WTR 1000 Recognizes Faegre Drinker’s Intellectual Property Practice and Professionals in 2026 Edition

Faegre Drinker’s intellectual property practice and partners have been recognized among top trademark firms and individuals in the latest annual World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 ‒ the World’s Leading Trademark Professionals, a unique guide that identifies the top trademark professionals and firms in key jurisdictions around the globe. Intellectual property teams in Colorado, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota are identified as standouts.

Additionally, Faegre Drinker attorneys Emily Bayton, Jared Briant, Robert Cannuscio, Brian Coleman, Tore Thomas DeBella, Jennifer Dean, Melissa Dillenbeck, Dianna Gould, Louis Perry, James Saul, Abe Shanehsaz, James Steffen and Kelly Young all received individual rankings by WTR.

WTR undertakes extensive qualitative research to rank firms and individuals, including in-person, telephone, and video interviews, as well as written submissions from firms detailing their recent activity in the field.

Colorado

In Colorado, the firm’s practice received a silver ranking for being a “key player” in Colorado’s intellectual property scene and providing “world-class solutions” to meet challenging business needs. The ranking commended the seamless collaboration of Bayton and Briant, recognizing Bayton for her “professional and to-the-point advice” and Briant for his track record of wins for clients across diverse industries in both state and federal courts.

Washington, D.C.

The firm’s practice in Washington, D.C. received a bronze ranking in prosecution and strategy. The ranking features client feedback that praised Dean for her “encyclopaedic knowledge of trademark law. She is particularly sensitive to the need to balance legal and business concerns … She has an excellent eye for detail and is technically and strategically very strong whilst still having a clear eye on the client’s commercial priorities.” The ranking also highlighted DeBella as a thorough prosecutor sought after for his sage counsel, Young as a “brand protection expert” who guides clients through the full trademark lifecycle, and Coleman for his earned trust of Fortune 500 clients in complex trademark disputes.

Illinois

The WTR 1000 recognized the firm’s practice in Illinois with a silver ranking in prosecution and strategy and bronze ranking in enforcement and litigation. The feature highlighted Dillenbeck for her ability to navigate protection plans and build sophisticated, market-ready campaigns and Saul for leading trademark and anti-counterfeiting battles with clarity.

Indiana 

The firm’s practice in Indiana, which received a gold ranking, earned high praise as “top tier.” The recognition highlighted Perry for his strategic problem-solving, holistic perspective, and innovative solutions. Clients also praised Shanehsaz for being “an extremely knowledgeable trademark professional who consistently exceeds expectations … His advice is clear, concise, and commercial in nature, and he takes the time to understand the business goals of his clients.”

Minnesota

In Minnesota, the firm’s practice received a silver ranking, recognizing Steffen as “the one to call” when brands face legal crossroads for his ability to help clients cut through complexity and seize opportunity.

The full rankings are available for WTR subscribers.