Kilburn & Strode's climb to the top last year in the patent prosecution table was no fluke, as it continues to impress the market with its opposition work. "It has been very successful in the market, a firm that has developed a good reputation," says a rival. As a testament to this, Honeywell recently decided to switch its business to the firm from another top-tier firm. Under the guidance of a bio-pharma team led by Kristina Cornish, Mars successfully opposed a patent from Nestlé and gained access to the European market for pro-biotic foodstuffs. The firm's bio-pharma and electrical groups win top reviews from clients, and it continues to develop its mechanical, chemical engineering and cleantech groups. One US client with a portfolio of 5,000 patents said: "They have really helped us to understand things in Europe, such as how best to address the divisionals deadline last year. They are willing to work with us in a very business-oriented way." New client Disney Enterprises has entrusted its 3D animation patent matters to the firm.