
China: ‘Renowned in China as a force in anti-counterfeiting matters, this firm also comes highly recommended for its increasing presence in patent litigation.  The team features lawyers, patent attorneys and investigators who pool their respective expertise and experience in order to provide a comprehensive litigation service... the firm has seamless accessibility to Chinese court advocates.  Executive Elliot Papageorgiou is commended for his “great ability to interface effectively between foreign clients and local counsel”.
 
United Kingdom: ‘...Rouse’s patent litigation practice is growing in exposure, thanks to its “up-and-coming, energetic team led by renowned practitioners with proven experience”. The “truly excellent” Diana Sternfeld focuses on life sciences patent disputes.  She is commended for her “rapid and high-quality advice” and her “calm and collected approach” to litigation. “Highly knowledgeable” partner Richard Willoughby ...has experience of handling patent litigation involving a broad range of technologies, with a “masterful understanding of litigation strategy” and a “fair and realistic approach to cases”’.
 
IAM Patent Litigation 250, 2011
 
China: ‘Market commentators highlight it as a team of knowledgeable, reliable lawyers. The group’s deep understanding of government and administrative agencies is also considered to be a significant asset, with clients noting that this insight facilitates detailed and thorough work… “the lawyers are responsive, professional, flexible, creative and client-focused. They are always on the look-out for new solutions.” '
 
'August Zhang is “extremely well respected in China as he is very commercially focused and provides realistic advice that is highly valuable.” Linda Chang stands out for her deep expertise in trade mark issues, and is praised by clients as “professional and organised – she handles matters efficiently.” Ling Jin heads the China technology group and is commended as “very hands-on, incredibly sharp and extremely knowledgeable.” '
 
Indonesia: The Firm (ranked in Band 1) is ‘widely acknowledged as a leading IP firm in Indonesia. In addition to the usual IP work, it also offers commercialization and investigation services, and assists clients with strategy and management. As part of the Rouse global network, its impressive depth of resources has attracted many multinational clients. Sources say: “They are impressive – they were really responsive and helped overcome all of the problems we faced.” Founding partner Gunawan Suryomurcito is president of the Indonesian Intellectual Property Society and “an eminent lawyer whose name is mentioned often in this field.”’ (Gunawan has also been ranked as a Band 1 practitioner in Indonesia.)
 
Thailand: 'The Bangkok office has an extensive reach throughout South-East Asia. With its core strengths in trade marks and patents, the firm is sought out by global brand names protecting their IP rights in the region.’
 
'Fabrice Mattei heads up the practice and has a notable profile in this field. “He listens carefully to the demands we make and satisfies them,” says client.’
Chambers Asia, 2011
 
United Kingdom: Karen Fong, the firm's managing partner and head of the dispute resolution team, is also qualified in Hong Kong and Singapore, bringing valuable international experience to her work. She is popular with clients for being "flexible and responsive," and her recent work includes acting for Boots UK in a patent dispute. Diana Sternfeld is a patent litigator praised as being "enormously experienced and great at leading a team." She acted for GlaxoSmithKline in a patent revocation action against Sanofi Pasteur, involving proceedings in other European jurisdictions and in the EPO. Jeremy Newman is "incredibly organised and a real pleasure to work with," say interviewees. He specialises in anti-counterfeiting and IP enforcement, acting for clients such as Sony Ericsson in actions across the world. Consultant Tony Willoughby continues to be active in litigation, acting for Smirnoff owners Diageo in a passing-off case regarding the drink Vodkat. Arty Rajendra leads the team representing Nokia in a judicial review challenging HMRC’s policy in dealing with counterfeit goods in transit. Sources say he is "dynamic, focused and diligent." Richard Willoughby has recently joined the firm from Howrey, adding to the team's patent litigation capabilities.

United Kingdom: "We value their clear communication skills and ability to deliver excellent results."
Chambers UK, 2011
 
Archived testimonials