Released on 11 June 2020, “The IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals 2020” identifies the top patent professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe. Featuring 48 country chapters analysing local patent professional services markets and detailing the firms and individuals identified as leaders in their respective fields, the publication launches ranking tables and detailed editorial reflect the depth of expertise, market presence and levels of work on which firms are typically instructed. The extensive research process for this guide was conducted over several months by a team of full-time analysts and involved more than 1,700 interviews with patent specialists across the globe.

In the guide’s China (Domestic) chapter, Wanhuida Intellectual Property is ranked in the silver band both in the category of “Litigation” and “Prosecution”. The firm is applauded by its clients for a team that is “extremely experienced and able to seriously study cases and logically draft their observations”, “very good at providing the most appropriate strategies and detailed approaches with full understanding of our situation and deep involvement in the cases”, “our engineers also find it efficient to communicate with on technical issues” and “works very well with in-house patent counsels”. Another long-term client attests the professionalism of the firm: “They are our key law firm in China. The trust we have with each other is really special. I recommend them at every opportunity.”

The firm’s Partner Xiaoling Duan is listed as a recommended individual in the prosecution field. On the contentious front, the firm presents a range of talents including veterans  S Sam Li and Tiejun Tang, who is touted for her “rich invalidation and litigation experience, superb pharmaceutical professional knowledge, unique understanding of specific cases and perfect communication skills”. Two other partners Shuhua (Mark) Zhang and Feng (Janet) Zheng make their debut in the IAM Patent 1000 this year upon client recommendations. Janet’s excellent communicating skills and the “pragmatic and direct commercial advice she gives”, as well as her quick understanding of the client’s technology and the “very good technical and legal arguments she makes” are accredited by the client.

IAM is the only intelligence service to provide global coverage of the IP value creation environment. Its coverage and in-depth analysis of key sectors give executives critical business intelligence to maximise their IP value.