Categories & Criteria

WTR is seeking nominations for the corporate teams that are performing trademark-related duties to the highest standards, adding true value to their organisations, creating, protecting and utilising strong brands, and exemplifying the qualities that other teams should aspire to. 

Among the achievements we consider, and which should be drawn out in the nomination, are: 

  • Innovative brand creation and portfolio strategies 
  • Effective protection of the company’s brands 
  • The use of cutting-edge strategies to tackle infringement 
  • Successfully adapting to company changes (eg, rebrands or team restructurings) 
  • Wider community engagement/advocacy work 
  • Impact and effectiveness in the primary sector of operation and/or cross border/regional activities 
  • Effective leadership, within the team itself as well as with regards to internal brand advocacy activities and wider community engagement 

Regional Awards

A corporate trademark team that has achieved exceptional results in trademark management, enforcement and brand strategy across Asia-Pacific, helping to advance broader business objectives.

A corporate trademark team that has achieved exceptional results in trademark management, enforcement and brand strategy across Europe, Middle East and Africa, helping to advance broader business objectives.

A corporate trademark team that has achieved exceptional results in trademark management, enforcement and brand strategy across Latin America, helping to advance broader business objectives.

A corporate trademark team that has achieved exceptional results in trademark management, enforcement and brand strategy across North America, helping to advance broader business objectives.

Team of the Year Awards

An in-house trademark team that has demonstrated excellence in supporting and protecting brands in the automotive and mobility sectors, addressing the challenges and opportunities created by a rapidly evolving marketplace.

An in-house trademark team that has successfully enhanced, protected and enforced valuable brands in the cosmetics and luxury goods sector through innovative and commercially focused trademark strategies.

An in-house trademark team that has achieved outstanding results in building, protecting and commercialising brands in the fast-moving worlds of media, content, publishing and entertainment.

An in-house trademark team that has distinguished itself through creative brand management, effective enforcement and strategic support for globally recognised or emerging fashion and apparel brands.

An in-house trademark team that has delivered exceptional value to a financial or professional services organisation through strategic portfolio management, brand protection and business-aligned trademark leadership.

An in-house trademark team that has demonstrated excellence in creating, protecting and leveraging brands in the food and beverage sector while responding effectively to commercial and market challenges.

An in-house trademark team that has shown exceptional achievement in safeguarding and strengthening hospitality, tourism or travel brands through innovative trademark and brand protection initiatives.

An in-house trademark team that has delivered outstanding results in managing and protecting consumer-facing brands, helping to build long-term brand value and market differentiation.

An in-house trademark team that has demonstrated exceptional leadership in protecting and promoting mission-driven brands, supporting organisational objectives while advancing public engagement and awareness.

An in-house trademark team that has excelled in protecting and developing brands in the digital economy, addressing complex challenges associated with online services, software and platform businesses.

An in-house trademark team that has delivered outstanding trademark and brand protection results in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device or wider healthcare sectors.

An in-house trademark team that has demonstrated excellence in building, protecting and enhancing brands within retail, restaurant or foodservice businesses, contributing directly to commercial success.

An in-house trademark team that has achieved exceptional results in protecting and maximising the value of brands associated with sports organisations, events, venues or live entertainment properties.

An in-house trademark team that has shown outstanding innovation and effectiveness in managing and protecting brands in the technology and consumer electronics sectors.

An in-house trademark team that has distinguished itself through strategic trademark management and brand protection in the telecommunications, connectivity and information technology services sectors.

Individual Awards

An outstanding trademark professional whose leadership, vision and achievements have delivered significant value to their organisation while setting an example for the wider trademark community.

You can choose to nominate an outstanding in-house leader when you are completing the form to nominate a team. 

This is an editorial award not open to submissions.