Siam Premier International Law Office enters the rankings this year owing to two crucial additions to the team – long-time trade mark expert Daniel Greif in July 2010 and renowned patent and anti-counterfeiting specialist Edward Kelly in November 2010. Greif brings 17 years of expertise as Coca-Cola's trade mark counsel.
The duo has already gathered an impressive multinational client base for the team, including household names such as Oakley, Ray Ban, Puma, Adidas and Nike. Kelly, Greif and associate Tisha Yingluecha are conducting IP enforcement raids, Customs actions and criminal raids against operations selling counterfeit products for the above clients.
A testament to Kelly's skill and popularity with clients was the transfer of Diageo's trade marks portfolio of more than 300 active files from Tilleke & Gibbins to Kelly in September 2010. Kelly and Greif advised the client on how trade mark usage would be affected by Thailand's alcohol advertising ban.
"They give fast responses and honest, pragmatic solutions," says a client who enlisted the firm on anti-counterfeiting work. In addition, the firm's "fast turnaround, reliable and personable contact, and understanding and respect for our business" puts it well above its peers. The client adds: "Ed Kelly is knowledgeable with high morals and ethical standards." It will be interesting to see how the firm progresses in IP in the next year.